Does your form tell which software you use?

[AZ-Tax]

I just picked up a new S-Corp client and I looked at the very very bottom of pg 1 of form 1120s for 2009. I compared to my 2009 1120s page 1 (I use ProSeries software) and not exactly the same. The new client very very bottom says "TWF 33172" "Copyright Froms (Software Only) - 2009 TW". By any chance was this 1120s prepared by Tax Works software?

[KBTS]

Does it matter which software was used?

[AZ-Tax]

Actual it actually has in the past

Actual yes for me it does because some of my clients former tax preparers used Pro Series and their tax preparer would give them a back up copy of their file at the taxpayers request on a thumb drive and bring to me. Then I can open it up in my ProSeries. Saves me quite bit of time though I dont think this new clients former tax preparer used ProSeries.

[Koss]

Codes

There's definitely a code that identifies the software vendor, but it doesn't appear to be very specific.

I used to think the codes could be used to determine whether the return was prepared using professional software or consumer DIY software. But that doesn't seem to be the case for 2010 returns. Maybe the IRS plans to require more specific identification of the program to aid in their efforts to identify returns that are prepared, but not signed, by a rogue tax pro.

I use TaxAct, and my 1040 forms for 2010 and 2011 have the code UYA at the bottom.

I have forms or PDFs from clients who used DIY software in previous years. These forms have KIA for HRB, and BAA for TurboTax.

But I have a PDF that was provided to me by another tax pro who uses LaCerte. That form also has BAA. So it looks like BAA merely identifies the return as an Intuit product.

I have a close friend who does his own partnership return using the HRB consumer program for business returns. That form has HTA.

I played around with the program on his PC. It's ATX with reduced functionality, and an interview process designed for nonprofessionals.

No, I mean it's really ATX. The filenames have ATX extensions. And the license agreement identifies the developer as CCH Small Business Services.

Does a partnership return done in the professional version of ATX also have the code HTA?

BMK

[David1980]

Yes, there is a code at the bottom of the forms identifying the software. So if you look at a Drake return and compare to an ATX return you'll see it different.

I don't know that there's any standard as far as how that code is created though. TW is tricky - does it mean TaxWorks or TaxWise? Or maybe TW is just a random two characters that the software picked.

[bgiez]

I use Taxworks and the code at the bottom of my forms says "TWF"

[Bonnie]

Interesting, My forms have QNA and I use Tax Slayer. Until I read this post I had never noticed these numbers on the form.

[thomtax]

My Drake forms have EEA

LT

[Lion]

Kia

I'm sitting here with 2010 from a DIYer that says KIA; I think he used Turbo Tax.

[Koss]

Acronyms

I use Taxworks and the code at the bottom of my forms says "TWF"

Well, at least it doesn't say WTF...

BMK

[Lion]

Lha

And the returns that I prepare with ProSystem fx (CCH) say LHA.

[Koss]

Error Check

If the return fails the error check, and you print it anyway, would it say WTF?

[taxea]

Pro Series shows BAA and in the center bottom FDIA with a number that is different on each page.