How Automatic Should Software Be

[David1980]

Dave. I am not going to get into a debate on words but maybe I should of said AUTO-PROMT since you are assuming I want the program to do the tax return mindlessly.

No, I'm not an ATX user. I don't think it would be too difficult to see what I use though given post history.

AUTO-PROMPT does make more sense. That would make a lot of difference in what I was assuming. I had indeed assumed you meant to have the program complete the return for you because the topic was "How Automatic Should Software Be". Diagnostics are great.

I'd argue that it still depends on how likely something is as to whether a diagnostic message is given instead of a "ALL" notion -- as I still think ALL would include the 2555 scenario I gave earlier which is of course kinda silly. ALL "likely" forms should be prompted for though, I agree with you on that.

[David1980]

My software auto fill the 8880, base on my input and it keeps track of prior years information. For example, for the client’s occupation, if I do not put student and there has been no 1099R this year or in the pass, then it will auto-fill the 8880
With a reminder in the diagnostic to verify that the person is not a student and his total distribution for elective deferral, plan

I see that as OK. I would see the opposite as OK as well -- that is either it should automatically give you the 8880 with diagnostics to change answers if they were a student/took a retirement distribution, or not give it but give a diagnostic that you should answer questions. Result will end up being the same. After you go through diagnostics and make any changes as necessary final return will have correct result.