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ACCUTAX REGISTRATION FORM
Please register your use of AccuTax. Registration entitles
you support and next year's release of AccuTax at a reduced
rate. By registering, we will be able to notify you as soon as
next year's product is ready. Remember, the registration fee is
tax deductible.
Name__________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________
City_____________________________ State_______ Zip___________
Phone_________________________________________________________
To register, send this form and a check for $35 to:
AccuSoft
P.O. Box 16706
Kansas City, Mo. 64133
Missouri residents, add 4.5% sales tax ($36.60).
Or, charge it to your VISA or MasterCard:
Check One: Visa ______ MasterCard ________
Card Number: __________________________________
Expiration Date: _____________________________
Or, call us with your credit card number. We'll register you
over the phone. Our phone number is (816) 241-0014.
ACCUTAX '86
(1985 Tax Year)
Tax Preparation Software
for the IBM Personal Computer
(and compatibles)
(C) Copyright 1985 by AccuSoft
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 ACCUTAX AGREEMENT
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ACCUTAX
3.0 TAX FORMS SUPPORTED
4.0 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
5.0 DISKETTE CONTENTS
6.0 GETTING STARTED
7.0 SCREEN CONVENTIONS
8.0 ENTERING DATA
8.1 INPUT RULES
8.2 MOVING WITHIN A FIELD
8.3 MOVING FROM FIELD TO FIELD
9.0 ACCUTAX MENU
9.1 START A NEW RETURN
9.2 CHANGE/REVIEW A RETURN
9.3 PRINT RETURN(S)
9.4 SET SYSTEM OPTIONS
10.0 PREPARING A TAX RETURN
10.1 ACCESSING SUPPORTING SCHEDULES
10.2 CALCULATING THE TAX
10.3 OVERRIDING ACCUTAX CALCULATIONS
10.4 THE 'POP-UP' CALCULATOR
10.5 DELETING A TAX FORM, SCHEDULE OR WORKSHEET
10.6 SHORT-CUT TO A SUPPORTING SCHEDULE
10.7 SAVING THE TAX RETURN
11.0 FORMS/SCHEDULES/WORKSHEETS
11.1 FORM 1040
11.2 SCHEDULE A
11.3 SCHEDULE B
11.4 SCHEDULE C
11.5 SCHEDULE D
11.6 SCHEDULE E
11.7 SCHEDULE G
11.8 SCHEDULE R
11.9 SCHEDULE SE
11.10 SCHEDULE W
11.11 FORM 2106
11.12 FORM 2441
11.13 FORM 4562
11.14 FORM 5695
11.15 FORM 6251
11.16 W-2 WORKSHEET (#1)
11.17 OTHER DEPENDENTS WORKSHEET (#2)
11.18 SHORT-TERM CAPITAL GAIN OR LOSS WORKSHEET (#3)
11.19 LONG-TERM CAPITAL GAIN OR LOSS WORKSHEET (#4)
11.20 CAR EXPENSE WORKSHEET (#5)
11.21 SECTION 179 EXPENSE WORKSHEET (#6)
11.22 ACRS NON-LISTED PROPERTY WORKSHEET (#7)
11.23 AMORTIZATION WORKSHEET (#8)
11.24 RENT/ROYALTY INCOME WORKSHEET (#9)
11.25 PARTNERSHIP & S-CORP INCOME WORKSHEET (#10)
11.26 ESTATE OR TRUST INCOME WORKSHEET (#11)
11.27 ACRS LISTED PROPERTY WORKSHEET (#12)
11.28 PRE-1984 DEPRECIATION WORKSHEET (#13)
11.29 GENERAL ITEMIZING WORKSHEET (LIST)
12.0 ACCUTAX MESSAGES
1.0 ACCUTAX AGREEMENT
AccuTax is user-supported software. It is not copy-protected and you are
encouraged to freely copy it and distribute it to others. However, if you
do copy it, no files may be be altered in any way and all files must be
copied.
If you find it useful, then we ask that you send in the $35.00
registration fee to AccuSoft. This registration fee will enable the
authors to improve the product and to continue offering updated versions
of AccuTax in subsequent years. Your registration entitles you to product
support and next year's release at a reduced rate. We will also be able
to notify you directly as new releases become available.
Compare the price that we're asking to tax preparation packages currently
on the market. AccuTax offers you the same functionality at a fraction of
the cost. Please support us.
AccuSoft makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect
to this manual or with respect to the software described in this manual,
its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular
purpose. AccuTax is offered "as is". The entire risk as to its quality
and performance rests solely with the user. In no event should the
authors (AccuSoft) or their agents be liable for any direct, indirect,
incidental or consequential damage resulting from the use of AccuTax.
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ACCUTAX
AccuTax is a software product designed to assist you in the preparation
of your 1985 federal tax return. It will do most calculations for you
and, where possible, check to see that information entered by you is
consistent and valid. Because of the power of the software, you can try
out any 'what if' situation. Change an income or deduction figure and
instantly see the result on your tax balance or refund.
Besides the 1040 form, many other commonly used forms and schedules are
supported. Information entered or calculated for a supporting form is
automatically transferred to the appropriate line that it supports. All
of the forms (except for the 1040) can be printed on your PC's printer
suitable for filing directly with the IRS.
General purpose worksheets can be used to enhance your record keeping.
For instance, to keep a permanent tax record of your medical expenses,
tell AccuTax to itemize that line of the Schedule A. AccuTax will add up
the expenses, transfer the total to the line itemized, and print a
detailed list for your records. Up to 50 lines of your tax return can be
'itemized' and up to 30 items can be listed on each worksheet. You'll
find many other useful features after reading through this manual and
trying the program.
When calculating a tax return, there are situations where AccuTax will
make assumptions based on the most common method of calculating taxes.
These assumptions are documented later in this manual. A feature is
provided for you to 'override' a calculated value if the assumptions used
are not correct for your particular tax situation.
AccuTax is your assistant in preparing your 1985 tax return. It will save
you a lot of time. However, you are the one responsible for deciding
whether you should file a return, which forms you need, and for the
figures entered and calculated on your return. The formulas in this
software program have been carefully checked and we believe that they are
correct. However, the tax laws are complex and at times vague. In some
cases your special circumstances may not be properly handled by the
program's calculations. You are the one ultimately responsible for the
numbers on the form. Inspect them before signing your return.
3.0 TAX FORMS SUPPORTED
The 1985 tax year version of AccuTax supports the following federal tax
forms:
Federal Form 1040 - Individual Tax Return
Schedule A - Itemized Deductions
Schedule B - Interest/Dividend Income
Schedule C - Business Income or Loss
(up to five separate businesses)
Schedule D - Capital Gain or Loss
Schedule E - Supplemental Income
(up to five rent or royalty properties supported)
Schedule G - Income Averaging
Schedule R - Credit for Elderly
Schedule SE - Self-Employment Tax
(up to two copies, one for you and one for spouse)
Schedule W - Marriage Deduction
Form 2106 - Employee Business Expense
(up to two copies)
Form 2441 - Child Care Credit
Form 4562 - Depreciation
(up to eighteen copies supported)
Form 5695 - Energy Conservation Credit
Form 6251 - Alternative Minimum Tax
AcccuTax uses special 'worksheets' to handle specific situations on the
federal tax form. The worksheets are:
Worksheet #1 - W-2 Wages (5 employers)
Worksheet #2 - Other Dependents (5 copies)
Worksheet #3 - Short-Term Capital Gain (10 copies)
Worksheet #4 - Long-Term Capital Gain (10 copies)
Worksheet #5 - Car Expenses (5 cars)
Worksheet #6 - Sec. 179 Expenses (5 copies)
Worksheet #7 - ACRS Non-Listed Property (30 copies)
Worksheet #8 - Amortization Worksheet (5 copies)
Worksheet #9 - Rent/Royalty Income (5 properties)
Worksheet #10 - Partnership/S Corp Income (6 copies)
Worksheet #11 - Estate/Trust Income (3 copies)
Worksheet #12 - ACRS Listed Property (10 copies)
Worksheet #13 - Non-ACRS Depreciation (15 copies)
4.0 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
You need the following hardware to run AccuTax:
o IBM PC, XT, AT, or PCJr, or IBM-compatible micro
o DOS 2.0 or later
o At least 192K of memory
o One 360K disk drive or a hard disk
o 80-column monochrome or color monitor
o A PC printer (if filing computer-printed forms)
5.0 DISKETTE CONTENTS
The AccuTax diskette contains the following files:
TAX85.EXE - The AccuTax program file.
TAX85.OPT - A file that contains default system options that control
certain features of the AccuTax software. You can modify
these options from AccuTax's menu.
xxxxx.S85 - Parameters for the display of the 1985 tax forms on the PC
monitor. One file is present for each tax form. DO NOT
modify these files in any way -- program operation will be
unpredictable if you do.
xxxxx.P85 - Parameters that control printing of the 1985 tax forms. One
file is present for each tax form. DO NOT modify these files
in any way -- printing will be unpredictable if you do.
ACCUTAX.DOC - The documentation manual for AccuTax.
REGISTER - Form to use when registering your use of AccuTax.
FEEDBACK - A feedback form for you to use in filing comments,
suggestions, and problems with AccuTax authors. You will
always receive a prompt response.
It is recommended that you make a backup copy of the AccuTax diskette
before trying it. Store the backup in a safe place in case you need it
later. AccuTax is not copy protected. Assuming that you have two floppy
disk drives, insert the AccuTax diskette in drive A and a formatted,
blank diskette in drive B. Then from DOS, type:
A>copy *.* b:
Consult your DOS manual for instructions if you have some other hardware
configuration.
6.0 GETTING STARTED
One-Diskette System:
o Backup the AccuTax program diskette.
o Start DOS.
o Insert the AccuTax program diskette into drive A. There is enough
work space on the diskette to calculate and save an average tax
return (about 16K). If this is not sufficient, delete the documen-
tation file.
o From the A> prompt, enter TAX85.
Two-Diskette System:
o Backup the AccuTax program diskette.
o Start DOS (assume A> appears on monitor).
o Insert AccuTax diskette in drive A.
o Insert work diskette in drive B.
o Enter TAX85.
Hard-Disk System:
o Insert the AccuTax program diskette into drive A.
o Start DOS (assume C> appears on your monitor).
o Enter MD\TAX to create a sub-directory for the program.
o Copy the AccuTax program diskette to your hard disk. The following
steps assume that a subdirectory called TAX has been created. Keep
all files from the original AccuTax diskette together in the same
directory. Insert the original program diskette into drive A:,
then:
C>CD \TAX
C>COPY A:*.* C:
o Enter TAX85.
***************************************************************************
*NOTE: During the first startup of AccuTax, the program file (TAX85.EXE)*
* and the screen files (SCREENS.S85), must be together on the*
* default drive and sub-directory. *
***************************************************************************
7.0 SCREEN CONVENTIONS
This section introduces you to some conventions used by AccuTax when
presenting menus and tax forms on your computer's display screen.
****************************************************************************
* (1) *
* AccuTax 1985 FORM 1040 mm-dd-yy hh:mm *
* ======================================================================== *
* *
* *
* 7a. Your wages ............................ 7a ==>* (3) *
* 7b. Spouse wages .......................... 7b ==>* *
* 7c. Excess reimbursements (from 2106) ..... 7c ==>C (4) *
* 7. Total Wages ........................... 7 ==>C *
* . *
* . *
* . (2) *
* . *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *
* (5) (6) (7) *
* NUM CAPS INS PAGE 1 OF 10*
* (8) *
****************************************************************************
(1) -- TITLE AREA
Screen titles (such as FORM 1040 or ACCUTAX MENU) appear here to
indicate where you are in the program.
(2) -- MAIN BODY
Lines from each tax form and menu options are displayed here.
(3) -- *
Lines on the tax forms, schedules, or worksheets marked with an
asterisk (*) are lines supported by another form, schedule, or
worksheet. If the * is displayed bright, then the supporting form
is in use for that line.
Many lines are not marked with an asterisk. Normally, you enter a
figure directly into that line. However, a general worksheet can
still be used to itemize (or support) most of these lines. A
bright * will appear on any line supported by a general worksheet.
(4) -- C
Lines marked with a 'C' are lines calculated or 'checked' by
AccuTax. Normally, you cannot enter information into calculated
lines since the 'cursor' will not stop there. In a few instances,
the cursor will stop on a line marked with a 'C'. This means that
the calculation was not a simple addition or subtraction, but one
requiring certain assumptions. AccuTax provides a feature for you
to 'override' the calculations or checks in effect for these lines
(see section 10.3 for details).
(5) -- MESSAGE AREA
Error and warning messages are reported here.
(6) -- KEYBOARD STATUS
NUM appears if NUM LOCK key is 'on'.
CAPS appears if CAPS LOCK key is 'on'.
INS appears if INSERT key is 'on'.
(7) -- PAGE STATUS
PAGE n OF m appears here if a tax form requires more than one
screen page to display all lines. You move from page to page using
the PGUP and PGDN keys.
(8) -- FUNCTION KEYS
Function keys (F1 through F10) are your way of controlling the
AccuTax program. The last line of the display screen always
indicates possible options.
8.0 ENTERING DATA
8.1 INPUT RULES
You can only enter data into the area of the screen marked by the
highlighted block. The size of the block indicates the maximum number
of characters that can be entered into that 'field'. The first
position and last position of the block are reserved to make the field
more readable on the screen. Certain fields (such as names) can
contain any character on the keyboard. Other fields (such as wages)
can contain only numeric (0-9 . or -) characters. AccuTax will 'beep'
if you try to enter an invalid character into a numeric field.
Whenever a character is entered into the leftmost position of a field,
the entire field is first erased.
When entering dollar values, enter them starting at the left. AccuTax
will automatically align the figure for you.
The CTRL-END key combination will erase all characters to the right of
the blinking cursor.
AccuTax can handle dollar values between -999,999.99 and 999,999.99.
8.2 MOVING WITHIN A FIELD
Whenever you type a character, the 'cursor' automatically moves to the
next position within the highlighted area.
The 'Left Arrow' key moves one position to the left.
The 'Right Arrow' key moves one position to the right.
The 'Backspace' key erases the character above the cursor and moves
one position to the left.
8.3 MOVING FROM FIELD TO FIELD
The 'Tab Right' key moves to the next field on the screen.
The 'Tab Left' key moves to the previous field on the screen.
The 'Home' key moves to the first field on the screen.
The 'End' key moves to the last field on the screen.
The 'NewLine' key moves to the next field on a new line.
The 'Up Arrow' key moves to the previous field on the screen.
The 'Down Arrow' key moves to the next field on the screen.
*************************************************************************
* *
* Some data input screens, particularly the tax forms, schedules, *
* and worksheets, require two or more screens (or pages) to *
* present all required information. For example, Form 1040 *
* requires ten screen pages. The PGUP and PGDN keys are used to *
* move from page to page and are active only for multi-page *
* screens. *
* *
*************************************************************************
The 'PgUp' key moves to the first field on the previous screen page.
The 'PgDn' key moves to the first field on the next screen page.
NOTE: Whenever the highlighted field is 'filled' (i.e. you've entered a
character in the rightmost position), AccuTax automatically advances
to the next field.
9.0 ACCUTAX MENU
AccuTax will take a few moments to load in the tax forms and then will
present a menu. You can select one of the following options:
1. START A NEW RETURN
You can prepare a new tax return.
2. CHANGE/REVIEW A RETURN
You can change or review any tax return previously saved on disk.
3. PRINT RETURN(S)
You can print one or more of the tax returns previously saved on
disk. Several print control options are available.
4. SET SYSTEM OPTIONS
Several parameters can be controlled to suit your computer system.
You should review these parameters when you start up AccuTax for the
first time.
Q. QUIT
Returns you to the DOS operating system.
9.1 START A NEW RETURN
You will be presented with a blank 1040 screen. Begin entering the
required data for the tax return. See section 10 for further details.
9.2 CHANGE/REVIEW A RETURN
You will be presented with a list of tax returns saved on the drive
designated for tax returns (see 9.4 for explanation). The screen will
look like this:
*******************************************************************************
* AccuTax '86 CHANGE RETURN mm-dd-yy hh:dd
*==============================================================================
* Which tax return do you want displayed?
* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
* | SEL | FILENAME | DATE | TIME | DESCRIPTION
* |-------|--------------|----------|--------|--------------------------------
* | _ | SAMPLE1 | 02-18-86 | 9:03 | Sample tax return
* | _ | SAMPLE2 | 02-24-86 | 15:30 | Another sample return
* | | . | | |
* .
* .
* .
*
*
* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Y = Display Tax Return
*
*
* F1=Help F2=Enter F3=NewDir F0=Return
*******************************************************************************
Enter a Y in the column marked 'SEL' next to the tax return you want to
review or change. Then press F2 or the large, gray '+' key. AccuTax will
take a few moments to reload that return into memory. AccuTax will only
process the first return marked with a 'Y'.
If you have tax returns on several floppy diskettes, you can switch
diskettes and press F3. AccuTax will list the tax returns on the new
diskette.
9.3 PRINT RETURN(S)
AccuTax will print all supporting forms and schedules in a format
suitable for filing directly with the IRS, except for the 1040. The 1040
is a legal document and regulations require that an IRS form be filed.
You can request a 'draft' copy of the 1040 and copy the figures over to
the IRS-supplied form.
To meet IRS requirements for computer-generated substitute tax forms, you
must use 8 1/2 x 11 white paper. The paper must be of good quality.
Thickness of the paper stock cannot be less than .003 inch.
You will be presented with a list of tax returns saved on the drive
designated for tax returns. This is presented in a manner very similar to
the screen described in section 9.2. However, when printing tax returns,
AccuTax allows you to print more than one at a time. Enter a Y next to
all of the tax returns you wish to print. Then press F2 or the + key.
You are then asked for instructions to control printing. The following
screen will appear:
*******************************************************************************
* AccuTax '86 PRINT RETURN mm-dd-yy hh:dd
*==============================================================================
*
* WHAT DO YOU WANT PRINTED? ==>
*
* 1 = All pages
* 2 = Form 1040 10 = Schedule SE
* 3 = Schedule A 11 = Schedule W
* 4 = Schedule B 12 = Form 2106
* 5 = Schedule C 13 = Form 2441
* 6 = Schedule D 14 = Form 4562
* 7 = Schedule E 15 = Form 5695
* 8 = Schedule G 16 = Form 6251
* 9 = Schedule R 17 = Just pages needed for IRS
*
* ARE YOU USING LINED PAPER? ==>
*
* DRAFT COPY PRINTED? ...... ==>
*
* PAUSE AFTER EACH PAGE? ... ==>
*
*******************************************************************************
You can print all pages of the tax return or just a specific tax form. Or
you can print just those pages that must be filed with the IRS. If you
choose the latter (option 17), then the 1040 form and any 'information
only' worksheets will not be printed. Only the forms and schedules
(plus any required supporting worksheets) that can be printed in IRS
format will be printed.
IRS Revenue Procedures state that computer-generated substitute tax forms
must be submitted on quality lined or color-barred paper. If you do not
have lined paper, then computer-generated lines are acceptable. If you
answer 'N' (no) to the question, AccuTax will automatically underline
every other text line as it prints your tax return.
You will also be asked whether you want 'draft' or 'final' printing. If
you answer 'Y' (yes) to the underlining question, there is no difference
between draft and final printing. However, if you do not have underlined
paper, draft printing bypasses the underling and, therefore, takes less
time.
AccuTax supports sheet-fed or continuous-fed printers. If you want to
pause after each page, then answer Yes to the final question. Otherwise,
answer No.
9.4 SET SYSTEM OPTIONS
Default values are preset by AccuTax for several important parameters. If
the default values are incorrect for your system, then you must change
them to insure proper operation of the software.
1. "WHERE WILL I FIND ACCUTAX PROGRAM AND SCREEN FILES?"
AccuTax needs to know where to find the screen and print files.
These must all be together on the same diskette or subdirectory
of your hard disk. Enter a drive letter and an optional path
name. The path name must be preceded by a backslash (i.e.
\TAX).
Default = Default drive and path at system startup.
2. "WHERE DO YOU WANT TO SAVE YOUR TAX RETURNS?"
AccuTax needs to know where you want to save your tax returns.
Enter the drive letter and an optional path name.
Default = Default drive and path at system startup.
3. "WHERE CAN I FIND EXTRA, TEMPORARY WORK SPACE?"
During the processing of a tax return, AccuTax may need extra
work space. This work space must be on a disk (or RAM disk if you
have enough extra memory). Enter the drive letter and an optional
path name for this work file. NOTE: A RAM disk drive will improve
program performance.
Default = Default drive and path at system startup.
4. "DO YOU HAVE A COLOR MONITOR?"
Answer Y(es) or N(o). If you are using a color monitor, then you
may select the colors to display for the various sections of the
display screen.
Defaults = NO and WHITE for display screen.
10.0 PREPARING A TAX RETURN
AccuTax always begins by displaying Form 1040. You can move to supporting
forms (and back) via function keys. The tax forms are presented in
generally the same format found on the printed IRS document. Use your IRS
instructions to determine what needs to be entered and what tax forms are
required. Section 11 describes the tax forms supported and the program
logic behind many of the lines. Simple additions and subtractions are
obvious from the screen description and are not included in Section 11.
FUNCTION KEYS ACTIVE
F1 - HELP
Displays a screen defining the function keys that are currently
active.
F2 - SAVE
Let's you save (on disk) the tax return currently being processed.
This is described in more detail in section 10.7.
F4 - RECALC
AccuTax will recalculate your tax whenever you press F4. This is
described in more detail in section 10.2.
F5 - +/-
Allows you to access a pop-up calculator for addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. Result can be transferred to the tax
return if you wish. See section 10.4 for details.
F6 - SUPP(orting form)
Allows you to access supporting tax forms, schedules, or worksheets.
See section 10.1 for details.
F8 - STATUS
Displays all forms, schedules, and worksheets used in the tax
return. You can review any of the entries by typing an 'R' next to
the appropriate form (see section 10.6). Or, you can delete any
entry by typing a 'D' next to the appropriate form (see section
10.5).
F9 - OV(er)RIDE
Let's you turn 'on' or 'off' the AccuTax calculation override
feature. See section 10.3 for details.
F10 or ESC - RETURN
Always returns to the form or menu that you just left. For example,
when completing a supporting schedule, F10 will transfer you back to
the 'parent' form. The appropriate values are also transferred to
the parent form.
10.1 SUPPORTING SCHEDULES
We've said that data entry is allowed in the highlighted block on the
screen. If the line next to the highlighted block is marked with an
asterisk (*), then that line is supported by a form, schedule, or
worksheet. For example, line 7a of the 1040 is marked with an * and is
supported by the W-2 worksheet.
There are many lines not marked with an '*' that can still be supported
by a general worksheet. This worksheet allows you to list up to 30 items
and a corresponding dollar amount. This is a useful way of keeping more
detailed records of your tax preparation.
You can access the supporting form, by pressing the F6 key. The 'parent'
form is filed away temporarily and the 'supporting' form appears on the
screen. You can now enter data into the supporting form.
Multiple copies are allowed for some supporting forms (such as Schedule C
and Form 4562). The first time you access one of these supporting forms,
AccuTax sends you directly to the data entry screen for that form.
However, once a multi-copy form is in use, AccuTax needs to know which
form you are trying to access or if you want a new copy. The following
screen appears when accessing a multi-copy form (for example, calling for
Schedule C from Form 1040, line 12):
*******************************************************************************
* AccuTax '86 SUPPORTING FORMS mm-dd-yy hh:dd
*==============================================================================
* Which copy do you want displayed?
* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
* | SEL | FORM | SUPPORTS | LINE |
* |-------|------------------|-----------|-------|----------------------------
* | _ | SCHEDULE C | FORM 1040 | 12 | Company A.
* | _ | SCHEDULE C | | | Company B.
* .
* .
*
*
* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Y = Display Form Use INS key for a new copy
*
*
* F1=Help F2=Enter F0=Return
*******************************************************************************
Enter Y next to the copy that you want to display and then press F2 or
the '+' key. Pressing INS key calls up a new, blank copy of the
supporting form. The INS message will not appear if the maximum number of
copies for that supporting form are currently in use.
To return to the 'parent' form, press the F10 (Return) key or the ESC
key. The parent form will reappear on the screen with the proper value
transferred from the supporting form. You will also notice that the * is
now highlighted, indicating that the supporting form is 'active'.
You never have to use the supporting form within AccuTax. You can prepare
the supporting form by hand, if you wish, and enter the result directly
into the parent form.
However, once you've used AccuTax to fill out a supporting form, you
cannot enter a figure directly into the line of the parent form that it
supports. AccuTax will always take the result from the supporting form
and erase any amount that you may have keyed into the field. You will
need to delete the supporting form (see 10.5) before you can return to
'direct entry' mode.
10.2 CALCULATING YOUR TAX
AccuTax is amazingly quick when it comes to calculating your tax.
AccuTax goes through a complete recalculation under any of the following
conditions:
o Whenever you press the F4 key;
o Whenever you move to a new screen page;
o Whenever you access a supporting form, schedule, or
worksheet;
o Whenever you return to a parent form;
o Whenever you override a calculated value;
o Whenever you cancel an overriden value;
o Whenever you delete a form, schedule, or worksheet;
o Before you save the tax return on disk;
10.3 OVERRIDING ACCUTAX CALCULATIONS AND CHECKS
During the tax calculation, certain assumptions are made and many fields
are checked for accuracy. If you've entered a value that is beyond the
limits imposed by the IRS (for example, IRA deduction limit of $2000),
AccuTax will automatically change your entry to the maximum allowable
amount.
These calculations and checks are performed on lines highlighted with a
'C' and are documented in section 11.
Tax regulations are complex and it's impossible to program AccuTax to
handle all possible situations. Therefore, whenever the calculation
involves more than a simple mathematical operation, you are given the
opportunity to override the AccuTax logic. Basically, this means you can
override whenever the highlighted block stops on a line marked with a
'C'.
There are two ways to override. One way is to press the F9 key when the
highlighted block is on the line that you need to override. Notice that
the 'C' will change to a bright 'O' (for override) and a message
"Calculated field is being overriden" will appear on the bottom of the
screen. You can now enter any value that you wish. AccuTax will use the
overriding value in place of the calculated value in all further tax
calculations.
To cancel the override, press the F9 key again. Notice that the bright
'O' returns to a 'C' and a message "Returning field to calculated mode"
appears on the bottom of the screen. AccuTax will replace the overriding
value with the calculated value.
The other way to override is to call up a general worksheet to support
the calculated line (see 10.1 for instructions). You can list up to 30
descriptive lines and dollar amounts. The sum is used in place of the
calculated value. Notice that the 'C' changes to a bright '*' when this
occurs.
To cancel this type of override, you must delete the supporting
worksheet. See section 10.5 for details.
10.4 THE POP-UP CALCULATOR
AccuTax has a built-in calculator ready to use at the push of a button
(F5). The calculator can add (+), subtract (-), multiply (*), and divide
(/). It also has a memory feature, just like a real calculator.
When you press F5, the calculator appears and AccuTax automatically turns
'on' the NUMLOCK feature of the IBM keyboard. This means that the number
keys on the right side of the keyboard are active (rather than the
arrows, PgUp, and PgDn).
You'll notice three display lines on the AccuTax calculator. The entry
line is where you type in each number. The result line displays the
current result of your calculation. Figures in the entry line are added
to, subtracted from, divided into, or multiplied by the figure in the
result line. The memory line displays the current contents of the
calculator memory.
The function keys are changed to let you:
F2 - Clear the entry line;
F3 - Clear the memory;
F4 - Clear the entry, result, and memory lines;
F5 - Add the result line to memory;
F6 - Subtract the result line from memory;
F7 - Recall memory (move it to the entry line);
F8 - Save the result in memory;
F9 - Return to the tax form and transfer the result line to the
form;
F10 - Return to the tax form but do not bring the result forward.
When you return to the tax form, the NUMLOCK status is returned to it's
previous state. If you returned via F9, the result line is moved to the
tax return. If you returned via F10 or ESC, the result line is ignored.
10.5 DELETING A TAX FORM, SCHEDULE, OR WORKSHEET
You may have accessed a supporting form by accident or perhaps the
supporting form is no longer needed for a tax return. AccuTax provides a
simple way for you to delete any form, schedule, or worksheet.
Press F8 from any tax preparation screen and a status of all tax forms
used in the return in presented:
*******************************************************************************
* AccuTax '86 TAX RETURN STATUS mm-dd-yy hh:dd
*==============================================================================
* You can delete or review any of these forms...
* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
* | SEL | FORM | SUPPORTS | LINE |
* |-------|------------------|-----------|-------|----------------------------
* | _ | FORM 1040 | | |
* | _ | W-2 WORKSHEET | FORM 1040 | 7a | ACME Company
* | _ | SCHEDULE B | FORM 1040 | 8 |
* | _ | ITEMIZED LIST | SCHEDULE B| 2 | 1275.00
* .
* .
*
*
* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
* D = Delete Form R = Review Form
*
*
* F1=Help F2=Enter F0=Return
*******************************************************************************
Enter a D next to the form or forms you want to delete, then press the F2
or large, gray '+' key. AccuTax will take a few moments to delete the
form (along with any forms that may support it) and recalculate the tax.
10.6 SHORT-CUT TO A SUPPORTING SCHEDULE
The F8 (status) key also provides a short-cut to reviewing a supporting
schedule that is in use. The screen described in section 10.5 can also be
used to review a specific form. This is done by placing an 'R' next to
the form desired and then pressing F2 or the '+' key.
Only one form can be reviewed at a time, therefore, AccuTax process only
the first line marked with an 'R'.
10.7 SAVING THE TAX RETURN
You can save your work by pressing F2 from any tax preparation screen.
You will be prompted for a filename (up to 8 characters) and an optional
description. If you use the description field, it will appear when
presented with a list of tax returns to change (see 9.2) or print (9.3).
If a tax return is already saved with that filename, then you will be
asked:
"OK to write over existing file (Y/N)? ==>"
If you answer Yes, then the tax return in memory will update (write over)
the tax return on disk. If you answer No, you will be given the
opportunity to enter a different filename.
11.1 FORM 1040
Line 6c. If the names of all dependent children will not fit on one line,
& 6d. use the supporting form feature (F6) to itemize the names.
Line 6e. You may enter the number of other dependents directly into this
line or use the 'Other Dependent Worksheet' to itemize the
information. If you use the worksheet, AccuTax will count the
number of copies used and enter that count on line 6d.
Line 7a. Enter your wages directly into these fields or use the 'W-2
& 7b Worksheet'. There are advantages to using the worksheet. State
and federal withholding taxes will be automatically forwared to
Schedule A. Federal tax withholdings will be transferred to
to Form 1040, line 57. And excess FICA withholdings (line 61)
will be automatically calculated.
Line 7c. Automatically calculated if excess reimbursements are entered on
Form 2106.
Line 8. Supported by Schedule B. If more than $400, then you must use
Schedule B. You can enter interest income directly into this
field, but if Schedule B is used for dividend income (line 9a)
then you must also enter interest income on the Schedule B.
Line 9a. If you used Schedule B to enter interest income on line 8,then
you must enter dividend income on Schedule B as well.
Line 9b. If filing status is 2 (joint return), then dividend exclusion is
automatically set to $200. Otherwise, $100 is used. AccuTax
assumes that all dividends qualify for the exclusion . If this
is not true, then override the calculation and enter correct
dividend exclusion.
Line 12. Supported by Schedule C. Up to five copies of Schedule C can be
supported.
Line 13. Supported by Schedule D.
Line 17b. Value on this line is limited to the total other pensions and
annuities reported on line 17a.
Line 18. Supported by Schedule E.
Line 20b. Calculated assuming that the unemployment income on line 20a
does not include any overpayment and that, if married but not
filing a joint return, both husband and wife lived together
during the tax year. If assumptions are incorrect, then
override the calculation with the appropriate amount.
Your Earned Income.
Calculated as your W-2 wages (line 7a) plus your Schedule C
income plus all Schedule F income (line 19). If your return has
partnership income, then this value may need to be overridden.
This is an important figure, since it is used in checking IRA
deductions, Schedule W, and other areas.
Spouse's Earned Income.
Calculated as spouse's W-2 wages (line 7b) plus spouse's
Schedule C income. If spouse had partnership income, this may
need to be overridden.
Unearned Income.
Calculated as the difference between total income (line 23) and
earned income.
Line 25. Supported by up to two copies of Form 2106.
Line 26a. Your entry on this line is limited to your earned income (less
any Keough deductions from line 27a) or $2000, whichever is
less. If your income included any foreign earned income, then
you may need to override this calculation.
Line 26b. If your spouse worked, then entry on this line is limited to
your spouse's earned income (less any Keough deductions from
line 27b) or $2000, whichever is less. If spouse did not work,
then entry is limited to $2000, but total IRA payments (line
27a and 27b) cannot exceed $2250. If your spouse's income
included any foreign earned income, then you must override this
calculation.
Line 27a. Your Keough contribution is limited to 25% of your Schedule C
income or $30,000 whichever is less. If you had partnership
earnings, you may need to override this limitation.
Line 27b. Spouse's Keough contribution is limited to 25% of spouse's
Schedule C income or $30,000 whichever is less. If spouse had
partnership earnings, you may need to override this limitation.
Line 30. Supported by Schedule W. Accessible only if filing a joint
return.
Line 34a. Supported by Schedule A.
Line 34b. If you've entered an amount on line 34a, then entry is not
& 34c. allowed on these lines.
Line 35. Adjusted gross income less either line 34a (if you itemized)
or line 34e (if you did not). You may need to override this
calculation if you must itemize deductions and your total
deductions are less than the zero bracket amount for your
filing status. According to IRS regulations, you must itemize
if you can be claimed as a dependent on your parent's return
and you had unearned income more than $1,040. There are other
conditions that may force you to itemize. Consult the IRS
Form 1040 instructions.
Line 38a. If taxable income is less than $50,000 then this line
represents your tax from the tax tables.
Line 38b. If taxable income is more than $50,000, then this line
represents your tax from Schedule X, Y, or Z.
Line 38c. Supported by Schedule G.
Line 38d. Your tax. Lesser of line 38a/b and 38c.
Line 41. Supported by Form 2441.
Line 42. Supported by Schedule R.
Line 43. Supported by Form 5695.
Line 51. Supported by Schedule SE. Maximum of two copies are supported.
Line 52. Supported by Form 6251.
Line 57. If you used the W-2 worksheet on line 7a or line 7b, then the
federal tax withheld on each W-2 is totalled. If this is not
correct, then override. If you did not use W-2 worksheet, then
enter the correct amount directly into this field.
Line 61. If you used the W-2 worksheet on line 7a or line 7b, then the
FICA tax withheld is compared to the maximum amount for both
you and your spouse. Any excess withholding is entered here as
a tax credit. If calculation is not correct in your case, then
override. If you did not use the W-2 worksheet, then enter a
value directly into this field.
Line 67. If there is any overpayment of taxes, you can apply part or all
of it to next year's taxes. Any entry on this line is
subtracted from line 66 (Refund).
11.2 SCHEDULE A (Itemized Deductions)
Supports: Form 1040, line 34a.
Line 2c. Use the general worksheet to itemize other medical expenses.
Line 6. This is the sum of all state and local taxes withheld, as
reported on the W-2 worksheets. If you have not used the W-2
worksheet, then enter a value here.
Line 9. Use the general worksheet to itemize other tax deductions.
Line 11b. Use the general worksheet to identify any home mortgage
interest paid to individuals.
Line 13. Use the general worksheet to itemize other interest deductions.
Line 22. Use the general worksheet to itemize other miscellaneous
deductions.
Line 26. Transferred to Form 1040, line 34a.
11.3 SCHEDULE B (Interest and Dividend Income)
Supports: Form 1040, lines 8 and/or 9c
Line 2. Use the general worksheet to itemize interest income.
Line 3. Transferred to Form 1040, line 8.
Line 4. Use the general worksheet to itemize dividend income.
Line 10. Transferred to Form 1040, line 9a.
NOTE: If Schedule B is used to report either interest or dividend
income, then you must use it to report both. In other words, do
not enter a value on Form 1040, line 8 and then use Schedule B to
report dividend income. AccuTax will calculate interest income as
zero and erase the value you entered on line 8.
11.4 SCHEDULE C (Profit or Loss from Business)
Supports: Form 1040, line 32
Proprietor. Indicate whether you or your spouse is the proprietor of
this business. This is a required field, since several other
calculations (such as earned income) depend on it.
Line 4b. Use the general worksheet to itemize other business income.
Line 12. Supported by Form 4562 (ACRS Depreciation).
Line 30. Use the general workseet to itemize other business expenses.
Line 32. The sum of line 32 of all copies of Schedule C used in this tax
return is transferred to Form 1040, line 12.
11.5 SCHEDULE D (Capital Gains or Losses)
Supports: Form 1040, line 13.
Line 1f. Supported by 'Short-Term Capital Gain/Loss' worksheet. Up to
1g. ten worksheets can be used.
Line 3. Must enter any loss as a negative number.
Line 4f. Enter either a positive or negative number. AccuTax will
convert any entry to a negative number.
Line 9f. Supported by 'Long-Term Capital Gain/Loss' worksheet. Up to ten
9g. worksheets can be used.
Line 11. Must enter any loss as a negative number.
Line 12f. Enter either a positive or negative number. AccuTax will
convert any entry to a negative number.
Line 23. If a gain is calculated, then this line is transferred to Form
1040, line 13.
Line 25. If a loss is calculated, then this line is transferred to Form
1040, line 13.
Line 36. If your loss is greater than the allowable amount, then a loss
carryover is calculated here. Use it in computing next year's
taxes.
11.6 SCHEDULE E (Supplemental Income)
Supports: Form 1040, line 18.
You must use the 'Rent/Royalty Income' worksheet to report supplemental
income. Lines 3a through 24 on the Schedule E are a summation from all
worksheets used for this tax return. Up to five properties can be listed.
Line 25. Enter any farm rental loss as a negative number.
Line 27a. Supported by 'Partnership/S Corp Income' worksheet. Up to six
27b. worksheets can be used.
Line 31a. Supported by 'Estate/Trust Income' worksheet. Up to three
31b. worksheets can be used.
Line 36. Transferred to Form 1040, line 18.
11.7 SCHEDULE G (Income Averaging)
Supports: Form 1040, line 38c.
Line 1-3. Enter the taxable amount from previous tax years.
Line 8. The value from Form 1040, line 37 is entered here.
Line 28. Transferred to Form 1040, line 38c. If less than the tax
calculated from tax tables, this value will be used as your
tax.
11.8 SCHEDULE R (Credit for the Elderly)
Supports: Form 1040, line 42.
Line 1-9. Enter 'Y' next to the line that applies. This is required
information, since it controls calculations on lines 10 and 15
of this schedule.
Line 14. The value from Form 1040, line 33 is entered here.
Line 21. Transferred to Form 1040, line 42.
11.9 SCHEDULE SE (Self-Employment Tax)
Supports: Form 1040, line 51.
Employee: Enter '1' if this SE is for you or '2' if it is for your
spouse. This is a required entry since information later in
this schedule depends on it.
Line 1a. The value from Form 1040, line19 (Farm income) is automatically
entered here if the employee code is '1'. If farm income is for
your spouse, then you will need to override this value.
Line 2a. Income or loss from Schedule C is added up and entered here.
AccuTax adds up the income from those businesses that correspond
to the employee code marked on this Schedule SE.
"Are you exempt from Self-Employment Tax?" - Enter Y or N per the
instructions. If you answer yes, then SE taxes are zero.
Line 4a. AccuTax uses the value from Form 1040, line 19 (Farm income) if
the employee code is '1' (you) and farm income is greater than
zero and less than $1600. If this incorrect, then override it.
Line 4b. Enter other farm profits from Schedule K-1.
Line 4c. The sum of 4a and 4b, but limited to $1600.
Line 6a. AccuTax uses two-thirds of gross profits from Schedule C (line
5) if this amount is greater than zero and less than $1600.
Override if necessary.
Line 6b. Enter other non-farm profits from Schedule K-1.
Line 6c. Sum of 6a and 6d, but limited to $1600. If line 4c is greater
than zero, then line 6c is set to zero.
Line 11a. The value from Form 1040 line 7a (your wages) or line 7b
(spouse's wages) is entered here.
Line 14. Transferred to Form 1040, line 51.
11.10 SCHEDULE W (Marriage Deduction)
Supports: Form 1040, line 30
Line 1a. Your W-2 wages from Form 1040, line 7a is automatically entered
here.
Line 1b. Your spouse's W-2 wages from Form 1040, line 7b is automatically
entered here.
Line 2a. Your other earned income (earned income less W-2 wages) is auto-
matically entered here.
Line 2b. Your spouse's other earned income (earned income less W-2 wages)
is automatically entered here.
Line 4a. Sum of Form 1040 line 26a (your IRA deduction) and line 27a
(your Keough deduction) and your employee business expenses
from Form 2106. If your tax return includes any repayment of
supplemental unemployment benefits, then you will need to
override this calculation
Line 4b. Sum of Form 1040 line 26b (spouse's IRA deduction) and line 27b
(spouse's Keough deduction) and spouse's employee business
expenses from Form 2106. If your spouse had any repayment of
supplemental unemployment benefits, then you will need to
override this calculation.
Line 8. Transferred to Form 1040 line 30.
11.11 FORM 2106 (Employee Business Expenses)
Supports: Form 1040, line 25 and/or 7c
Employee. Enter '1' if this form is for your expenses or '2' if this form
is for your spouse's expenses.
Line 1. Calculated from your vehicle expense worksheet. Sum of lines 15
and 22.
Line 9. If employer reimbursements exceed your expenses, then the
difference is transferred to Form 1040 line 7c and included in
your taxable wages.
Line 10. If employer reimbursements are less than your expenses, then
the difference is transferred to Form 1040 line 25.
PART II (Vehicle Expenses)
First Press the F6 key on this line if you have car expenses to
Line report.
Line 11 These lines represent a summation from all vehicle expense
thru 15 worksheets where you elected to use the standard mileage
method.
Line 16 These lines represent a summation from all vehicle expense
thru 22 worksheets where you elected to use the actual expense method.
11.12 FORM 2441 (Child Care Credit)
Supports: Form 1040 line 41.
Line 3. If you have one qualifying child, the amount on this line is
limited to $2400. For more than one qualifying child, the
amount is limited to $4800.
Line 4a. Your earned income is automatically entered here.
Line 4b. Spouse's earned income is automatically entered here.
Line 4c. If both you and your spouse work, then line 4c is the lesser of
line 4a and 4b. If you are filing a joint return and only one
of you worked, then you do not quality for a child care credit,
and line 4c will be zero. If you are not filing a joint return,
then line 4c will be equal to line 4a.
Line 5. This line is the lesser of line 4c or line 3 (your child care
expenses).
Line 6. Your adjusted gross income from Form 1040, line 33 is used to
determine the percentage to be used in calculating the credit.
Line 9. Transferred to Form 1040, line 41.
11.13 FORM 4562 (Depreciation Expenses)
Supports: Schedule C, line 12
Rent/Royalty Income Worksheet, line 18b
Business Activity. Briefly describe the business activity that this form
is being used for.
Line 1. Use the Sec. 179 Expense Worksheet (accessed via F6) to enter
your section 179 expenses. Total Sec. 179 expenses are limited
to $2500 if married, filing a separate return. Otherwise, the
limit is $5000. AccuTax can only apply this limit to a single
Depreciation Form. You are responsible for ensuring that your
total section 179 expenses do not exceed the limit.
Line 2. This is a sum of section 179 expenses for listed property.
Information is entered into part III of this form.
Line 4a-4h. Use the ACRS Non-Listed Property Worksheet (accessed via F6)
to enter your depreciation expenses incurred in the current tax
year.
Line 5. This is a sum of depreciation for listed property. Information
is entered into part III of this form.
Line 6a-6h. Use the ACRS Non-Listed Property Worksheet (accessed via F6)
to enter your depreciation expenses incurred in previous tax
years.
Line 7-8. No supporting worksheets for these lines. You must enter any
value directly into this line.
Line 9. Transferred to the appropriate line that accessed this form.
AMORTIZATION. Use the Amortization Worksheet (accessed via F6) to enter
any amortization expenses.
PART III. LISTED PROPERTY
This section is used for automobiles and other listed property as
described in the new IRS depreciation regulations. Basically, automobile
depreciation comes under special consideration. These rules are explained
under the Listed Property Depreciation Worksheet.
11.14 FORM 5695 (Energy Credit)
Supports: Form 1040, line 43
Line 1. If you residence was completed before 4-20-77, answer Y(es).
If you answer N(o), then you do not qualify for the energy
credit and lines 2a thru 2h will be zeroed.
Line 2a-2h. Enter energy conservation costs on the appropriate line.
Line 3a-3d. Enter renewable energy source costs on the appropriate line.
Line 24. Enter energy credit carryover from last year.
Line 26. The value from Form 1040, line 40 is automatically entered
here.
Line 29. Your energy credit is the lesser of line 25 (maximum credit)
and your tax due this year. The value on this line is
automatically transferred to Form 1040, line 43.
Line 32. If line 29 is less than line 25, then you can 'carryover' the
remaining credit to next year.
11.15 FORM 6251 (Alternative Minimum Tax)
Supports: Form 1040, line 52
Line 1. The amount from Form 1040, line 33 is automatically entered
here.
Line 2a. If you used Schedule A, then your medical expenses from line 3
is entered here. You may override if this is not correct.
Line 2b. If you used Schedule A, then your contribution amount from line
18 is entered here. You may override.
Line 2c. If you used Schedule A, then your casualty/theft expense from
line 19 is entered here. You may override.
Line 2d. If you used Schedule A, then your interest expenses on your
residential property from line 11a and 11b are added up and
entered here. You may override.
Line 2e1. If you used Schedule A, then your other interest expenses from
lines 12 and 13 are added up and entered here. You may
override.
Line 2e2. Your net investment income is calculated as the sum of Form
1040 line 8 (interest income), line 9a (dividend income), and
line 18 (supplemental income). If less than zero, then line
2e2 will be zero. If this is incorrect, then override.
Line 2f. You must enter any gambling losses (limited to any winnings).
Line 2g. You must enter your estate taxes.
Line 2h. You must enter any charitable deductions and income distribution
deductions from an estate or trust.
Line 4a. The amount from Form 1040, line 9b is automatically entered
here.
Line 4b. The amount from Schedule D, line 22 is automatically entered
here as your non-taxable capital gain deduction. You may
override if necessary.
Line 4c-4k. You must enter the amounts for these lines.
Line 6. If your filing status is 1 or 3, then $30,000 is entered here.
If your filing status is 2, then $40,000 is entered here.
Otherwise, $20,000 is used.
Line 9. The amount from Form 1040, line 50 is automatically entered
here. You may override if necessary.
Line 11. The amount from Form 1040, line 47 is automatically entered
here. You may override if necessary.
Line 12. Transferred to Form 1040, line 52.
11.16 W-2 WORKSHEET (#1)
Supports: Form 1040, lines 7a and 7b
Use this worksheet to enter wages and withholdings from up to five
employers.
11.17 OTHER DEPENDENT WORKSHEET (#2)
Supports: Form 1040, lines 6d
Use this worksheet to list information concerning other dependents that
you can claim on your tax return.
11.18 SHORT-TERM CAPITAL GAIN OR LOSS WORKSHEET (#3)
Supports: Schedule D, line 1
Use this worksheet to enter your short-term capital gains or losses.
AccuTax does not check the date acquired or sold. It's up to you to be
sure that the period of time that you held the asset qualifies you for
short-term taxation. Up to ten assets can be reported.
11.19 LONG-TERM CAPITAL GAIN OR LOSS WORKSHEET (#4)
Supports: Schedule D, line 9
Use this worksheet to enter your long-term capital gains or losses.
AccuTax does not check the date acquired or sold. It's up to you to be
sure that the period of time that you held the asset qualifies you for
long-term taxation. Up to ten assets can be reported.
11.20 VEHICLE EXPENSE WORKSHEET (#5)
Supports: Form 2106, line 3
Line 1. Enter the date that the vehicle was placed in service. Use
mm-dd-yy format.
Line 2. Enter total mileage driven in 1985.
Line 3a. Enter total business miles driven in 1985.
Line 3b. Enter total mileage reading on car at the end of 1985. This is
used later in determining eligibility for the $.21 per mile
rate.
Line 4. Business percent is calculated as line 3a divided by line 2.
You may override if this is incorrect.
To determine your vehicle expenses, you can use either the standard
mileage rate method or the actual expense method. AccuTax will assume
that you are using the standard method unless you enter anything in the
Actual Expense section. If line 22 is greater than zero, then all
standard mileage rate lines are zeroed out.
STANDARD MILEAGE RATE METHOD.
Line 11. Calculated as the smaller of line 3 or 15,000 miles.
Line 12. Line 3 less line 12.
Line 13a. IRS rules state that you can deduct $.21 per mile for the
first 15,000 miles of business use and $.11 per mile for each
additional business mile. However, the $.21 per mile rate can
be used only until the car is fully depreciated. A car is
considered fully depreciated after 60,000 miles.
Therefore, 13a is equal to line 11 if line 3b is less than
60,000. Otherwise, line 13a is equal to that part of the
business mileage driven while the car was still under 60,000
miles. You may override this figure if necessary.
Line 13b. Line 13a times $.21.
Line 14. Line 3a less line 13a times $.11 per mile.
ACTUAL EXPENSE METHOD
Line 19. Sum of actual expenses times the percent used in business.
Line 21. Supported by Section D.
Line 22. Total actual expenses. If greater than zero, standard mileage
figures are zeroed out.
DEPRECIATION
Line A. Enter the total cost of the car.
Line B. The basis for depreciation is the total cost (A) times the
business use percent (line 4).
Line C. Enter "PRE" (must be caps) if you are eligible for the ACRS
percentages. Otherwise, enter "SL" or "L" for straight-line
depreciation.
Recov. Enter the number of years to depreciate the vehicle. If you
qualify for ACRS treatment, then this must be 3, 5, or 10 yrs.
If not, AccuTax uses the 3 year percentages.
Pct. This is the depreciation percent calculated by AccuTax. If the
business-use percent is less than 50% or if you entered
anything other than "PRE" in line C, then ACRS depreciation is
not used. You must use straight-line. In the first year, the
half-year convention is used for straight-line depreciation
(that's half the full year rate). Subsequent years, the rate
is 100 divided by the recovery period.
If the business use is more than 50% and you entered "PRE" in
the method, the percent comes from the ACRS tables (based upon
the recovery period you entered).
You can override this logic with your own percentage if
necessary.
Line D. Line B less line E times the depreciation percent.
Line E. No Sec. 179 expenses are allowed in the business-use percent is
less than 50%. AccuTax will zero out line E in this case. If
If you are allowed to take a section 179 expense deduction,
then this is deducted from the depreciable base of the car.
Line E is limited to $5000.
One final limitation applies to automobile depreciation. For cars
placed in service after 4-2-85, the maximum deduction (Line D + Line E)
is limited to $3200 in 1985 and $4800 in subsequent years. For cars
placed in service after 6-18-84 and before 4-2-85, the limitation is
$4000 the first year and $6000 in subsequent years. Furthermore, this
limitation is scaled down by the business-use percent. For instance, if
you are depreciating a car purchase in June, 1985 and that car was used
80% for business, then your depreciation and section 179 expenses are
limited to $2,560 ($3200 x 80%).
11.21 SECTION 179 EXPENSE WORKSHEET (#6)
Supports: Form 4562, line 1
Use this worksheet to enter Section 179 on Form 4562. A total of five
worksheets can be used in a tax return.
11.22 ACRS NON-LISTED PROPERTY WORKSHEET (#7)
Supports: Form 4562, lines 4a-4h and lines 6a-6h.
A total of 30 worksheets can be used in your tax return.
Line a. Describe the asset.
Line b. Enter the month and year acquired. This is important, since
calculations depend on this date.
Line c. Enter the cost of the asset.
Line d. Recovery period is automatically set based upon the line you
were at when you pressed F6. For instance, in you called for
this worksheet from line 4a of Form 4562 (3-yr recovery
property), then this line will be set to 3 years. However, you
may override it per IRS regulations.
Line e. Defaults to 'PRE', but you may change it to 'SL', 'FP', 'RRB',
or 'TEO'. See IRS instructions for details.
Percent: If the method is 'PRE', then AccuTax uses the date acquired and
the recovery period to find the accelerated deprection rate
from the ACRS tables. If the method is anything other than
'PRE', AccuTax uses the straight line method of depreciation.
In the first year, the half-year method is used (i.e. half the
full year depreciation). In subsequent years, the straight line
percent is calculated as 100 divided by the recovery period.
You can override the percent used by AccuTax if necessary.
Line f. Cost of the asset (line c) times the depreciation percent.
11.23 AMORTIZATION WORKSHEET (#8)
Supports: Form 4562, Part II.
A total of five worksheets can be used in your tax return.
Line e. Enter the number of years that the asset is to amortized.
Percent. AccuTax assumes a straight line amortization percent. You may
override if necessary.
Line f. Cost of the asset times the amortization percent.
11.24 RENT/ROYALTY INCOME WORKSHEET (#9)
Supports: Schedule E, line 3a and 3b
A total of five worksheets can be used in your Schedule E.
Line 3a. If this is a rental property, enter income on this line.
Transferred to line 3a of Schedule E.
Line 3b. If this represents royalty income, enter income on this line.
Transferred to line 3b of Schedule E.
Line 17. Use the general worksheet to itemize other expenses.
Line 18. Transferred to line 18 of Schedule E.
Line 19a. Supported by the Pre-1981 Depreciation Worksheet. Transferred
to line 19 of Schedule E.
Line 19b. Supported by Form 4562. Transferred to line 19 of Schedule E.
11.25 PARTNERSHIP / S CORP INCOME WORKSHEET (#10)
Supports: Schedule E, line 27a and 27b
A total of six worksheets can be used in your Schedule E.
Line b. Enter 'P' if this is a partnership or 'S' if a sub-chapter S
corporation.
Line e. Enter any loss on this line. AccuTax will automatically turn any
entry into a negative number. Transferred to Schedule E, line
27a.
Line f. Enter any profits on this line. Transferred to Schedule E,
line 27b.
11.26 ESTATE OR TRUST INCOME WORKSHEET (#11)
Supports: Schedule E, line 31a and 31b
A total of three worksheets can be used in your Schedule E.
Line e. Enter any loss on this line. AccuTax will automatically turn
any entry into a negative number. Transferred to Schedule E,
line 31a.
Line f. Enter any profits on this line. Transferred to Schedule E,
line 31b.
11.27 ACRS LISTED PROPERTY WORKSHEET (#12)
Supports: Form 4562, Part III.
A total of ten worksheets can be used in your Schedule E.
Line b. Enter the month and year placed in service.
Line c. If this is an automobile (i.e. lines 6 - 10 have been
completed), the business use percent is calculated as line 6
divided by line 7. You may enter a percent (if this is not an
automobile) or override the calculation (if it is).
Line d. Enter the total cost of the asset.
Line e. Enter the recovery period.
Line f. Enter the method of depreciation. "PRE" is required if you want
to use the ACRS method and you qualify. Otherwise, straight
line is assumed.
Pct. See the rules for automobiles described in the Vehicle Expense
Worksheet (#5).
Line g,h. See the rules for automobiles described in the Vehicle
Expense Worksheet (#5).
11.28 PRE-1981 DEPRECIATION WORKSHEET (#13)
Supports: Rent/Royalty Income Worksheet, Line 18b
A total of fifteen worksheets can be used in your tax return.
Line c. Enter the cost of the asset.
Line d. Enter depreciation from prior years.
Line e. AccuTax does not check what you enter in this field.
Line f. If you enter the asset life in years, AccuTax will calculate
the depreciation rate using the straight-line method. Or you
may override the rate calculation with a percentage.
Line g. Cost times depreciation rate.
11.29 GENERAL ITEMIZING WORKSHEET (LIST)
Supports: Various lines of the tax return.
A total of fifty worksheets can be used in your tax return.
This worksheet consists of a series of 30 descriptions and 30 dollar
amounts. You can use this worksheet to itemize (or detail) many lines
of other forms and schedules. The sum of all dollar amounts entered
on the general worksheet is transferred to the tax line that the work-
sheet supports.
12.0 ACCUTAX MESSAGES
Calculated field is being overriden
A warning message displayed any time you press F9 to override a field
normally calculated by Accutax.
Cannot support any more forms
AccuTax can handle a maximum of 100 forms, schedule, and worksheets on
any single tax return.
Cannot write tax return to disk
AccuTax could not process a request to save the tax return. The disk
drive is not ready or there is no room on the diskette.
Disk drive not available
The path name entered on the systems option menu may be invalid or the
disk drive door is open or a floppy diskette may not be in the drive.
Insufficient memory
At least 192K of memory is needed to run AccuTax.
Invalid -- not filing joint return
You've tried to do something that is only valid when filing a joint
return. Such as, trying to use Schedule W or indicating that wages or
business income is for your spouse.
Invalid value on line xx
An invalid value was entered into the highlighted field. Correct the
value.
Maximum of 50 returns listed
AccuTax can list up to 50 returns on any diskette or path. This message
may appear when you've requested the print or change option and more
than 50 tax returns are saved.
No supporting detail for this line
The line you were on when you pressed F6 is not supported by any other
forms, schedules, or worksheets. You must enter any data directly into
this line.
No tax returns on diskette
During a request to print or change a tax return, AccuTax could not find
any tax returns on the drive/path specified in the system options list.
Printer not ready
The printer is turned off or out of paper.
Returning field to calculated mode
A warning message displayed any time you press F9 on a field that is
currently overriden. This subjects the field to normal AccuTax
calculation and validation.
SCREEN file not on default drive
The file SCREEN.S85 must be on the default drive when you start AccuTax.
Unable to allocate work file
AccuTax uses a disk file to manage tax return data. This message usually
means no room was available on the disk drive defined in the system
options list.