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A Federal Form 1040
U.S. Individual Tax Return Program
PRO92
1992 Tax Year
Version 1.02 - 10 Jan 93
U S E R S M A N U A L
_______
____|__ | (TM)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
F. Roland Bjorklund
P.O. Box 1156
Bryans Road, MD 20616
Copyright (c) 1987-1993 F. Roland Bjorklund
All Rights Reserved
This version of the documentation, software and copyright
supersedes all previous versions of PRO92.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
WHAT IT WILL NOT DO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
LICENSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
BBS SYSOPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
DISK DISTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ASSOCIATION OF SHAREWARE PROFESSIONALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
TAX FORMS LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ORDERING INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
GETTING STARTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PREPARING A TAX RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SAVING A TAX RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
PRINTING A TAX RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
PRINTING A TAX REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
STATE MODULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
HELP SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
EDITING HELP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
A SAMPLE RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
STARTUP.T92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
IN CASE OF PROBLEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
PROBLEM REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ORDER FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
APPENDICES
Appendix A. Configuration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Appendix B. Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Appendix C. Version History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Appendix D. Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Appendix E. Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Appendix F. Future Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Appendix G. The Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ii
INTRODUCTION
PRO92 is directed toward experienced tax preparers: individuals who
prepare their own tax returns, or who are paid to prepare tax returns for
others. This implies that the user knows which forms are required for a
particular tax return. PRO92 will create and include other forms as
required, i.e. Schedule SE if Schedule C is used. PRO92 is directed to
paid preparers, since it includes more forms, a fee schedule, a cover
page, more print options, and the capability to use a start up tax return
file with selected fields already pre-filled. For example: the fee
rates and preparer information is usually constant for all tax returns
and can be saved into a start up tax return file.
FEATURES
1. The forms presented on the screen are the same ones printed out, and
are as much like the Federal Forms as is possible. All these forms
are IRS approved for submittal.
2. IRS approved graphics Form 1040 for taxpayer signature on dot matrix
printers with EPSON LQ, EPSON FX, or IBM PROPRINTER emulation; and
HEWLETT PACKARD laser printers or compatibles.
3. PRO92 includes Fee Schedule and Front Cover Page forms for tax
preparers.
4. On line help and context sensitive help (F1). Instant on line
access to program Documentation (CTL-D).
5. Mouse support, Pull Down windows, Pop Ups, etc.
6. Pop up Calculator with transfer to form field (F7).
7. One button shifts between any two forms for compares (F6). One
button shifts between forms when fields are related, i.e. they
transfer between forms (F2). Also one button access to Form 1040
summary of tax/refund (F10).
8. Fast recalculations for full tax return or single form (F9).
9. Any numeric entry field can be expanded to a dynamically
created full SUPPORTING SCHEDULE or an IRS required SUPPORTING
STATEMENT as required (F2).
10. Mini-schedules for entry fields if identification of state and
ownership (Joint/Taxpayer/Spouse) of amounts is required (F5).
11. Multiple copies of many forms (i.e. Schedule C and others) are
possible.
12. Start up return for tax preparers lets you start each return with
fees and other fixed fields already filled in.
13. PRO92 has a Tax Report for summaries needed to quickly fill in state
returns. At least 20 state modules are available this year.
14. Built in print spooler to allow simultaneous printing and
tax return preparation.
WHAT IT WILL NOT DO
1. It will not "hold your hand". You have to know what forms to use for
your return. During calculations the program will create any new
forms that are required. For example, Schedule SE is created if
Schedule C is used.
2. There are no consistency checks, except for what are required for
calculations. You can print out the tax return at any time, even
blank forms can be printed if needed.
1
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
PRO92 will run on the IBM PS/2, PC/AT, PC/XT, PC, and on IBM
compatible computers. MINIMUM requirements are:
1. 512 KB of system memory is suggested. TAX92 takes about 390KB of
memory for the program and data memory. PRO92 takes about 400KB for
program memory; PRO92 uses dynamic overlays to reduce memory
requirements.
2. TAX92 can use the MS-DOS 2.0 or later version operating system.
PRO92 requires the MS-DOS 3.0 or later version operating system.
3. One hard disk drive and one floppy drive is preferred. TAX92
program can be installed on a dual 360K (5.25 inch) floppy system or
on a one floppy system if the drive is 720K or 1.44M (3.5 inch), or
1.2M (5.25 inch).
4. Either a color or a monochrome monitor with 80 column by 24 line
text display. Color is CGA, EGA, or VGA.
5. Any printer, dot matrix or laser, for printing schedules and
supporting forms.
6. A dot matrix printer, supporting the EPSON LQ, EPSON FX, or IBM
PROPRINTER graphics commands, or a HEWLETT PACKARD laser printer or
compatible is required for the IRS approved Form 1040 for signature.
LICENSE
The "shareware" version of PRO92 is NOT public domain or free
software. Non-registered users of this software are granted a limited
license to make an evaluation copy for trial use on a private,
non-commercial basis, for the express purpose of determining whether
PRO92 is suitable for their needs. At the end of this trial period, you
should either register your copy or discontinue using it.
What does this mean? If you use this program, then you should pay
for your copy. That way, the author, F. Roland Bjorklund, will be able
to provide you support and updates, and stay in business. Plus,
registered users receive additional tax forms, automatic upgrades during
the tax season, technical support, and significant discounts on next
year's upgrade program.
A TAX92 or PRO92 registration entitles you to use the program on any
and all computers available to you, with the following restriction: If
other people have access to this program or may use it, then you should
purchase a site license. Contact the author if a site license is
required.
All users are granted a limited license to copy the shareware version
of TAX92 or PRO92 for the trial use of others only, and subject to the
above limitations. This license does NOT include distribution or copying
of this software package in connection with any other product or service,
or for general use within a company or institution.
BBS SYSOPS
Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (Sysops) are
encouraged to post the shareware version of this program for downloading
by their users, as long as the above conditions are met.
2
DISK DISTRIBUTORS
Disk distributors, i.e. companies that charge a nominal fee for the
copying and mailing of diskettes listed in their catalogs, do not pay any
part of that fee to the author. The author in turn does not pay any
listing fees for getting the program into the distributors' catalogs.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
THIS SOFTWARE AND MANUAL ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO
PERFORMANCE OR MERCHANTABILITY. THE SELLER'S SALESPERSONS MAY HAVE MADE
STATEMENTS ABOUT THIS SOFTWARE. ANY SUCH STATEMENTS DO NOT CONSTITUTE
WARRANTIES AND SHALL NOT BE RELIED ON BY THE BUYER IN DECIDING WHETHER TO
PURCHASE THIS PROGRAM.
THIS PROGRAM IS SOLD WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES
WHATSOEVER. BECAUSE OF THE DIVERSITY OF CONDITIONS AND HARDWARE UNDER
WHICH THIS PROGRAM MAY BE USED, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE IS OFFERED. THE USER IS ADVISED TO TEST THE PROGRAM THOROUGHLY
BEFORE RELYING ON IT. THE USER MUST ASSUME THE ENTIRE RISK OF USING THE
PROGRAM. ANY LIABILITY OF SELLER OR MANUFACTURER WILL BE LIMITED TO
PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.
The author is committed to supporting this program, so he will
repair reported problems and issue upgraded programs as quickly as
possible after problem reports are received. The earlier in the tax
season that any problems are repaired, the better off all the users are
going to be (not to mention peace of mind for the author).
ASSOCIATION OF SHAREWARE PROFESSIONALS
The Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP) is a group of
software authors committed to developing shareware as an acceptable
alternative way of marketing software.
The author, F. Roland Bjorklund, is a member of the ASP. ASP wants
to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are
unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by
contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP
Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member,
but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please
write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send
a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
TRADEMARKS
MS/DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
PC/DOS is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.
WINDOWS 3.0 is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
EPSON is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.
QUICKEN is a registered trademark of Intuit, Menlo, CA 94026
3
TAX FORMS LIST
Personal TAX92
| Professional PRO92 HELP?
| | |
X Front Page - Cover Page and Preparation Fee Yes
X X Form 1040 - U.S. Individual Income Tax Return Yes
X X Form 1040-EZ - Single Filers Tax Return Yes
X X Misc Worksheet - Standard Deduction + Exemptions + Others Yes
X X Income Worksheet- Income and Withholding + Miscellaneous Yes
X X W2 - Wage and Tax Statement Yes
X X 1099-R - Dist.Pensions,Annuties,Retirements,IRAs Yes
X W2G - Statement of Gambling Winnings Yes
X X 1992 Data - Prior Year Tax Data (for 1993 return) Yes
X X SS/RR Worksheet - Social Security/Equiv RR Benefits Yes
X X Schedule A - Itemized Deductions Yes
X X Schedule B - Interest and Dividend Income Yes
X X Schedule C - Profit or (Loss) From Business Yes
X X Schedule C-EZ - Net Profit From Business Yes
X X Schedule D - Capital Gains and Losses Yes
X Schedule D-1 p1 - Schedule D Continuation Page 1 No
X Schedule D-1 p2 - Schedule D Continuation Page 2 No
X X Schedule E p1 - Supplemental Income and Loss Page 1 Yes
X X Schedule E p2 - Supplemental Income and Loss Page 2 Yes
X X Schedule F - Profit or Loss from Farming Yes
X X Schedule R - Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled Yes
X X Schedule SE - Self Employment Tax Yes
X X Schedule EIC - Earned Income Credit Yes
X Form 1116 - Foreign Tax Credit No
X X Form 2106 - Employee Business Expenses Yes
X Form 2119 - Sale of Your Home Yes
X Form 2210 - Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individ Yes
X X Form 2441 - Credit for Child and Dependent Care Exp Yes
X Form 3800 - General Business Credit No
X Form 3903 - Moving Expenses Yes
X Form 4136 - Credit for Federal Tax on Fuels Yes
X Form 4137 - SS Tax on Unreported Tip Income Yes
X Form 4562 - Depreciation and Amortization Yes
X Form 4797 - Sales of Business Property No
X Form 4952 - Investment Interest Expense Deduction No
X Form 5329 - Additional Taxes on Retirement Plans Yes
X Form 6198 - At Risk Limitations No
X Form 6251 - Alternate Minimum Tax - Individuals Yes
X Form 6252 - Installment Sale Income No
X Form 6781 - Gains and Losses From Sect 1256 No
X X IRA Worksheet - IRA Deductions Yes
X X Form 8283 p1 - Noncash Charitable Contributions Yes
X Form 8582 - Passive Activity Loss Limitations No
X Form 8582 p2/p3 - Form 8582 Worksheets No
X Form 8606 - Nondeductible IRA Contributions Yes
X Form 8814 - Parents Election to Report Child Int/Div No
X Form 8815 - Exclusion of Interest EE Bonds after 1989Yes
X 8815 Worksheet - Forms 8815/8818 Yes
X X Form 8829 - Expenses for Business Use of Your Home Yes
X X Form 1040-ES - 1993 Estimated Tax for Individuals Yes
X Fees Page - Fees Schedule - Form 1040 Yes
X X STATEMENTS - IRS Supporting Statements Yes
X X SCHEDULES - Supporting Schedules Yes
X X Mini-Schedule - Mini Schedules Yes
4
ORDERING INFORMATION
Refer to the ORDER FORM below for registration costs. The
ORDER FORM can be printed when you are in the Documentation portion of
the tax program (F5 key). Your TAX92 or PRO92 registration licenses you
to use the program on a regular basis. Registration includes the latest
program version along with additional forms and more context sensitive
help screens. The latest TAX92 or PRO92 diskette will include the most
current documentation file on the disk for direct access from the tax
program or print out on any printer. Registered users will also
automatically receive all significant updates to the program during the
tax season: January 1992 through April 1992, and will get significant
discounts for upgrades to next years tax programs.
Refer to the STATE MODULES section for a list of the State programs
available last year. These will be upgraded as quickly as possible and
new state programs added as demand and time allows.
GETTING STARTED
The PRO92 program is distributed on one or two diskettes. If you are
reading this, then you have already successfully installed the program. A
short description of the files on the distribution diskette is listed
below:
README.EXE A text viewer/printer program with startup
information.
INSTALL.EXE Installation program.
INSTALL.CFG Information for install program.
INSTALL.HLP On-line help for install program.
TAX92.EX$ or The executable program file in compressed format.
PRO92.EXE
TAX92.FR$ or The Federal 1040 forms and supporting schedules
PRO92.FRM file in compressed format.
TAX92.HL$ or The context sensitive HELP file in compressed
PRO92.HLP format.
TAX92.DO$ The information needed to print an IRS approved
PRO92.DOT graphics form 1040 for signature using a dot matrix
printer or laser printer.
TAX92.DO$ This file contains the program documentation in a
PRO92.DOC ready to print format. This file is accessible from
within the TAX92 or PRO92 program for review. The
documentation can be scanned forward and backwards,
and printed at will.
TAX92.CFG or The configuration data is stored in this file.
PRO92.CFG
STARTUP.T92 A sample start up tax return file. This file is read
into memory when tax program starts or when a new tax
return is started. PRO92 only.
DEMO.T92 A typical sample tax return. This is the one
5
presented in IRS Pub. 17 YOUR FEDERAL INCOME TAX -
1992 - for Frank and Evelyn Jones.
The program will create two additional files when accessing the
Documentation:
TAX92.TBL or A table is built for the on line Documentation
PRO92.TBL routines. This is done once during the first access
to the Documentation.
ERRORS.DOC This file is built on user request from within the on
line Documentation (F7/F8) if a print out of the
program errors list is required. The program
accesses the help system to extract this information.
You will notice in the IN CASE OF PROBLEMS section that the
recommended solution for several errors that the program detects is to
reuse the installation procedure to get fresh program or data files from
the program distribution diskette. As you repeat the installation
procedure, the INSTALL program will check to see if files with the same
name exist on the destination drive/directory. If you want to retain the
old files, most likely the STARTUP.T92 file, answer NO to the question
about file overwrites, unless they are the ones you need a new copy of.
The remaining files are not customized by you as the user, so just answer
YES, thereby causing the INSTALL program to overwrite the files as they
are copied.
PREPARING A TAX RETURN
The PRO92 program is executed from the disk drive and directory
where the PRO92.EXE file was installed. If you wish to run in monochrome
mode on a color monitor, then use PRO92 /m to force the monochrome
screen display features.
PRO92 does not restrict the user to any prescribed routine in
selecting and filling out forms. This implies that the user is familiar
with tax preparation, at least for his own tax situation. The user is
presumed capable of preparing his own tax return and familiar with the
forms that he needs, since they do not change much from year to year.
Schedules A and B are the most common examples of forms that are used
year after year in much the same way. If you, as an individual, expect
this program to take the place of a paid preparer that you would normally
use, you will be disappointed. This program is not the step by step
"hands holding" program that most individual tax programs have evolved
into. It also does not check for consistency, i.e. "is all the minimum
data present for a tax return?". The program will calculate taxes, and
transfer data between forms as required, but it is up to the user to make
sure the data and results are correct.
Experienced tax preparers have a procedure that they follow for every
tax return that they work on. As a former paid preparer, the author
suggests the following as a minimum order of steps to prepare a tax
return using this program:
1. Fill out the Income Worksheet as much as possible first, especially
the names, addresses, and filing status. Fill out W2 forms as
necessary. If you used last years program, TAX91 for 1991, then
PRO92 will import the names, addresses, dependents, and any
6
carryover amounts from last year's tax return, provided you use the
same tax return file name for the 1992 version. Refer to the FILES
menu for access to last years tax data.
2. Go to Form 1040 and fill out the header for dependents. This will
set the exemption count. Form 1040-EZ users can go to Form 1040-EZ
and fill in any taxable interest if any.
3. After that it doesn't matter what form you choose. With the
program's quick F9 recalculation, it is easy to see the effects on
tax/refund as you proceed with each additional form. F10 gives you
quick access to Form 1040 when required. If the program detects that
an additional form is needed, it will create the form and transfer
the results (i.e., Schedule SE when Schedule C is used).
4. Use the F10 key for a quick review of the tax/refund situation. Use
F6 if you are flipping between two forms. F6 saves you the time of
selecting the form each time from the form menu list. The program
"remembers" the previous form that you used. The form menu even has
"hot keys" for the most often used forms, i.e. use 'C' to select
Schedule C. The "hot keys" are visible only on color displays.
5. You can create Supporting Schedules for any field that allows entry
of money amounts (F2). This is particularly handy for tedious lists
with many line items. The itemized medical deductions for Schedule
A is a common example. Supporting Schedules are not submitted to
the IRS. They are kept as part of the taxpayers tax return package.
6. The program also supports the IRS required Supporting Statements for
forms when the input data will not fit within the available lines on
a given form (F2). The fields requiring supporting statements are
defined by the Electronic Filing specifications provided by the IRS.
Dividend or interest overflow on Schedule B is a common example
where the program will select a supporting statement. Supporting
Statements are included with the tax return when submitted to the
IRS.
7. You can also make additional copies of Schedule B and other selected
forms. Create copies of Schedule E if required; the totals on
copies will transfer to the first schedule E form.
8. The F5 key for mini-schedules is handy for "marking" state codes for
state income tax returns and/or dividing amounts between Taxpayer
and Spouse, when a full Supporting Schedule is not warranted.
9. The PRO92 Tax Report is a feature that is handy for preparing state
tax returns, particularly multi-state returns, when a state program
is not available. If you are diligent and "mark" the amount fields
in the Federal tax return for state codes and ownership (J/T/S)
where appropriate, the Tax Report will provide the summaries that
will make filling out state returns an easier task.
10. A popup calculator is useful for quick calculations and will
transfer the result to the amount field being pointed to. It also
has a four level stack and will retain results between uses.
Practice a little with this calculator. It does not try to simulate
the desktop tape output calculator that bookkeepers and accountants
use. Experienced calculator operators will probably notice that
7
this calculator is a hybrid between an "algebraic" and a "reverse
polish" calculator, there is no "=" key. If you don't know what
this means, then you won't have any preconceived notions about the
usefulness of this calculator. Give it a try.
11. It is important to become familiar with the OVERRIDE (F3 key)
capability of the program. The program provides a calculation of
amounts for fields that are classified as PROTECTED. These fields
are usually the results of summations of other fields or
calculations as required. It is not possible to provide for the
exception cases that the IRS has built for many fields, so an
OVERRIDE feature is provided that allows the user to place any
amount in a normally PROTECTED field in order to supersede the
program calculations. This is also a good way to "fix" a
calculation bug (gasp!) in the program, so you can continue your
work on a tax return. The author encourages you to report bugs as
quickly a possible. See the IN CASE OF PROBLEMS section for
further information and incentives.
12. After you print out a tax return, go over the tax return and check
the arithmetic and tax calculations, the same way you would do if
you prepared a tax return manually. If you do many returns, you
will gradually gain confidence in the many routine procedures that
the program goes through, but don't forget to check carefully when a
new form is required or new situation arises. You will also
discover that using a program to prepare tax returns does not save
time over the manual method if no big changes are required after the
first go through, but experience has shown that a program really
shines when you have to go back and add, change, or delete data from
a return. Just not having to do all the arithmetic over again is
wonderful. You can also play "what if" games with a tax return
using this program that you would not do manually because of the
time and work involved. Use the F10 key to for quick access to Form
1040 and the refund/amount due lines.
13. Context sensitive Help is available for most common forms and fields
in the program. The author intended this to be a quick mind
refresher for tax preparers, and it is not a substitute for the
official IRS instructions. The most common situations for a field
are usually described, but the IRS usually has a list of exceptions
and additional requirements; so reference is very often made to the
official IRS instructions for the particular schedule/form being
worked on. F1, Shift-F1, and Alt-F1 gets help information for you.
14. On-line access to this documentation file is provided from within
the tax program (CTL-D key). You can browse through the
documentation, search for key words, print a screen, or print the
whole documentation file without leaving the tax program.
SAVING A TAX RETURN
You can save the tax return data to a disk file at any time. This
can be done at any time by using the CTL-S key combination, or by
selecting the Save option under the Files menu at the main screen. You
will be reminded to save your tax return every 10 minutes or so. You are
limited by MS/DOS to file names of 8 characters or less. The tax program
adds the three letter extension ".T92" to the file name. The file is
stored in the data subdirectory or floppy disk depending upon the program
8
configuration setting.
Use the context sensitive help system for more help when selecting a
file name to use.
PRINTING A TAX RETURN
NOTE: Make sure your printer defaults to 10 characters per inch
mono spaced (not proportional spaced) and 6 lines of text per vertical
inch on a Master Reset command. Most printers default to this
automatically, but the newer programmable printers may require some
reprogramming.
When you want to print a complete return or maybe a single form,
select the PRINT option from the main menu. A request for a complete tax
return printing will present a sub-menu to allow the selection of an IRS
submittal package, a client (taxpayer) package, or a tax preparer file
package. These packages differ and are described below:
IRS submittal - All the forms required by the IRS are printed
including any Supporting Statements.
Client/taxpayer - This includes all the forms in the IRS package
plus front page, worksheets and Supporting
Schedules.
File/preparer - The same as the Client/taxpayer package with the
addition of the fees schedule if PRO92 program.
The File/preparer package can also be directed to a disk file for
long term storage of tax return data in a ready to print format. This is
handy for making changes to the return using a text editor or word
processor program. The tax return can then be printed using the DOS
PRINT command which is the MS/DOS print "spooler". Please Note: the tax
return printed this way will not give the overstriking bold emphasis to
tax line data that you will get from printing the forms from the program
directly.
The forms included in the printouts are indicated by a check mark
and are highlighted on the forms menu. The forms are printed in
Attachment Sequence order, i.e., in the order that the IRS would like to
receive them. If Supporting Schedules are used, they will be printed
after each form that uses them. A Form 1040 is also printed, but do not
sign and submit this form to the IRS. All the other forms meet IRS
requirements for submittal. The Graphics Form 1040 printout is IRS
approved for submittal and signature.
The program provides for an IRS approved signature quality Form 1040
if you have an EPSON LQ, EPSON FX, or IBM PROPRINTER capable dot matrix
printer or a HEWLETT PACKARD laser printer or compatible. The printers
described above represent about 95% of all printers manufactured after
the introduction of the original IBM/PC in 1981. If your printer does
not work then you must manually transcribe the information from the rough
printed Form 1040 to an official IRS Form 1040.
The program provides a "print spooler" option on the Configuration
screen. If you activate this option, you can execute print requests for
one tax return, and in the time it takes to save the forms to a temporary
print spooler file, you can begin working on another tax return while the
program prints the requested forms that were saved to disk. This option
9
is recommended only if you are using a hard disk. The spooler also keeps
working if you go to state programs or to the on line Documentation.
Caution: Reserve the print out of the graphics Form 1040 until the
tax return is complete and ready to sign. The graphics printout
generates a lot of printer output and will take some time to print, and
will take some time to fill the print spooler file.
PRINTING A TAX REPORT
PRO92 only: A Tax Report is provided to facilitate the preparation
of State tax returns when a state program is not available, or for multi-
state tax return, where it is particularly useful. The program provides
the capability to "mark" amounts in the tax forms for both State and
Ownership (J-joint/single, T-taxpayer, S-spouse) as required using
supporting and mini-schedules. Unmarked amounts are assumed to be J
(joint/single). The Tax Report will summarize all the forms by line by
ownership, and by state, so moving amounts to state forms should be
easier.
STATE MODULES
The state modules that were available last year are listed below.
It is intended to eventually have program modules for most of the states
that have income tax.
State programs feature the automatic transfer of Federal tax return
data to the state forms as required, however none of the forms have any
approval for submittal to state revenue agencies. The data must be
transcribed to official forms. Still the automatic transfer and the
automatic calculations make these state modules useful, and the printouts
can be saved for taxpayer records.
ST = State Identification
TX = State Income Tax?
NR = Non-Resident Forms
PY = Part Year Resident Forms
CR = Credits to Other States Forms
ST TX NR PY CR Version: Forms:
-- -- -- -- -- ---------------- --------------------------------------
AK: N
AL: Y N N N
AR: Y N N N
AZ: Y N N Y v1.0 24 Feb 92 140, Sched CR
CA: Y N N N v1.1 06 Feb 92 540,CA,D,H,Misc Wkshts
CO: Y Y Y Y v1.0 22 Mar 92 104,104PN,104CR
CT: Y N N N
DC: Y N N N
DE: Y N N N
FL: N
GA: Y N N N
HI: Y N N N
IA: Y N N N v1.00 10 Jan 93 IA-1040, Misc Worksheets
ID: Y N N N
IL: Y N N N v1.0 25 Jan 92 IL-1040
IN: Y N N N v1.0 07 Jan 92 IT-40,CO-40
KS: Y Y N N v1.1 27 Feb 92 K-40,K-40FD,Misc Worksheets
KY: Y N N N
10
LA: Y N N N
MA: Y N N Y v1.4 14 Sep 92 Form 1,Sched B,D,&F,E,NTS-L,Misc Works
MD: Y Y Y Y v1.00 10 Jan 93 502,505,502CR,502CG,Misc Worksheets
ME: Y N N N
MI: Y Y Y N v1.0 23 Jan 92 MI-1040,MI-1040CR
MN: Y N N N v1.0 23 Mar 92 M-1
MO: Y N N N v1.1 15 Mar 92 MO-1040,MO-A,AdjGrossWksht
MS: Y N N N
MT: N
NC: Y Y Y N v1.0 09 Mar 92 D-400,Misc Worksheets
ND: N
NE: Y N N N
NH: N
NJ: Y N N N v1.1 14 Mar 92 NJ-1040,Sched A,B,C, Misc Worksheets
NM: Y N N N
NV: N
NY: Y Y Y N v1.00 09 Jan 93 IT-201,IT-203,IT-201-AT,Misc Worksheets
OH: Y Y Y N v1.1 01 Feb 92 IT-1040,Misc Wkshts
OK: Y Y Y N v1.0 22 Mar 92 511,Sched D
OR: Y N N N
PA: Y N N N v1.0 09 Jan 92 PA-40,Sched UE-1,Sched SP, SP WkSht
RI: Y N N N
SC: Y N N N
SD: N
TN: Y N N N
TX: N
UT: Y N N N
VA: Y N N N v1.0 20 Jan 92 760,Misc Wkshts
VT: Y N N N
WA: N
WI: Y N N N v1.0 09 Feb 92 Form 1,Sched WD,Misc Wksht
WV: Y N N N
WY: N
HELP SYSTEM
The context sensitive help system included with this program is
intended to help the tax preparer when he needs a quick explanation of
what a particular form and line is used for. It is not intended to be a
substitute for the vast quantity of IRS instructions available to the
user. It is also NOT intended to be a tutorial. The words used are in
most cases directly out of IRS instructions and have the same language,
and in some cases, may not provide any insight to the problem being
solved. In short, the help system is intended to be a memory jog to the
preparer. It very often refers the user to official IRS instructions
when the options and rules are more lengthy than can be easily fit on one
help screen.
The F1 key will usually bring up a help screen applicable to the
situation presented on the screen. If F1 brings up a summary of the
Function Keys, then ALT-F1 will provide the context help.
11
FUNCTION KEY SUMMARY
Esc : ABORT or EXIT any function
F1 : brings up FUNCTION KEY SUMMARY screen
Alt-F1 : brings up HELP for Selected Form Line
Ctl-F1 : brings up EDITING HELP screen
Sft-F1 : brings up FORM DESCRIPTION screen
F2 : create/enter supporting SCHEDULE/STATEMENT/FORM
F3 : fix field to constant OVERRIDE
F4 : create COPY of current form
F5 : create/edit MINI-SCHEDULE
F6 : switch to PREVIOUS FORM
F7 : popup CALCULATOR
F8 : CLEAR/REMOVE current form only
F9 : RECALCULATE all forms
Alt-F9 : RECALCULATE current form only
F10 : TAX and REFUND/UNDERPAYMENT summary
Ctl-D : Tax program DOCUMENTATION
Ctl-S : Save the Tax Return to File
When editing form fields the following editing functions have been
provided. Most of the time, the common DEL, Big Backspace(<--), and left
and right arrows are all you need to perform editing of data in a field.
The Ins key will toggle the system between insert mode and typeover mode.
EDITING HELP
Return: finished editing field ^X or ^Y : shift field
Home : move to first field End : move last field
PgUp : shift up one page PgDn : down one page
<- : move cursor left -> : move cursor right
Ctl <-: move to field left Ctl -> : move field right
Ins : toggle insert on/off Ctl-U : restore old data
Ctl-T : erase next word Ctl-X : clear field
Ctl-A : cursor left one word Ctl-F : cursor right word
DEL : delete char at cursor Esc : Abort
Alt-F1: field specific HELP Shft-F1: Form Description Help
BIG <-: delete char left Ctl-D : Documentation
A SAMPLE RETURN
A typical return has been included with the program and is stored in
the file DEMO.T92. It is a typical return for a married couple named
Frank and Evelyn JONES. It is the sample return that the IRS provides in
Publication 17 - YOUR FEDERAL INCOME TAX FOR INDIVIDUALS - 1992. It is a
large return with about 20 sheets when finally printed. It exercises
many different forms.
It is suggested that the new user spend some time with this sample,
trying out the various features of the program. Make changes and see the
change to the tax and refund. Use the F10 key to see the results on the
Form 1040 refund and overpayment lines. Print out the return to get
practice using your printer. Try printing the graphics Form 1040.
Select the appropriate printer option from the Configuration Menu.
12
STARTUP.T92
PRO92 only: A startup tax return is provided for tax preparers and
others that do more than one return in a season. Any fields that are
always the same from tax return to tax return can be saved in a file
called STARTUP.T92. Examples of data that should be put in this file are
the preparer blocks on the Form 1040 and the Front Cover, the Fees
Schedule, and the (author's personal favorite) two check marks required
in Schedule B for foreign financial interests.
If you register and receive program upgrades, you can skip the
installation of the STARTUP.T92 file from the distribution disks by
requesting the install program to skip the STARTUP.T92 when it detects
that STARTUP.T92 already exists.
IN CASE OF PROBLEMS
Most errors are reported by error messages on the computer screen
and may be self explanatory. Errors with on line help available will
also include an "F1-Help" message. Appendix E. Lists some of the error
messages that the program is capable of producing. The Documentation
program can produce a complete list of errors as the ERRORS.DOC file.
This file can be printed if required. Along with each error message is a
discussion of the possible causes and suggested solutions.
There is one class of error from which the software is not capable
of recovery - the dreaded FATAL error. Some are data or file related and
indicate that some crucial piece of data has been trashed beyond use.
Appendix E. or the ERRORS.DOC file is a good source of discussion about
the possible causes of most FATAL errors and suggested remedies. The
most often suggested remedy you will encounter in this situation is to
run the installation procedure again to get a fresh copy of the program
PRO92.EXE or the possible supporting files that the problem seems to
indicate should be replaced. If the program works for a long time and
suddenly one day does not, a replacement from the distribution diskettes
is almost certainly the first step in trying to resolve the problem.
Program and data files can be made useless by some random glitch in the
system, and they usually occur at the most inconvenient times.
The most sinister error is the failure of the program to correctly
calculate the dollar value for a particular form field. It is for this
reason that users of this program must test each form to their
satisfaction. The author is committed to timely repairs of these errors
as soon as possible after they are noted. In the world of Federal Income
Taxes, the rules and laws change every year and it is almost impossible
to test the programs exhaustively from the time the official forms are
released and the time the first program release must be sent out. The
program should be in the hands of users and tax preparers by the middle
of January of the tax season. The official data from the IRS is out by
the end of December of the previous year. That leaves two weeks to make
changes and to test the changes to the program. This is only enough time
for form changes and rudimentary testing.
As a special offer to encourage the support from both registered and
non-registered users: if a computation logic error or program bug is
discovered and reported, you will receive free registration of the TAX93
program for the 1993 tax year, i.e., next years program. The decision of
the judge (the author, known to be lenient) is final. It is often
13
difficult to separate system problems from program problems. The author
must be able to duplicate the problem in order to repair it. Since the
1992 Tax Program will be distributed to many users this tax season,
unusual and unforeseen problems will be detected by active users. The
author encourages you to test the program and identify the problem areas,
if any.
For your convenience the following report is suggested for reporting
calculation errors. The author is available in the evenings for phone
consultation, but it is impossible to provide bug repairs over the phone,
so please copy the tax return file to a diskette and provide a version
number of the PRO92.EXE file or copy the file itself to a diskette. Any
DOS compatible diskette will do: 5-1/4 360K, 5-1/4 1.2M, 3-1/2 720K or
3-1/2 1.4M. Mail the report and diskette to the author. If you don't
like to fill out reports, then mail the diskette with program copy and
data file as a minimum. The diskette will be returned to you along with
a repaired program if possible. Any tax return data will be held in
strictest confidence and will be returned to you. If the problem can be
demonstrated with fictional data, then by all means provide that data in
place of real data.
Some gentle words of caution: the author assumes that you, the user,
knows the fundamentals of the MS/DOS operating system. The author cannot
teach you the MS/DOS commands, especially over the phone. If you need
help in using MS/DOS, then the author suggests looking for MS/DOS
learning books at your local library, book store, or computer store,
taking classes at the computer store or local community college, or
pestering a friend who knows MS/DOS.
14
PROBLEM REPORT
Date:_______________________________________
From:_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________ Phone:______________
To: F. Roland Bjorklund 1992 PRO92 v1.02 - 10 Jan 93
P.O. Box 1156
Bryans Road, MD 20616 Phone: 301-645-6819
Please tell me about your system, i.e. computer model, version of DOS you
are using, memory size, hard disk capacity, etc. If I cannot duplicate
the problem on my machines, then I need this to see if a system problem
might be the cause.
System Description:
Problem Description:
DON'T FORGET to include a diskette with the tax return data file that
caused the error. Also copy the program file PRO92.EXE to this diskette,
or make sure you list the PRO92 program version and date above. Your
diskette will be returned along with a repaired program as soon as
possible.
15
ORDER FORM
Date:__________________________
Remit to: F. Roland Bjorklund 1992 PRO92 v1.02 - 10 Jan 93
P.O. Box 1156
Bryans Road, MD 20616
Please enter following order:
____ PRO92 Registration ..................... @ $50.00 ea $________
____ PRO92 Upgrade (Registered TAX91 user)....@ $30.00 ea $________
____ TAX92 Registration ..................... @ $30.00 ea $________
____ TAX92 Upgrade (Registered TAX91 user)....@ $20.00 ea $________
____ STATE Registration ________________ .....@ $10.00 ea $________
____ STATE Upgrade (Registered TAX91 user)....@ $ 5.00 ea $________
Shipping ........................................... $________
(U.S. and Canada, $1.50; All Other Countries, $10.00)
Subtotal $________
____ Maryland Residents please add Sales Tax ....... @ 5% $________
Total (U.S.Funds) $________
drawn on U.S.Bank
Diskette ____ 5.25in. 360K ____ 3.5in. 720K ____5.25in. 1.2M
Enclosed please find a check for $______________
Name ___________________________________________________________
Company ___________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Day Phone: _______________________ Evening: _______________________
How did you learn about us?________________________________________
(disk catalog name, on-line service/BBS name, or from a friend)
Prices are good until December 1993.
16
Appendix A. Configuration Options
The program gives some flexibility via a configuration setup file,
which you as the user can customize. The program as it is first
installed is perfectly usable in its default configuration. Here is a
list of the configuration items and an explanation of each one. The
context sensitive help system also contains this information.
1. Tax Preparer's Name/Company
The name that appears here is used for the opening screen display.
You can put your name, your company name, etc. in here to get a little
personal touch to the program. If your client is working with you, it
makes this program appear customized for you.
2. State Return Code (2 char)
This is the two letter post office code for the default state return
module to execute most of the time. It saves you from having to type in
the code each time the program prompts you for the state code. Post
office code examples: VA = Virginia, TX = Texas, CA = California, etc.
This is the default code used to identify ownership of income/deductions
when no other state code is entered. All valid state codes:
AK AL AR AZ CA CI CT DC DE FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD
ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA RI SC SD
TN TX UT VA VT WA WI WV WY
3. Password 1 General
You can enter passwords here if you only want persons knowing the
password to have access to the program and tax return data. The program
will prompt you for the password at program startup, if you decide to use
one. DON'T FORGET your password after you decide to use one.
5. Tax Data Sub Directory
This is the subdirectory where the tax return files are stored. The
INSTALL program creates this subdirectory for you on the hard disk.
Don't change it unless you know what you are doing.
If you wish to use a floppy disk for tax return data storage, then
replace the subdirectory name with an "A:" or "B:" (without quotes) to
indicate which drive will be used.
6. Tax Form/Help File Directory
This is the subdirectory where the tax program expects to find the
tax files: PRO92.FRM, PRO92.DOT, and PRO92.HLP. The default is nothing
in this entry, indicating that these files are located in the same
directory as the PRO92.EXE program file. For a dual 360K floppy diskette
installation, these files are placed on the diskette for drive B: and the
PRO92.CFG file is created with the necessary data to support this.
If you know what you are doing, you can copy these three files to
another subdirectory or a faster access drive like a RAM resident drive.
You can significantly cut down on the time it takes to retrieve tax forms
and help information. If you have a RAM resident drive, say drive D:,
17
you can copy these files to that drive and change this configuration
entry to "D:" (leaving out quotes of course). RAM resident drives are
volatile, i.e. data is not retained after power is removed from the
computer, so the files must be copied each time you power up the
computer. You can add automatic copy commands to the system
"autoexec.bat" file. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, then
DON'T mess with it.
7. Prior Year Tax Data Directory
This is the directory on the current drive where the prior year tax
program, TAX91, stored tax return data. PRO92 will use this information
to fetch information from last year's tax returns as required. You can
change this if necessary. Perhaps you stored last years tax return data
on floppy diskette. Then place "A:" or "B:" here as appropriate (minus
quotes) to get access to floppy diskettes.
8. Printer Left Offset 0 to 5
It is possible to shift the printed forms a little to the right
using this option if your paper alignment is not quite right for your
printer. You are limited to 0 to 5 spaces (0.10 inch each in 10 CPI
mode) for this option, because the forms already have 3 blanks before
each line. Each form line is about 75 chars wide and narrow carriage
printers are 80 chars wide. This offset also affects the graphics dot
matrix Form 1040 printout in the same way.
9. Alert Beep: 0=OFF/1= ON
You get more beeps from your computer if you change this value to 1.
With the option set to 0, you will still get beeps for errors.
10. Line Printer 0=LPT1,1=LPT2
The printing of tax forms and the graphics version of the Form 1040
requires that the program knows what what the port number is for your
primary printer. For most PC's this printer is numbered as LPT1 (0 value
in option). If you don't get printer output for the Dot Matrix 1040
option, then try a value of 1. This option is provided for the rare case
when more than one printer is connected to your PC.
11. Print Spooler 0=OFF,1=ON
You can use the built in print spooling feature if this option is
set to ON. The default is OFF. Printer data will be placed into a
temporary file from which it will be read and sent to the printer when no
other activity is going on. It is handy for printing long tax returns
while you are working on another. It should only be used if you are
running from a hard disk. It produces large temporary files on the
program directory/drive. It works very slowly if you must work from
floppy disks.
12. Graphics Printer 0=EPSON LQ 9pin 1=EPSON FX 9pin 2=EPSON
24pin 3=HP LaserJet
The program supports the graphics printing of Form 1040 on three
types of dot matrix printers and the popular Hewlett Packard LaserJet
printer. Most other printer manufacturers emulate the Epson printers
18
because of their popularity. The difference between the LQ and FX modes
is the height of the vertical dots (LQ = 1/60 inch and FX = 1/72 inch).
The program creates the Form 1040 with 1/6 inch line spacing if you pick
the correct option (0 = LQ and 1 = FX) for your dot matrix printer. If
the printed form is too short or too long on the page, then try the other
option. If the printed form is not useable, then your printer does not
emulate the Epson LQ or FX modes. The Epson 24 pin mode will produce a
nicer printout if your printer supports that capability. The HP LaserJet
option uses 150 dots/inch to produce a signature Form 1040. All these
forms have been submitted to and approved by the IRS.
13. First Time User Screen
This flag is used to turn the First Time User screen on or off. The
First Time User screen is a summary of steps to take to get a tax return
started without reading the documentation. The proper steps are defined
in the documentation; but reading documentation is not fun, so a quick
summary of what to do is presented when the program starts. Experienced
users can turn this screen off.
Appendix B. Glossary
This program and documentation uses many abbreviations and acronyms.
They are summarized and defined here.
AGI - Adjusted Gross Income
CCC - Commodity Credit Corporation
EIC - Earned Income Credit
EIN - Employer Identification Number
FUTA - Federal Unemployment Tax
IRA - Individual Retirement Arrangement
IRS - Infernal Revenue Service
HH - Head of Household filing status
J - Joint/Single ownership of amount
MFJ - Married Filing Joint filing status
MFS - Married Filing Separate filing status
QW - Qualifying Widow/er filing status
REMICS - Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits
S - Spouse ownership of amount
SGL - Single filing status
SSN - Social Security Number
SS/RR - Social Security/Railroad Retirement
T - Taxpayer ownership of amount
Appendix C. Version History
v0.90 - 01 Dec 92 - Evaluation version mailed to requesting disk vendors.
v0.91 - 06 Dec 92 - Form 1040-EZ plus Fees correction.
v0.92 - 16 Dec 92 - More corrections and fine tuning.
v0.93 - 20 Dec 92 - Schedule EIC and Form 1040ES added.
v1.00 - 10 Jan 93 - first official release minus Form 2210.
v1.01 - 06 Jan 93 - MFS and spouse itemizes and Override Form Field.
19
Appendix D. Technical Data
1. The TAX92 program requires about 234K bytes of memory and uses about
180K additional bytes of memory for dynamic memory allocation. It should
run in an IBM/PC or later with 512K bytes of memory. PRO92 uses dynamic
overlays in order to fit a larger program with more forms into
approximately the same memory space as the TAX92 program. This limits
its use to IBM/PC/AT computers running the MS/DOS 3.1 or better operating
system.
2. The largest amount handled by this program is +21,474,836.47 and the
negative amount is -21,474,836.48. Money amounts are stored to the
nearest cent (.01 dollar).
3. The program uses a memory allocation scheme for creating and
destroying memory as required for tax return form display data and
storage data. A fixed amount of memory is allocated at program startup
and space is allocated to requesting program functions on demand. A
memory compaction is done when required to recover small pieces of de-
allocated memory back into a bigger pool of available memory.
4. The forms file PRO92.FRM, and the PRO92.HLP file are compressed so
they don't take up much space on your hard disk or floppy diskette. If
these files were distributed in their uncompressed state, it would take
three 360K byte diskettes to store the data. The tax program takes
pieces of the forms and help files as it needs them and decompresses
them. Help information is decompressed into a temporary file if you
request help on a particular form.
Appendix E. Error Messages
The documentation portion of the tax program has the capability to
create a list of almost all the errors that the program generates. The
ERRORS.DOC file is generated from the on line help data files if you use
the F7 key when in the documentation portion of the tax program. Use the
F8 key if you want to print the ERRORS.DOC file to the printer.
Most errors have on line help available if "F1-Help" is included in
the error display.
A SPECIAL NOTE ON FILE CREATION/OPEN ERRORS
File creation/open errors can be deceiving. The MS/DOS operation
system allows a limited number of files open at any one time. The
parameter is specified by adding or changing the FILES = XX in the
CONFIG.SYS file in the system boot directory/disk. This is done with a
text editor (do not use your word processor for this task unless it has a
simple text mode). If you have other applications installed on your hard
disk, then the FILES=15 or FILES=20 is a common value and is sufficient
for this program. You can use the MS/DOS TYPE command i.e. "TYPE
CONFIG.SYS" to view the contents of this file on your screen.
The errors not described in the ERRORS.DOC file are listed below:
20
TAX CALCULATION ERRORS
ERROR: "Length - Not char string"
ERROR: "Write - Not char string"
ERROR: "Read - Not char string"
ERROR: "Read - Not Long Value"
ERROR: "Read - Not Integer Value"
ERROR: "Write - Not Long Value"
ERROR: "Write - Not Integer Value"
These errors occur when the program is recalculating a return and
discovers problems with the calculation code. These are not fatal
errors, but they do indicate a problem with the program or most likely
with the tax return data. If a new copy of PRO92.EXE from your
distribution diskette does not solve the problem, then a problem report
is necessary.
The ESC key allows a direct exit from the program with an option to
save the return data that you are working on.
DATE ERRORS
ERROR: "Date Field Error - Invalid Month - 13/07/90"
ERROR: "Date Field Error - Invalid Year - 07/07/1999"
ERROR: "Date Field Error - Invalid Date - 323399"
ERROR: "Date Field Error - Invalid Day - 07/32/90"
The program checks the date that you enter for each field that is
designated as a date type. It checks for months 1 to 12, days in the
month depending on the month, and general format errors. You can use any
delimiter between the month, day, and the year. For example: 07/13/91,
07-13-91, and 07 13 91 will work.
If you want to force other data into date fields, then set the
override on that field first. If you change your mind, and don't want
anything in the field, fill the field with blanks.
MEMORY ALLOCATION ERRORS
ERROR: "Memory Allocation Fatal Error - XX"
Where the code is
1 - Failure to get MPT entry
2 - Allocation request too large
3 - Allocation failed to find free memory
4 - Allocation failed to find free memory
5 - Allocation failed to find free memory
6 - Failure to get allocation requested
7 - Failure with associated function
8 - Master Pointer release error
9 - check byte failure on MemFree()
10,13,14,15 - internal consistency check failed
20 to 31 - internal consistency check failed
These are pretty nasty errors that indicate that the program PRO92
failed or the copy of executable file is no longer any good. Use the
installation procedure to get a new copy of the PRO92.EXE file. Make
sure you reboot the system before you do anything. If the problems
persist and seem to occur only with certain situations and tax return
21
data, prepare a problem report and send it for evaluation and possible
bug repairs.
It is possible to make the program run out of memory and cause either
Memory Error 1 or Error 6 by using many forms and many supporting
schedules. The DEMO.T92 return provided with the program is a large tax
return and uses about 35% of the available memory. It will take an
unusual tax return to make the program run out of memory.
Appendix F. Future Work
A tax program is never completed. If you go beyond the normal
changes due to the changes in forms and laws on a yearly basis, a quite
formidable list of things to do still looms ahead. The partial list is
presented here, and the author welcomes comments and suggestions:
1. More state programs, of course. Some states are quite simple and
others are quite complicated with split incomes/deductions. There are 20
state programs available as of this date. Others will be added as
quickly as possible. There are 41 states with income tax. States
programs will be enhanced to add forms as demand warrants.
2. Individual electronic filing of tax returns via modem and telephone.
The IRS has promised this capability in a few years and supporting
software is planned. Currently, electronic filing must go through a
service company approved by the IRS. This feature will become more
useful when all preparers can go direct to the IRS using low cost
equipment and software.
3. Depreciation and Amortization work sheets are required to speed up
preparation time for small business returns. Alternate Minimum Tax
depreciation options should be supported. Work was started.
4. A Passive Credits capability must be added as soon as possible. Work
was started for TAX92 but was not completed in time.
5. A Microsoft Windows 3.1 version is about 9/10 completed. I was not
satisfied, since it did not provide any more capability than the MS/DOS
version. I have plans to use the What You See is What you Get (WYSIWYG)
capability of the Windows graphics interface to best advantage. Real tax
forms will be scanned, and entered and used as forms for input and
printing. Requires FAST machines. This will benefit state programs by
making all forms completely suitable for submission.
6. I developed a "Windows" version of PRO92 for MS/DOS and it is called
PROTAX92. It was an attempt to provide common software for both Windows
3.1 and MS/DOS program versions. It provides most "Windows" user
interfaces, i.e., muliple tax forms on screen, etc., however, it is too
big and slow for many user's computers. If you like to play, give me a
call and I will send it to you. It requires a fast 386 or 486 for best
results.
7. A "Hold the user by the hand" version of the program may be possible
if the demand warrants it. More consistency checking in the current
program is definitely planned for. Most users like PRO92 because of the
freedom it gives them to do things in any order.
8. QUICKEN is popular personal/business financial program with the
22
capability to export data to other programs. It might be handy for xxx92
to read this data.
9. Other tax return form sets like 1120 and 1065 that would be useful
for professional tax preparers. When time permits.
Appendix G. The Author
F. Roland Bjorklund has been programming computers since 1966. He
currently makes a living as a Senior Computer Engineer programming real
time embedded systems using the Intel family of microprocessors.
This tax program, written in C, was started in 1987 when he took the
H&R Block classes for tax preparation. He worked the January 1988 to
April 1988 tax season as an H&R Block tax preparer. The following fall
he took the advanced H&R Block tax courses, but did not work the tax
season. Work on the program lapsed until the fall of 1989 when work
began again in earnest. As a result, the program is directed to the paid
tax preparer and the problems associated with that kind of work.
A TAX89 program was completed too late for that tax season, but it
qualified the author for membership in the Association of Shareware
Professionals. The TAX90 program was submitted to several major
shareware distributors and was accepted by four. User acceptance of
TAX90 was better than expected. The TAX91 version was spread far and
wide. It was listed in several shareware catalogs, on-line services, and
BBS's. There was quite a lot of interest from both personal users and
professional tax preparers in the TAX91 version. This year there are two
programs: TAX92 and PRO92.
INDEX
ALT-F1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 11, 12
ASP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Association of Shareware Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 23
author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3, 6, 8, 13, 14, 22, 23
calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 7, 8, 12
configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 9, 12, 17, 18
CTL-D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 8, 12
CTL-F1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
DEMO.T92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 12, 22
documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 19, 20
electronic filing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 22
EPSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3, 9, 18, 19
F1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 8, 11-13, 20
F10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 7, 8, 12
F2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 7, 12
F3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 12
F4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
F5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 5, 7, 12
F6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 7, 12
F7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 6, 12, 20
F8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 12, 20
F9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 7, 12
future work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
HEWLETT PACKARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 2, 9, 18
IBM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3, 9, 20
23
license . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
mini-schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 12
mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
MS-DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
order form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 16
OVERRIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 12, 19, 21
printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 2, 9, 10, 12, 18, 22
PROBLEM REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 21, 22
registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 5, 13, 16
shareware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3, 23
SHFT-F1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
spooler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 9, 10, 18
STARTUP.T92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 6, 13
state program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 10
SUPPORTING SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 7, 12
SUPPORTING STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 7
tax report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 7, 10
warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
24