Checking Returns
PrerequisitesYou should be familiar with or have completed the Entering Client Detail exercise in this section to create a sample return with e-filing information. ObjectiveIn this exercise, you will check a return to determine if it is ready to e-file. To do this, you will view the Diagnostics tab to make sure there are no errors in the return. |
LESSONS
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Facts
Remove the taxpayer's Social Security Number in Screen 1, Client Information and the entry in the State field in the the Electronic Filing (W-2)/Employer section of Screen 10, Wages, Salaries, Tips. Then check the sample return (TUT-EF-1) for errors by viewing the Diagnostics tab.
Program Considerations
The Diagnostics tab displays warnings that may be errors that you must correct before sending the e-file.
You should use the Diagnostics tab to check for potential problems with a return. For all clients, Diagnostic Warnings are listed as either Critical or Informational. For electronic returns, a third category called Fatal Diagnostic Warnings may appear. If a return has Fatal Diagnostic Warnings listed, it cannot be filed electronically. Some of these warnings can be corrected while other warnings of this nature refer to situations or forms that require filing on paper.
If Critical Diagnostic Warnings exist (which prohibit the return from passing validation), the e-file Validate and Send Wizard jumps you to the Diagnostics tab so you can view these errors (when a single client is selected).
For additional information regarding the interactive diagnostics see the Interactive Diagnostics exercise in the Review section of the Program Operations tutorial.
How?
To check a return for potential errors:
- Open the sample client (TUT-EF-1).
- Delete the information referenced above in the Facts section of this exercise.
- Click the Diagnostics tab.
- The return calculates and displays the diagnostic warnings.
- Click each warning to jump to the input and correct the input.
- Once you have corrected all the input errors, no warnings that will prevent the e-file from being validated or created should be displayed at the Diagnostics tab.
Tips & Shortcuts
Using the Interactive Diagnostics eliminates errors so that once you begin the e-file Validate and Send Wizard, you do not encounter errors that prohibit a return from passing validation.
Review
You should now have a sample e-file that is ready to pass validation and be created.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Once I removed the entries in the Facts section of this exercise, the program tells me I need REP access to view the diagnostic warnings.
Solution: The SS# is a required entry for REP returns. Re-enter the number and continue with the exercise.