OH LET'S TALK ABOUT TWO MORE HEADACHES!

1. Ever try to rename a file once it's been printed from Lacerte to a PDF? Here is my scenario..... Once we receive the e-signature back from the client - we move the folder from "Waiting on Signature Documents" to "Ready to e-File.

NOPE - CAN'T DO IT. LACERTE LOCKS THE THE FOLDER AND IT CANNOT BE MOVED. The only way to get Lacerte to release it's POS FINGERS  from the folder is for me to use a utility called I/O File Unlock. Lacerte will not release it's lock on a file unless somehow the printed PDF is directed elsewhere.

I run the utility and it shows that w21tax.exe is locking the folder. I can use the utility to release the folder lock or I can exit Lacerte and re-enter the program, having to enter my 5,645 alphanumeric password again.

I use a program called "FINEPRINT". It is a utility printer intercept and, if I remember to print the Lacerte job to Fineprint, I can now direct the print job to any printer, including a PDF. Fineprint does not lock the file like Lacerte does.

2. Ever have a client start taking care of an older parent? Of course we all do. Try entering the dependent birthrate as 04/01/27. Lacerte placed the date 04/01/2027. GEE WHIZ - I DIDN'T KNOW I COULD HAVE A DEPENDENT THAT WASN'T BORN YET!

They raise the price every year. That's fine --- SHOW ME SOMETHING FOR MY MONEY.

More to come. Infuriating. Either the program is not tested well enough (hello, Drake?) or the developers just don't give a crap. I vote #2.

More to come.

Bruce W. Tyler, EA