Client hasn't filed since 2015. How can I get into old Lacerte versions without network connection error?

[MichaelJPom]

Client came to me who hasn't filed since 2015.  I have old Lacerte versions installed but when I try to open software, I get network connection error.  How can I open and use these old versions?

[BobKamman]

Why would you want to?  I'd go back three years unless IRS is asking for six.  

[strongsilence]

carryforwards that impact recent returns?

client asked for them?

start the SOL?

[MichaelJPom]

Thanks for reply.  Carryforward losses on rental real estate as well as IRS notices of liability much greater.

[MichaelJPom]

You got it.  Carryforwards that would impact 2025 returns.  And you're right too that SOL clock hasn't started.

[George4Tacks]

Could you post the whole error. My best guess is you installed a network install and maybe should have installed standalone. If that is the case use Windows to uninstall the year you are having the problem with. 

Maybe this? https://accountants.intuit.com/support/en-us/help-article/systems-performance/resolve-internet-conne...

[BobKamman]

So it sounds like you aren't filing original returns, but amended returns because IRS has assessed taxes based on substitutes for returns it "prepared."  Which means they had some indication of positive income, maybe the rent was reported on 1099's?  

If that's the case, you need first to know what numbers IRS started with.  I'm not sure software is the most efficient way to handle this.  Is there just Schedule E rentals to deal with, or other issues?  Are the rental losses greater than the net income from other sources?  Good luck -- at least the client didn't come to you in mid-March, as often happens with deadbeats.  

[MichaelJPom]

Full error is...

"Internet connection error

Network connection error Status code '404' Not Found

Please check your internet connection, then try again,  Click Troublehsoot if you need assistance.

If you are unable to connect, you may sign in offline.  Note that some Internet features will be unavailable until you sign in online."

[MichaelJPom]

TOO TRUE.  Explained to client that as it took her several years (decade in fact!) to get into this mess, it will take some time to get out.

Schedule E for SMLLC (Fed) and Form 568 (CA).  Property sold in 2025, so we need those carryforward losses.

Haven't been shown any Fed notices re: preparing past returns for her, but CA has been very aggressive (of course).

[BobKamman]

@MichaelJPom "IRS notices of liability much greater."

So now it's not IRS, but just CA?  I wonder where they got their numbers.  Does FTB have its own "substitute for return" program?  But I would think they then share with IRS.  The data exchange is a two-way street.  Maybe IRS doesn't have a current address.  Or maybe federal returns were being filed, but not state.  You can't always believe what clients tell you.  But you can always make sure you get payment in advance.  

[George4Tacks]

I love that CA posts their top 500. I once had a non filer on there due to high 1099B. Of course we have no idea what the basis is, so we assess on what we know - the gross. 

See how many famous people you can find. I remember when Willy Nelson was on it. 

https://www.ftb.ca.gov/about-ftb/newsroom/top-500-past-due-balances/personal-income-tax-list.html