Form 2555 in Lacerte

[Expat_Helper]

Some clients are both employed and self-employed working abroad. In Lacerte, why can we not check both boxes a and c in Form 2555 Part I, line 5?

[Jack4 · Accepted solution]

Hello, Expat_Helper. IRS guidance only allows for one box to be checked in that part of the form. If you have clients that are both self-employed and also employees of a company, we recommend checking the "Other" box and indicated they are both self-employed and employed in the description line.

Hope that helps!

[Expat_Helper]

Thanks for replying. However, the form states on line 5 "check _any_ that apply" (emphasis supplied) therefore we should be able to check more than one. 

[Jack4]

Hi, Expat_helper. You are correct about that. I believe the limitation has to do with IRS e-file business rules only allowing one box to be checked. However, I will notify our development staff of this and reply back with any updates.

Thank you for your question.