How can I take a PDF of a 2017 return and import the data into 2018?

[Mary2]

I have a PDF of our 2017 partnership return but I don't not have the lacerte files. What can I do to import this PDF into lacerte 2018?

[abctax55 · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately, Lacerte doesn't have that capability.

[daniel-j-morton]

Are there any 3rd party software programs that will convert the 1040 so it can be imported into Lacerte? Thanks.

[George4Tacks]

@daniel.j.morton That is unlikely. I generally just do a down and dirty quick input of the 2017. Name, address, etc precisely, then just the key numbers for each category with no detail. From that you can proforma and clean up the detail the next year. Many pdf copies do not include the detail. If you can get a copy of the source software detail, then you can get Lacete to import, including TurboTax

[George4Tacks]

You can not. 

It is often a good idea to do the input in 2017, maybe not all the detail, but at least the big numbers. Get the return to match what was filed, verify depreciation and how the state is computed. That will also give you carryovers.

IF YOU ARE REP, use all 9's for the EIN and there will be no charge. After you proforma to 2018, change the EIN to the real thing. 

[abctax55]

You might ask the prior preparer to provide a copy of the actual Lacerte file; I've provided/received the files that occasionally (as a professional courtesy...)

ARE you a professional tax pro, or are you using Lacerte to do your own return?