Backup instructions for data conversion in Lacerte

Before you start:

• Calculate all client files in your original program.
• Remove any locks.
• Remove any passwords.

Table of contents:

What types of returns can I submit for data conversion?

• Individual (1040)
• Partnership (1065)
• Corporation (1120)
• S corporation (1120S)

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How do I backup my data for conversion?

1. Create a new folder on your C: drive named ConversionData before you begin the backup process (For example, C:\ConversionData).
2. Open Lacerte.
   • Repeat the steps below for each tax type you wish to convert.
3. Select the Client menu, Tax Type, and select the tax type you wish to back up.
4. On the Client tab, press the F3 key, select All Clients, then select OK.
5. On the Client menu, select Backup.
6. In the Backup Clients dialog box, enter the Destination: C:\ConversionData.
7. Select OK to begin the backup process.

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How do I make sure my backup is correct?

Open C:\ConversionData to view the files that you backed up. A valid Lacerte backup looks like a Lacerte database folder and contains the following for each tax type:

• 8 Database files with names starting with DATA and ending in .DBF.
• 8 Database files with names starting with DATA and ending in .MDX.
  • For example, for Individual, you'll see DATA1I18.DBF–DATA8I18.DBF and a corresponding MDX for each. For Corporate, it'll be DATA1C18–DATA8C18.
  • You can back up all clients into the same folder, as the file names differentiate by tax type.
• Several folders, including DETAIL.
• Within the DETAIL folder, one file for each client backed up, with an extension of .?Dy
  • ? represents the tax type
  • y represents the year

A valid backup must contain the entire file and folder structure. The conversion process won't work if we receive only detail files.

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What items will be converted?

The main purpose of this conversion is to prepare your data for the following tax year. So viewing a Form 1040 won't display the same results that had been filed. The conversion is very limited and includes only the basic information in the following PDF document:

• List of items that will convert to ProConnect Tax
• List of items that will convert to ProSeries

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