Common questions about filing instructions in Lacerte

Table of contents:

What are filing instructions?

Filing instructions are an alternate way for your to provide your client information about their return. When turned on, the normal client letter is replaced with a simplified letter to inform the taxpayer what documents are being included. It will not detail amounts, or other information for filing the return.

Instead, additional forms will be listed as Filing Instructions in the forms list. Federal and state returns will have their own sets of filing instructions. The filing instructions will detail when and how to file, as well as other information such as balance due or refund.

Unlike the client letter, filing instructions cannot be edited to change the text or layout of the information.

How can I turn on filing instructions for the tax return?

There are two methods to turn on filing instructions. You can turn them on in your options to generate the filing instructions for all clients, or you can use an override in the client return to turn the filing instructions on or off.

Note: If you turn on filing instructions for all clients, you can use the client specific override to turn it off for specific clients.

To change filing instructions in Options:

1. Select the Setting menu
2. Select Options
3. Select the Tax Return tab
4. Change the Filing Instruction selection to Yes
   • It should be 5 lines down

To change filing instructions for a client:

1. Select the client needing to be changed
2. Select the Detail tab
3. Go to the Invoice, Letter, Filing Instructions screen
   • Individual: Screen 5.1
   • Partnership: Screen 2.1
   • Corporate: Screen 5.1
   • S-Corporate: Screen 4.1
   • Fiduciary: Screen 3.1
   • Exempt: Screen 3.1
   • Estate: Screen 3.1
   • Gift: Screen 4.1
   • Benefit: Screen 2.1
4. Go to the Filing Instructions section
5. Enter a 1 or 2 in the first field
   • Entering 1 will turn on the filing instructions
   • Entering 2 will turn off form instructions
6. You can use the checkboxes to force filing instructions for specific forms

How do I print filing instructions for separately filed forms?

1. Open Screen 5.1, Invoice, Letter, Filing Instr.
2. In the Section list, click Filing Instructions.
3. If the Filing Instructions option is set to No in Options, enter 1 in Filing Instructions. OR If the Filing Instructions option is set to Yes in Options, leave Filing Instructions blank.
4. Check the boxes for any separately filed forms for which you want to print filing instructions.

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How do I print filing instructions with extensions?

1. Open Screen 5.1, Invoice, Letter, Filing Instr.
2. In the Section list, click Filing Instructions.
3. Enter 1 in Filing Instructions (1 = Yes, 2 = No) [O].
4. Select the check box for Automatic Extension (4868).

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Why are the e-file instructions blank when my return is properly marked for electronic filing on Screen 1, Client Information?

There is a setting to control the inclusion of e-file instructions on both Federal and State e-file returns.

For global settings (to change all clients at once):

1. Go to Settings and choose Options or Master Options (whichever is used for your firm).
2. Go to the Tax Return tab and the Tax Return Options section.
3. In the e-Filing Instructions field, select "Yes" to print or "No" to suppress.

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For individual settings (to change one client only):

1. Go to Screen 4.4, e-file Miscellaneous.
2. In Preparer's e-file instructions:  1=yes, 2=no [O], enter a "1" to print or "2" to suppress. This field will override the global setting for this return only.

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To keep the e-file instructions from physically printing with the return:

1. Go to Settings, Options, and Items To Print.
2. From the Copy menu, choose which version of the return you wish to change.
3. In the Print Order window, find the General section and make the appropriate selection for Preparer’s e-file Instructions. Checking the box will print the instructions with the return; unchecking the box will keep it from printing.

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How do I change the When to file date in the filing instructions?

To change When to file field:

1. From Detail tab go to Screen 5.1, Invoice, Letter, Filing Instructions.
2. Select Client Letter from left window.
3. In the When to file text (main forms only) enter an override of 1 = As soon as possible or  2 = Immediately.

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Client letter states that the amount owed must be paid earlier than it is actually due

In Screen 8, Penalties & Interest, a filing date has been input. This date will override the date in the letter and filing instructions.

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Lacerte client is marked for e-file on Screen 1, Client Information, but the instructions show paper filing instructions

Validate the return using the E-File Wizard to generate the correct filing instructions.

1. Highlight the client from the Clients tab.
2. Hit Ctrl+U to bring up the E-File Wizard.
3. Proceed through this wizard to Validate the client, but do not send it.
4. When completed the Filing Instructions should indicate electronic filing.

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Related topics

• Customizing a Lacerte Client Invoice for a Single Form
• What program options transfer from the prior year software?
• Changing the due date on the client letter in Lacerte