Importing a PDF of the prior year 1040 return to set up a new or update an existing client in ProConnect Tax

When you onboard a new client onto your product, you’ll need to create a tax return for them. To save time, you can import a tax return into ProConnect Tax rather than manually enter all the information.

If you receive an error message along the lines of You currently don't have permissions to [action]. Contact your firm's Admin for authorization either when trying to create new returns or when e-file roles have changed for tax year 2023, see here for how your firm Admin can resolve it.

This article will help you:

Importing client 1040 from a prior year to set up a new client

1. Go to Clients on the left, and from there select the Add Client button in the upper right.
2. You will have the option to select an existing client from the dropdown list, or create a new client.
3. To add a new client and import their 1040 from a prior year, click +Add new and then select Import.
4. Select Upload from this device to upload a file from your machine or select Get from cloud apps to upload a file from Google Drive or Dropbox.
5. After you’ve uploaded the file, select Next on the bottom right corner.
6. Review the client information over the next three steps. Make any adjustments necessary and ensure that it’s all accurate.
7. After confirming the information and entering any missing client details, select Import data.
8. Select Go to return to view the full client summary.  

Importing client 1040 from a prior year for an existing client

Only use standard Form 1040. Other variations (NR, SS, SR) are not supported at this time.

If you have a client for whom you've already added and started a return for, but but haven't yet added all the required forms, you can now upload the clients' 1040 as part of the new import hub. See here to learn more.

Note: When you apply a 1040 to an existing return, any data already in that return will be overwritten by the incoming data. You will receive a message before you confirm the import.

1. Find and open the client return where you want to add the 1040.
2. On the right, select the Import hub lightning bolt icon.
3. You'll see an option called 1040 Import under the section Import data from forms or spreadsheets.
4. Select Import.
5. A message will pop up to warn you that this action will erase all existing tax information and replace it with the data from this 1040. Once you've confirmed that you're in the right return and you have not entered any vital data yet, select Continue.
6. Use the dropdown to select the correct Tax Year for the 1040.
7. Select Upload from this device or Get from cloud apps depending on where you've saved the 1040, and select the file.
8. Ensure all information is accurate. You can view and fill out All fields or Matched fields.
9. Use the Next button on the bottom right to navigate through the sections. Review and correct if necessary all fields for both sections, General information and Other information.
10. Once you've verified all the fields, confirm the import by selecting Import data.
11. You should now see a screen letting you know your import was successful.
12. Select Go to return where you'll see all the fields completed with the imported information.