Intuit HelpIntuit
How to download and install Lacerte prep files
by Intuit•10• Updated 1 month ago
Stay up to date on what's current! Check out Lacerte Hot Topics and bookmark it using Ctrl+D.
The prep file tells your Lacerte program what name and address to print on tax returns and which products you’ve purchased. When you change your firm information or add products, your prep file is updated within 24 hours. After that, you can download your updated prep file directly in Lacerte or online through My Account.
For more Print & PDF resources, check out our Troubleshooting page for Print & PDF where you'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions.
To determine how to install prep files for a specific year see the chart below:
Tax Year | Can be downloaded from MyAccount | Can be download from the program | Unlocked REP | Generic Firm Info |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020-2024 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
2016-2019 | Yes | No | Yes | No |
2015 and prior | Yes as Older Prep Files | No | Yes | Yes |
- Lacerte only charges REP fees for the most current years of Lacerte shown on the chart above. For years with Unlocked REP showing Yes, you won't be charged to print from that year. If your program is still trying to charge REP fees install a new Prep File.
- Years 2015 and prior will print with a Generic Firm Info meaning the Firm Information will be blank and needs to be added to the return after the return is printed.
- This article references default installation paths and uses YY to reference the tax year in 20YY format. C: will always indicate the local drive and X: will always indicate the network drive.
Follow these steps to install prep files within the program:
- Open the current year Lacerte program.
- From the Settings menu, choose Update Preparer Information.
- Select Download Prep File.
- A status window will appear. Wait for it to finish.
- Select Update My Program Now (Recommended), then click OK.
- Check the box next to the tax year prep file needed and enter the data path where the program is installed (if it is not already generated).
- Click OK.
- You'll be asked to set a primary password if you have a network license. Click No to ignore.
- Select the radio button before I accept the agreement, and click OK.
- Click Yes when prompted to quit Lacerte.
- Open Lacerte.
- A prep file verification window will appear. Make sure the information is correct, and then click Continue.
Related topics
Sign in now for personalized help
Ask questions, get answers, and join our large community of Intuit Accountants users.
More like this
- How to download and install Lacerteby Intuit•155• Updated 3 weeks ago
- How to download and install prior-year Lacerteby Intuit•51• Updated October 22, 2024
- How to install multiple firms or preparer files in Lacerteby Intuit•9• Updated August 01, 2024
- How to install Lacerte on a new computerby Intuit•19• Updated October 17, 2024