How to install multiple firms or preparer files in Lacerte

Review below to learn how to install multiple preparer files in Lacerte. This is used with a firm with multiple offices or more than one firm using the same program.

You must first have the prep file for the other firm. If you don't have it saved somewhere already, from download it from that firm's My Account.

1. From the Settings menu, select Update Preparer Information.
2. Select Install Prep File.
3. Select Install prep file from another location and select Browse.
4. Choose the location where the prep file was saved.
5. Select OK.
6. Select the years that you want to install additional prep files for from the Preparer Update window.
7. Select OK.
   • If you have a network license, you will be prompted to create a primary password.
   • Select Yes to create a primary password or No to continue without creating one.
8. Select Yes when asked if you want to quit the program.
9. Re-open Lacerte and accept the license agreement if prompted.
   • A Prep File Verification window will appear. Make sure the firm information is correct and select Continue.
     • If the information is incorrect, contact that firm and have them make corrections on their account.
10. Select No to the Confirm window.
    
11. Assign a number for the Alternate firm.
    

To verify the preparer files were installed properly:

1. From the Settings menu, select Options.
2. Select the Firm Info tab. You should be able to view all firms listed on the left side.

Reordering the preparer files

You can change the order of your firms by renaming the associated prep files inside your option folder. The example below demonstrates renaming the primary firm (Firm #0) to be #2, and the second firm (Firm #1) to be the new primary firm (Firm #0).

1. Open Lacerte 2024
2. Select the Help menu
3. Select Troubleshoot (F10)
4. Select the System Information tab.
5. Take note of the Option Path.
6. Close Lacerte 2024 on All Machines.
7. Using File Explorer, browse to the Option Path location in Step #5
8. Scroll down the list and look for Prep.24.
9. Right-click on the Prep.24 file and select Rename.
10. Type Prepx.24 and press Enter.
11. Right-click on Prep1.24 and click on Rename.
12. Type Prep.24 and press Enter
13. Right-click on the file Prepx.24 file and click on Rename.
14. Type in Prep2.24 and press Enter.
15. Close the windows and open the Lacerte Tax program.
16. Go to the Settings menu and select Options.
17. Click on the Firm Info tab.
18. Verify the firm order is as expected

Changing the firm order will not change the firm selection for your client files. Clients that were associated with Firm #0 will still be associated with Firm #0, which is now a different firm. You will need to open each client to Screen 1, Client Information, and select the correct firm for the client.