Avoiding Duplicate Pay-Per-Return (PPR) charges and requesting PPR refunds

Beginning November 11th, ProSeries will limit the tax years where PPR refunds are available. For more information, see here

Before you start:

• Authorized returns remain authorized until the primary taxpayer SSN or the EIN is changed. If the SSN or EIN is changed, a second authorization will be required.
• An authorization is stored within the data file and can't be lost, even if you backup, restore, rename, or move the file.
• All copies of an authorized data file will keep the authorization of the original file.
• The Pay-Per-Return Audit Report will record each authorization. Multiple authorizations for a single client are the result of authorizations of multiple data files.
• Once a return has been printed or e-filed, it's authorized and can be re-printed without incurring charges again.

Table of contents:

For more Print & PDF resources, check out our Troubleshooting page for Print & PDF where you'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions.

PPR 3 Year Timeline Q&A

Q. What is the exact date in November that this change will take effect?

A. The exact date will coincide with the release of the current year's program. We will provide a more specific date as we get closer to launch.

Q. How will this change be implemented in the 2025 program interface? Will there be any new alerts or warnings for users?

A. This change impacts PPR Credit requests entered through My Account and the phone channel. There will be a banner in My Account to inform users. The program has a message to inform a charge for the return when using the PPR feature, no additional messaging will be included.

Q. What alternative options are available for users who need to request an PPR credit for returns older than the timeframe provided?

A. There are no alternative options for requesting an PPR credit for returns that fall outside the timeframe. We recommend carefully reviewing all PPR charges and submitting credit requests promptly prior to the upcoming release to ensure they are within the new eligibility window.

Q. How will ProSeries communicate any future changes to its users?

A. We are committed to transparent communication. Any future changes will be communicated through various channels, including email updates, announcements within the Lacerte software, and our online support community. We recommend ensuring your contact information is up to date to receive all important notifications.

Q. Is this change a precursor to other changes regarding older returns and historical data access?

A. This particular change is focused on streamlining the PPR credit request process. However, as part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are always evaluating our products and services.

Q. What are some of the innovations that benefit you most that these resource changes will support?

A. By focusing our resources on the most recent tax years, we can enhance our development efforts in areas such as improved e-filing functionality, more robust tax planning tools, and a more intuitive user interface. This shift allows us to provide a more valuable and modern experience for our users.

Q. Where can I find out more about PPR?

A. Avoiding Duplicate Pay-Per-Return (PPR) charges and requesting PPR refunds

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How to avoid duplicate charges:

• Authorizing and printing from a single computer.
• Prepare the return in the same client file that contained the extension.
• Making sure the Social Security number (SSN) and EIN are correct before authorizing the return.
• Making sure the correct state returns are attached at the time of authorization.
  • See Adding and removing State/City Returns in ProSeries if states were attached in error.
• Avoid creating multiple data files for a single client until the data file is authorized. Copies can be made after the file is authorized, and those copies will maintain the authorization.

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What causes duplicate charges:

• If a client file is deleted, and then re-entered, that client will need to be re-authorized.
• If your computer crashes and you need to re-install a new computer, a charge will be incurred.
• If you uninstalled, renamed your program folders, and reinstalled your program, the authorization returns will be deleted.
• If a new unlimited product was recently purchased, you'll need to re-license your program.
• If you print just one page of the form, and then the full form.

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Request a Pay-Per-Return refund:

If you encounter duplicate charges and a refund is needed, submit your request using our self-serve request process on My Account. All requests are subject to approval.

1. Sign in to MyAccount.
2. From the left side of the screen select Billing ⮕ ProSeries PPR.
3. Choose the Request PPR Refund dropdown and select Request a Refund.
4. Fill out the form, and Attach the Audit Report.
5. For steps to save your audit report to PDF and upload, hover over the next to Report File and follow the instructions.
6. Select Submit.

You will receive a confirmation that can be saved, as well as an email confirmation. Save the Tracking Number. You can follow the same steps above and select Track Refund if you would like to see the status of your request. The Tracking Number should be entered in the Enter Case Number field.

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Common questions about pay-per-return charges

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