Opening Tax Returns and Templates

Open tax returns and templates from the Return Manager window. To open tax returns, you must have the Tax returns > View right assigned. You can edit an open return if you have the Tax returns > Edit right assigned.

Opening Tax Returns

Depending on conditions, such as your product licenses, firm setup, and the state of the return, various scenarios can occur when opening returns. Returns open in a new window, displaying the tax year, return type, and client ID in the title bar.

To open a return, do one of the following:

ClosedSelect tax returns from the Return Manager grid.

  1. In Return Manager, select the view containing the return you want to open on the navigation panel. The grid refreshes with all returns you have permission to view and access.

    2. For more information about the navigation panel views, see Using Views in Return Manager.

  2. Double-click the return, or select a return and select File > Open on the menu bar.
  3. If you are opening a secured return, enter the password and click OK. If not already downloaded, the appropriate tax forms required to process your return are downloaded for the tax year and return type.

ClosedSelect tax returns from the Application menu.

  1. Click in the Return Manager window or from inside an open return.
  2. Select from the list of recently used returns in the right pane of the menu.
  3. If you are opening a secured return, enter the password and click OK. If not already downloaded, the appropriate tax forms required to process your return are downloaded for the tax year and return type.

Searching for a Client ID or Client Name

You can enter a client ID or client name in the Search box to locate and open a return. If there is only one return for the client in the selected tax year, the return opens. If more than one return exists in the tax year, the matching returns display in the list.

Alternate Scenarios

When opening returns, additional conditions can occur, depending on the following circumstances:

ClosedThe tax return opens in read-only mode.

Returns open in read-only mode when any of the following conditions apply:

  • Return is locked
  • Large return is in use by a batch process
  • Return was converted from another vendor

ClosedThe tax return does not open.

A return will not open if you do not have the functional right permission to view returns.

ClosedCommon data has changed.

When you open tax returns containing common dataClosed Data fields used in two or more applications, such as client ID, sort name, and email address, that are shared between products. that was changed in the client profile, the Update Tax Return window displays before the return opens. Changed information is listed, giving you the option of selecting the updates to apply to the tax return. You can do the following:

  • Apply all updates. Click Apply Updates to apply all updates for the listed fields to the tax return. 
  • Apply updates selectively. Apply changes selectively by clearing the check box next to individual items and clicking Apply Updates. Only selected items that are applicable to the return type are applied to the tax return. Do not select changes that affect only this return and should not replace previous client information.
  • Apply edited updates. Change any of the editable entries in the Value column and click Apply Updates. Edits made in the Update Tax Return window are applied in the return, but not the client profile. 
  • Bypass all updates. Click Bypass Updates to avoid entering the updates in the tax return. If you bypass updates when opening a return and then save the return, the Update Tax Return window will no longer display when you reopen that return until another change is made to the client profile.

See Sharing Common Data to find the client information that is common to Tax and Client Maintenance.

ClosedThe tax return is in use by another user.

If a return is open in a different session of Tax, a list of options displays asking how you would like to proceed.

Component Condition Action
Retry Return is still in-use Options redisplay
Return is not in-use Return opens

ClosedA Practice time clock is saved or paused.

When opening a return with a time clock that was saved, you are prompted to start a new clock. If a time clock was paused and not saved the last time a return was closed, you are prompted to use the status bar time clock controls to resume, delete, or stop the paused time clock.

Opening Tax Templates

To open a template, do the following:

  1. In Return Manager, select the view containing the template you want to open on the navigation panel. The grid refreshes with all templates you have permission to view and access.

    2. For more information about the navigation panel views, see Using Views in Return Manager.

  2. In Return Manager, click the Views drop-down (located in the lower left corner of the grid), select Templates > All Templates. A list of your templates created for all your installed tax years is displayed.
  3. Double-click the template, or select a template and select File > Open on the menu bar.

Note: Changes made to a template are not applied to returns created from that template. Changes made to a return that was created from a template are not applied to that template.

Searching for a Tax Template Name

You can enter a template name in the Search box to locate and open a template. If there is only one template for the name in the selected tax year, the template opens. If more than one template exists in the tax year, the matching templates display in the list.

Tax Template is Already Open

If a template is open in a different session of Tax, a list of options displays asking how you would like to proceed.

Component Condition Action
Retry Template is still in-use Options redisplay
Template is not in-use Template opens
Access Anyway Template is still in-use Message displays the template cannot be opened
Template is not in-use or was locked because it was abnormally terminated Template opens