A transmittal letter may be prepared for every return based on the selection made in this box. To override this option for specific returns, an entry is available on the transmittal letter interview form.
The valid options are:
Do not prepare transmittal letter
Transmittal letter
Transmittal letter without letterhead or border
When this field is blank and no override is present on the the Letters and Filing Instructions worksheet, Transmittal Letter section, a transmittal letter will not be produced.
Cover Letter
The cover letter may be prepared for every return based on the entry in this field. To override this entry for specific returns, an entry is available on the the Letter and Filing Instructions worksheet, Filing Instructions and Cover Letter section.
The valid options are:
Do not prepare cover letter
Cover letter
Cover letter without letterhead or border
The cover letter is not available in the 706/709 service.
Filing Instructions. Filing instructions may be prepared for every return based on the entry in this field. To override this entry for specific returns, an entry is available on the .the Letter and Filing Instructions worksheet, Filing Instructions and Cover Letter section.
The valid options are:
Do not prepare filing instructions
Standard filing instructions
Custom filing instructions
K-1 Transmittal Letter
If an entry is made in this box, the K-1 transmittal letter will be prepared for every 1041, 1065, and 1120S return for each beneficiary, partner, or shareholder. If this box is blank, returns can be selected on an individual basis for the inclusion of the K-1 transmittal letters with an entry on the K-1 transmittal letter interview form.
Extension Letter/Extension Filing Instructions
An extension transmittal letter can be produced prior to the due date of the return, if a federal or state extension is prepared in the return. If not all units (federal or multiple states) within the return have an extension, the extension letter is prepared for those units with an extension. Information regarding the regular return is included in the letter for any unit not including an extension. To override this entry for specific returns, an entry is available on the Letter and Filing Instructions worksheet, Transmittal Letter section.
This option is not available for the 706/709 or 5500 services.
The valid options are:
Not applicable
Prepare letter informing the taxpayer that the accountant is handling the filing of the extension forms.
Prepare letter explaining the filing of the extension forms by the taxpayer.
The letterhead information in the Return Configuration Set consists of four lines for:
Firm Name (two lines)
Firm Street Address
Firm City, State, and ZIP code
The firm name prints at the top of the transmittal letter using the letterhead information in the Return Configuration Set. The firm name from the signature block information will print on the signature line of the transmittal letter, unless an override for the name of the signing accountant is entered or the option "Print Heading Line 1 on Signature Line of Letters" is selected and the firm name is entered.
The the Return Configuration Set firm letterhead information can be overridden with entries in the "the Return Configuration Set Overrides" section on the transmittal letter worksheet. Each line of the letterhead may be overridden independent of the other lines. When entering override information, if a field is blank, the standard letterhead information in the the Return Configuration Set file for that line of the letterhead will be used.
Print Transmittals in Upper Case
The transmittal letter and filing instructions print in mixed case unless the the Return Configuration Set option to print all transmittal letters in upper case is selected. This election also applies to K-1 letters and estimate reminder letters.
This option is available on a return by return basis with an entry in the "General Letter Information" section of the letter interview forms.
Print Transmittals in Government Copy
An entry in this field prints the transmittal letter and/or filing instructions in the government copy of the tax return. If no entry is made here or in the "Print Code" on the transmittal letter or filing instructions worksheets, the "transmittals" will print only in the accountant's and taxpayer's copy of the return. An entry on the Letters and Filing Instructions worksheets overrides an entry here.
Print Extended Due Date
After the due date of the return has passed, the transmittal letter and filing instructions refer to mailing the return "as soon as possible." Use this field to change the instruction to refer to mailing the return by the extended due date (e.g., August 15).
Letters reflect paper filing instructions when electronic filing is disqualified
Use this option if you have requested electronic filing but prefer the letter and filing instructions to reference paper filing of the return until it has been qualified for electronic filing.
Use "prepared by" section for custom filing instructions
This option when enabled will use the Transmittal letter/filing instructions heading information in Office Manager or within the return instead of the signature block in the "Prepared by" section of the custom filing instructions. The option can be overriden in the return on the General worksheet, Letters and Filing Instructions, Filing Instructions and Cover Letter, Override filing instructions.
Include paragraph referencing IRS Revenue Procedure 2012-17
This option sets the default for including the paragraph referencing Rev Proc 2012-17 on partnership returns.
Suppress phone number in K-1 letter (1065 and 1120S only)
This option when enabled will suppress the firm phone number in the preparer section of the K-1 letters for 1065 and 1120S returns. This option can be overridden in the return on the Partners Worksheet, Schedule K-1 Transmittal Letter, Print Options, Suppress phone number below letterhead.
Transmittal Letter/Filing Instructions - Complimentary Close
The complimentary closing option allows firms to specify the closing for all returns. For example, "Sincerely," "Thank you," etc., could be entered. If a closing is not specified in the Return Configuration Set or is not overridden, the transmittal and cover letter(s) close with, "Very truly yours,."
A different closing may be specified on a return by return basis in the Letters and Filing Instructions worksheet, Filing Instructions and Cover Letter section.
Custom Letterhead
A "Custom Letterhead" can be established for any firm. A unique number representing a laser form will be set up for each firm requesting this feature. When a unique number is entered in the "Custom Letterhead Laser Form Number" box, all transmittal letters and invoices will print on the established laser form.
To override this feature on a specific return, enter a "2" in the "Letterhead Code" field on the Letter and Filing Instructios worksheet, Filing Instructions and Cover Letter section. The letterhead for that return's transmittal letter(s) will print using the transmittal letterhead information in the Return Configuration Set (see below), or the overriding letterhead entries if present in the Letters and Filing Instructions worksheet, Filing Instructions and Cover Letter section.
Print Heading Line 1 on Signature Line of Letters
If this field is blank, the firm name from the signature block information or the preparer name will print on the transmittal letter as the name of the signing accountant. An alternative name may be entered on the Letters and Filing Instructions worksheet, Filing Instructions and Cover Letter section to override this on a specific return.
Separate Transmittal Letters for Federal and States
A combined transmittal letter is prepared for federal and state returns. If an entry is made in this field separate transmittal letters will be prepared for federal and state returns. This is not valid in the 5500 service.
Use "I" in All Letters
All letters are produced using the plural pronouns "We" and "Our." If an entry in made in this field, singular pronouns "I" and "My" will be used.
Leave Date Blank on All Letters
For in-office returns the date on the letters prints as the date the return is prepared. For service center users, the letter date is three days from the date prepared. An entry in this field eliminates the date from all letters.