Adding Custom Form

[MAMalody]

I must be doing something wrong, however, I am unable to add a custom form as I have done in past years. I also must be researching wrong, because I cannot find the directions. I have not checked the video tip section, however, does anybody know where to find how to add a custom form?

[Jack from Ohio]

I do not believe that this is an option with the new program format. We can no longer unprotect and change forms either. They have had too many problems with people altering formulas and changing things that cause problems with e-file.

Too many people who fancy themselves computer pros causing problems.

[kcjenkins]

The IRS ordered all the software providers to remove the ability to customize forms this year. It's a shame, but we can't blame the software companies, they have to comply with whatever rules the IRS sets for forms.

[Jack from Ohio]

You can still attach a .pdf file to the return when you e-file.

[MAMalody]

My issue was a form I developed that helped me do the work, in detail, for the clergy worksheets. I could link the worksheet I did to the clergy worksheets and it made my life a lot easier. Now I will have to do the worksheet on the outside and then transfer the answer. Not a killer in itself, however, when I could put the worksheet in the program and adjustments to the worksheet would automatically flow to the worksheets and tax return. Oh, well. I will just have to deal with the reality of where we are.

[joanmcq]

So I can't add a spreadsheet anymore? Like Mike, I do specialized returns, and had my community property split spreadsheet as a custom form that calculated the split.

[Jack from Ohio]

The same reason applies to adding custom sheets as to why we are not allowed to unprotect and change forms. Changes to the formulas and program structures were causing innacuracies and problems with e-file.

The other reason is, the new format is not excel spreadsheet based. Totally different. This format is going to be here a while, so grab your learning caps and dive in.

[joanmcq]

I guess I'll go back to the excel version of the spreadsheet and attach as a pdf if the same-sex returns can even be efiled this year. And yes, I've heard from Lacerte users that their software won't allow the efile either, so it's not just ATX here.

[SCL]

The same reason applies to adding custom sheets as to why we are not allowed to unprotect and change forms. Changes to the formulas and program structures were causing innacuracies and problems with e-file.

The other reason is, the new format is not excel spreadsheet based. Totally different. This format is going to be here a while, so grab your learning caps and dive in.

a fellow on the other board suggested that the 2011 and before ability of atx to unprotect, change, create, and alter all kinds of things within the program is the reason why 2012 won't rollover, is slow, crashes, etc.

there is no clean/equivalent/known place in the new/different program format for the prior spreadsheet format data to go...without creating many (a gazillion?) exceptions in the code...it is what they seem to be doing one guinea pig beta tester at a time.

[joanmcq]

I had no issues with the one return I rolled over, and it had the custom spreadsheet in it. And the spreadsheet never rolled over with the return (which peeved me a bit). The only other modification I made was to change the return cover sheet to read 'Federal & State' instead of just 'Federal'.

So I wonder how many people that are having issues with rollover customized the actual forms?

[Catherine]

I'm pretty peeved that I can't even customize the stupid letter. All I want to do is add a short sentence telling folks to call me if they get any letter, and not respond themselves. That's taking no-customizing too far.

[DevM]

Catherine,

There is a blank Template whcih you can use and recreate the letter the way you want to.

Open any return and go to Client letter>Edit Formatting>Template>Blank..

[Catherine]

Thanks. I'd been thinking of using Word -- and I may still go there to draft the letter, then paste in to ATX.

[Joel]

I have always used word and mail merge since I started with ATX. Because I use all caps in the return I was not satisfied with the name and address in the ATX letter. I realize that I have a smaller number of clients and have to maintain a separate data base of addresses that I also use for my end of year mailings to current and former clients.