Here's how we saved a ton of time on 1040 extensions

[Abby Normal]

Before we rolled over clients who have not come in yet, we customized 4868.

In Customize master forms, open 1040, 1040 EF, 4868 and Comparison.
 

1. On comparison page 2, enter some amount on line 63 Total tax in the Prior Year column (This field will be restored later)
2. Link line 63 prior year to 4868 tab 1 line 4. This will show you prior year's tax if you have the Comparison form as part of the return. You can override this when your doing the 4868 later. We usually round up to the next thousand.
3. On 4868 tab 1 line 7, enter zero. (Otherwise, line 7 will flow to the 1040 as if a payment had been made. 99% of our clients are not making a payment with 4868)
4. On 4868 tab 1, check the box, Lock amounts and carry payment
5. On 4868 E-file Info tab:

• Check Practitioner PIN
• Link Taxpayer PIN, Spouse PIN, Spouse ERO entered box to the same fields on 1040 EF Info form.
• Link Date Signed to 1040 page 2 date in paid preparer section at bottom.

       6. Enter your ERO PIN.
       7. On Comparison form, restore line 63.
       8. Save!

This saved us a ton of time efiling extensions.