DO NOT CUSTOMIZE FORMS! Problem I faced today, Feb. 1

[Jack from Ohio]

As posted previously...

"1040 EF Info Error: Form(s) 1040 EF Info, OH EF Info appears to be corrupt. Please discard these forms, add new copies, and save the return before re-creating the e-file."

"OH E-File Info Error: This state E-File Inof appears to be corrupt. Please discard this E-File Info, add a new one (from Add Forms), re-enter your data and create this e-file again."

After 2 hrs 15 minutes on the phone, I have the answer. Everyone please take note! If you customize a form, it will cause an error when that form is updated in a return.

The tech support person removed all the customized forms, replaced them with current versions, and problem was solved. I input the "Updates to Master Forms" yesterday.

DO NOT CUSTOMIZE FORMS!! The tech support person denied that the progam code was changed. I KNOW the program code has been changed, because last year I customized 35 different forms.

CCH customer service and tech support is starting this filing season on the wrong foot with me. If the customization was going to be a problem, the programmers should have removed it, or at least sent us a heads up!!

[grandmabee]

I customized scheduel A to check the box to always print even if not needed because I need it for state and it won't print unliess I remember to check that box on top of each return. easier to just change master. They all went efile with no problems.

[taxit]

We also have customized several forms with no issues so far.

[Jack from Ohio]

Forewarned is forearmed.

[jklcpa]

I've only ever customized the client letters and cover to be more generic and shows through the particular window covers I use. I wonder if even doing that will cause a problem with the program?

[Jack from Ohio]

We customize several forms with "check boxes." I am only relaying what the tech person told me.

"We only support you Customizing forms if you know how to do it. You can't make any changes that would break strings or formulas."

If the process is that fraught with danger, why is it available to us? The part that angers me is the fact that the program engine code had to be changed for this to make a difference this year. He denied that when I pressed him.

We had the same issue with program code being changed last year.

CCH is on the losing slide with customer/technical service for me.

I called the technical support line and was answered by a customer service girl. She could only read canned answers give her. When I asked "If this process doesn't work, then what?" She said... "Then I connect you to technical support." My response... "I thought this WAS technical support, and you need to connect me to them." Her response... "I can't connect you to them." My response... "If I speak to your supervisor, I am sure HE can connect me."

She connected be, and then the rest of the story unfolded.

BE AFRAID!! BE VERY VERY AFRAID!!