Accessing the 1040ValuePak Portal: How do I get to the 1040ValuePak Portal?      Answer 1 - From the Login Page: If you are currently on the Login Page click the PORTAL link under Quick Links.      Answer 2 - From inside the tax software: If you are currently in the tax software click TOOLS > PORTAL.      Answer 3 - From the Support Site: If you are currently at the Support Site click TAX HELP and then click the PORTAL link under Quick Links.     This is the direct link: http://www.1040valuepak.com/news_center/home.htm Clearing Your Browsing History in Chrome: How do I clear by browsing history in Google Chrome?      Answer: Press the CTRL+H keys. On the left click CLEAR BROWSING DATA . Select Time range: ALL TIME. Click the CLEAR DATA button. Close the window. Clearing Your Browsing History in IE: How do I clear my browsing history in Internet Explorer?      Answer: Go to TOOLS->INTERNET OPTIONS. Click on SETTINGS. Check the box that says: EVERY TIME I VISIT THE WEBPAGE. Click OK. Click DELETE. Logging in to the Tax Preparation System: How do I login for the first time?      Answer: At the 1040 ValuePak Portal click on the PREPARE RETURNS button. Then click the Current Year login link. Web Browsers / Download Chrome: Which web browser should I use to prepare returns?      Answer: We recommend using Google Chrome. You can download Chrome by clicking here.

Changing Your Password: How do I change my password?      Answer: Log in to the SOFTWARE. Click on SETUP->MY ACCOUNT. Enter a NEW PASSWORD. Repeat the NEW PASSWORD. Click SAVE. Unable to Login?: Are you unable to Login to 1040 ValuePak Professional?      Answer: Click on CAN'T ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT? Select FORGOT USERNAME or FORGOT PASSWORD. Enter your FIRMS email address.     If you have forgotten your password, enter your USERNAME.

Adding Preparers without a PTIN: How do I create a login for an employee who has not yet obtained a PTIN?      Answer: You cannot create a log in for an employee unless they have a PTIN. Changing Preparer Logins: How do I reset or change my employee's password?      Answer: Click SETUP->MANAGE USER ACCOUNTS. Type in your EMPLOYEE'S USERNAME. Click SEARCH. Then click on RESET PASSWORD. Creating Preparer Logins: How do I add a new tax preparer?      Answer: Go to ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT and complete the PREPARER SETUP FORM.     From the PORTAL: Click on GETTING STARTED and then go to SECTION 2, STEP 1. Disabling Preparer Logins: How do I permanently disable an employee login?      Answer: First, reset the employee's password. See "Changing Preparer Logins" above. Then let us know which employee's login to permanently disable. Restricting Efile Capabilities for Preparers: How do I restrict efile capabilities for an employee?      Answer: Tell us his name, or send an email to help@taxsoftwaresupport.com. Be sure to include your customer number and the emplopyee's name. Restricting Access to Reports: How do I restrict an employee's access to Firm reports?      Answer: Tell us his name, or send an email to help@taxsoftwaresupport.com. Be sure to include your customer number and the emplopyee's name.

Importing Pricing From Last Year: How do I update my fees from last year?      Answer: Click SETUP->PRICING. Click UPDATE PRICING FROM PRIOR YEAR. Office Pricing: Where do I setup my tax preparation fees?      Answer: Click SETUP->PRICING. Select FEDERAL or STATE. Select the form from the list. Click SET PRICING. Enter the amount. Click SAVE. The Setup Menu: How do I access the Setup Menu?      Answer: Click on the SETUP from the RECENT RETURNS screen.

Accessing the Tax Estimators: How do I access the tax estimators?      Answer: The Tax Estimator can be accessed by doing the following:     From the Login Page: Click the TAX ESTIMATOR link under Quick Links.     From inside the tax software: Click TOOLS > SUPPORT > TAX HELP and then click the TAX ESTIMATOR link under Quick Links.     From the Support Site: Click TAX HELP and then click the TAX ESTIMATOR link under Quick Links.     From the Portal: Click PREPARE RETURNS and then click the TAX ESTIMATOR link under Current Year Login.     Here's the direct link to it: Tax Estimator. The Tax Estimators: How do I do a tax estimate for my customer?      Answer: Use the Tax Estimator to get an estimate of a taxpayer’s refund in less than a minute. See Accessing the Tax Estimators above. The Tools Menu: What can I do with the Tools Menu?      Answer: Print Checks, Go to the Tax Estimator, Print Blank Forms, Check Messages, Go to TPSC, Go to the Portal and Go to Support.

The Home Screen: The Tools Menu

Changing the Resident State: How do I change the Resident State?      Answer: On the TAXPAYER INFORMATION SCREEN, select the state from the RESIDENT STATE Drop Down box. Completing Disclosures: Do I need to complete all of the Disclosures?      Answer: You are encouraged to do all disclosures. Consent to Disclosure Bank is only necessary when there is a tax related bank product. Data Entry Methods: What are the different data entry methods?      Answer: The Interview Mode, the Forms Mode and the Grid Mode. The Interview Method asks a series of questions and suggests the necessary forms. Deleting Returns: How do I delete a return?      Answer: For returns that you did NOT efile: Send an email to help@taxsoftwaresupport.com with your customer number and a list of the SSNs, with no dashes, spaces, or names. Direct Deposit: How do I do a direct deposit to the taxpayer's account?      Answer: Go to BALANCE. Click on ADD FORM next to DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION. Make a FEDERAL and STATE SELECTION. Enter the ACCOUNT INFORMATION and confirm. Electronic Funds Withdrawal: How do I make a tax payment through the software?      Answer: Go to BALANCE. Click on ADD FORM next to EF WITHDRAWAL INFORMATION. Make a FEDERAL and STATE selection. Enter the ACCOUNT INFORMATION and confirm. Forms Mode: What's the easiest way to find a form?      Answer: Enter the Form Code in the Form Code Box. For the Form Codes see DOCUMENTS > 08 & 09. Importing a Return From Last Year: How do I import a return from last year?      Answer: Enter the SSN in the CREATE NEW RETURN box. Confirm the SSN. Click CREATE RETURN. When prompted, IMPORT THE DATA. Moving Returns Between Preparers: How do I move returns between preparers?      Answer: Click the FIND button. Click MY FIRM'S RETURNS. Enter the SSN or NAME. Click SEARCH. OPEN the Return. At the bottom of the TAXPAYER INFO SCREEN select the PREPARER. Multi-State Returns: How do I add additional states to the return?      Answer: Select I LIVED IN MULTIPLE STATES in the Resident State drop down box on the Taxpayer Information Screen and be sure to save your selection.     Click on STATES from the Navigation bar. Select your ADDITIONAL STATES from the State Drop box. Click on ADD. Click NEXT to see the state forms. Opening Forms: How do I use the Form Code Box?      Answer: Enter the Form Code in the Form Code Box. For the Form Codes see DOCUMENTS > 08 & 09. Protecting Confidential Taxpayer Information: What steps must I take to protect confidential taxpayer information? Providing Bank Products: My customer is not able to pay his tax preparation fees...      Answer: Complete a Bank Application to offer Refund Transfers. Please see Section C on this page. Send for Review: Can I send returns to Technical Support for review?      Answer: No, the Send for Review feature allows you to be notified by your employees when a return is ready for you to review. State Tax Returns: Where do I enter the Resident State of the taxpayer?      Answer: The program automatically generates state returns based on the federal tax return information. Tax Preparation Help: Does technical support provide assistance with preparing tax returns?

1099K Transactions: Where do I enter 1099K Transactions?      Answer: They are reported on one of the corresponding screens for either a Schedule C, Schedule E, or Schedule F. Form 1099-NEC: Where do I enter Form 1099-NEC?      Answer: Non-Employee Compensation is reported on Form 1099-NEC, line 1 and NOT on Form 1099-MISC, line 7. First Time Home Buyer's Credit Repayments: Where do I enter First Time Home Buyer Credit Repayments?      Answer: Type HOME in the FORM CODE box. Click GO. Key in the requested information. Click SAVE. Then verify Form 1040 Page 2 is displaying the amount. Home Mortgage Interest: Where do I enter home mortgage interest, Schedule A or the 1098 screen?      Answer: Type 1098 into the FORM CODE Box. Click GO to open Form 1098 OR enter the amount directly on Schedule A. DO NOT ENTER on BOTH. Identity Protection PINs: Where to I enter an Identity Protection PIN?      Answer: Click FINISH in the blue navigation bar. Click ADD A FORM next to the 8879/8878 E-File Signature Form.     Go to the Taxpayers PIN and/or Spouse's PIN section. Enter it in the IDENTITY PROTECTION PIN box. Scholarships: How do I report scholarships?      Answer: Type INC into the FORM CODE Box. Click GO. Enter on line 7 any taxable scholarships that are not reported on Form W-2. Click SAVE. Student Loan Interest: Where do I enter student loan interest?      Answer: Type ADJ into the FORM CODE Box. Click GO to open Adjustments - Form 1040. Enter the Student Loan Interest paid at line 33. Click SAVE. Taxable State and Local Refunds: Where do I enter taxable state and local refunds?      Answer: Type INC into the FORM CODE Box. Click GO to open Income - Form 1040. Enter the Taxable State and Local Refunds at line 10. Click SAVE. Tuition Expenses: Where do I enter tuition expenses?      Answer: Type 8863 or 8917 into the FORM CODE Box. Click GO to open Form 8863/8917 - Education Credits.

Incorrect Information in Paid Preparer Section: Why does the Paid Preparer Section of the printed return not display my correct company information?      Answer: That's what you provided us. If it's incorrect click on ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT and submit the CONTACT INFORMATION CHANGE FORM. Return Viewing Options-Entire Return: What options are available when viewing the Entire Return? Return Viewing Options-Partial Return: What options are available when viewing a Partial Return? Viewing & Printing Returns: How do I view and print a return?      Answer: Click on the VIEW RETURN button. Select a Return Option and click on CREATE PDF. Click on OPEN to open the PDF.

Another Preparer Is Filing Returns Using Pay Stubs...: What should I do?      Answer: The IRS encourages EROs to notify them if there is suspicion of fraud by calling (800) 829-0433.     You can also report fraudulent or abusive returns, including those with questionable Forms W-2, to the IRS by submitting Form 3949A, Information Referral.     How Do You Report Suspected Tax Fraud Activity? Click here. Auditing to Ensure W-2 Use: Can I efile before the taxpayer has his W-2s?      Answer: The IRS prohibits the submission of electronic returns prior to the receipt of all Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R. The IRS prohibits using pay stubs. Efiling Prior Year Returns: Which prior year returns can I efile?      Answer: You can efile the current year and the two previous years. Efiling Tips & Tricks: What are the do's and don'ts of e-filing? Finding the SID: Does the SID appear in View on Forms 8878, 8879 or 9325?      Answer: No. In View Return: On FORMS 8878 AND 8879, the DCN appears in the SUBMISSION IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (SID) field.     On FORM 9325 after acceptance, paragraph 2 displays both the DCN and the first six digits (the EFIN component) of the submission ID. Identifying the SID: What does an SID look like?      Answer: A Submission ID looks like this: "11111120140358a56rfn" Retaining Form(s) 8879: What should I do with Form(s) 8879?      Answer: Keep these forms in your office files for three (3) years from the due date of the return, or the IRS Acknowledgement date, whichever is later.     You may electronically image and store these forms in accordance with the guidelines in Revenue Procedure 97-22, Retention of Books and Records. Rogue Returns: What should I do with a "rogue" return that the IRS or a State just won't accept?      Answer: Occasionally this happens. Every year there are a few returns that cannot be e-filed. These returns become mail-in returns. Submission IDs (SIDs): What is a Submission ID (SID)?      Answer: A Submission ID is a 20-character string that identifies an MeF e-file submission. Transmitting a Tax Return: How do I efile a tax return?      Answer: Complete the return. Click FINISH. Click NEXT. Clear any errors. Click CONTINUE. Confirm the items you are efiling. Click EFILE. Transmitting with a Bank Product: How do I efile a tax return with a bank product?      Answer: Click on BALANCE->TPSC PRODUCT INFORMATION. Transmitting without a Bank Product: How do I efile a tax return without a bank product?      Answer: Simply determine and enter whether the taxpayer will receive a check or a direct deposit.

The Client Contact Report: How can I print mailing labels?      Answer: Runing the Client Contact Report: Click on the REPORTS MENU. Select CLIENT CONTACT REPORT. Click PRIOR for last year's clients. Click APPLY FILTER.     Exporting the Client Contact Report to Excel: Look for the EXPORT link above the SSN column. Click EXPORT.     Creating Mailing Labels: Run the REPORT. Click the hyperlink to the AVERY MAILING LABELS located just below the APPLY FILTER button. The Fees Report: Where can I see the tax preparation fees I charged?      Answer: The FEES REPORT displays the primary taxpayer’s SSN and name, as well as refund, bank, tax preparation, and additional fees. The Reports Menu: What reports can I run in the 1040 ValuePak Professional?      Answer: The Client Status Report, the Client Contact Report, the Fees Report and the Login Audit Report.

Acknowledgement Types: What do the following types of ACKs mean: A, R, B, S, P, E?     A - An A Ack means the tax return was Accepted by the IRS.     R - An R Ack means the tax return was Rejected by the IRS.     B - A B Ack or Bad Acknowledgement usually mean there's a problem with your office setup. You may NOT be fully approved by the bank.     S - An S Ack indicates the return has been mailed, with bank product direct deposit information. This allows you to recevie your fees and print checks.     P - A P Ack indicates that you have transmitted and have a Pending tax return, which will be forwarded to the IRS or state DOR.     E - An E Ack indicates that the Imperfect Return Indicator was selected for this return and it has been processed and accepted. Bank Product Acknowledgement Details: How can I tell whether the bank product has been funded by looking at the ACK detail?      Answer: Look at the Check and Deposit information. Checking Acknowledgements: Where can I see all of my returns and whether they are accepted?      Answer: To monitor the status of your returns go to REPORTS > CLIENT STATUS REPORTS. Prior Year Acks: How can I check Prior Year Acks?      Answer: View the EF DETAILS on your current year yax return. This works only if you have filed both years during the same tax year. Viewing the Acknowledgement Details: What information is available when I click on View Ack Detail?      Answer: Taxpayer's SSN, Taxpayer's Name and Address, Transmitting EFIN, Submission ID, Federal Acceptance Date,     Filing Status, Preparer No. (identifies the preparer that did the return), Tax Year, State Transmitted and State Acceptance Date.

Compliance Training: Where do I go to do TPG compliance training?      Answer: Go to the TPG website and log in with your TPG user name and password. Submitting the Application: How do I enroll with the bank?      Answer: Go to ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT and submit the BANK APPLICATION FORM.

Age Limitations: Are there any age limitations when applying for a bank product?      Answer: The taxpayer and spouse if MFJ must be at least 18 years of age. Error message 5671 or 5117 will generate if they aren't over 18 years of age. Direct Deposit of Refunds: Can a taxpayer direct deposit a refund into someone else's account?      Answer: Under IRS Rules, taxpayers may designate refunds for Direct Deposit to qualified bank accounts in their name ONLY. Fee Limits: Are there any Fee Limits imposed by the bank?      Answer: Preparer fees are limited to $999.99. A customer must sign an additional form if the fees are over $400. You cannot charge more for an Advance Product. PO Boxes: Why am I getting an error about the taxpayer's PO Box?      Answer: All taxpayers applying for a bank product must have a PHYSICAL street address. PO Boxes are not allowed under the U.S. Patriot Act. Steps to Take: What do I need to do when I am providing bank products? US Patriot Act: What are the US Patriot Act requirements?      Answer: You must collect the taxpayer(s) Name, SSN, DOB and physical street address. Taxpayers must also provide an un-expired, Government-issued photo ID. Verifying RTNs and DANs: Do I need to verify RTNs and DANs?      Answer: Be sure that you have written documentation for the current year indicating the taxpayer's RTN and DAN.     It can be a voided check for checking accounts or the Cardholders Welcome Letter showing the RTN and DAN for debit cards. Verifying All Fees: Do I need to verify that my fees were withheld?      Answer: Be sure to check your Bill and ALL of the fees PRIOR to transmitting the tax return.     If there is an error in your Bill or fees DO NOT file the return and hope that the error will correct itself later - because it won't.     Be sure to check the amounts on any bank product checks that you give to taxpayers PRIOR to handing them the check.     If the check is for the wrong taxpayer or the wrong refund amount, including any fees, DO NOT give the check to the taxpayer. Call Technical Support.

Disbursement Methods: What are the available Disbursement Methods?      Answer: A tax office printed check, a Green Dot Visa Prepaid Card, a Direct Deposit or Walmart Direct2Cash. Upgrading to a Card: Can I upgrade a check or direct deposit to a card after it has been approved?      Answer: After approval of a check or direct deposit, it isn’t possible to upgrade the return to a card.     Complete the Taxpayer Disbursement Change Form. All TPG Forms are available on the TPG website under Forms. Other Disbursement Changes: Can I change the disbursement method of a bank product?      Answer: The disbursement method can be changed from Direct Deposit to Check or Card to Check. Complete the Taxpayer Disbursement Change Form.

Accessing Web Check Print: How do I print checks?      Answer: Access Web Check Printing from the software and clicking TOOLS > PRINT CHECKS. Login using your assigned username and password. Aligning Checks: My printed checks look weird...      Answer: Click SETTINGS. SELECT THE DIRECTION (Up or Down) and amount you would like to adjust the printing. Click SAVE. Cashing Checks: Where can the checks be cashed? Check Verification is for Financial Institutions Only      Answer: TPG checks can be verified one time only by the financial institution cashing the check. Verification is not intended for taxpayers or tax preparers. Corrected Checks: How do I get a check corrected?      Answer: Have the check printed by TPG Complete the TPG Corrected Check Request Form at the TPG website under Common Forms. General Info Important Notice Regarding Your Financial Responsibility Lost Checks: The taxpayer lost his check. What do I do?      Answer: Assist the taxpayer in filling out the TPG Lost Check Affidavit.     All TPSC Forms are available on the TPG website under Common Forms.     Once TPSC processes the form, you will be able to print the check in your office after 10 days. Misspelled Names: I misspelled my client's name...      Answer: Assist the taxpayer in filling out the TPG Corrected Check Request Form.     All TPSC Forms are available on the TPG website under Common Forms. TPG will print the check and mail it to your client. Printing a Batch of Checks: How do I print a batch of checks?      Answer: You may batch print up to 40 checks at once by clicking the PRINT BATCH button. Printing a Test Check: How do I print a Test Check?      Answer: Click PRINT TEST CHECK. Click VIEW CHECK. Reprinting a Check: How do I reprint a check?      Answer: Search for the check by SSN or Last Name from the FIND CHECKS box. Once the SSN shows up on the screen, click the REPRINT icon. Sample Check Stock: What do the checks look like? Setting Check Numbers: How do I set check numbers?      Answer: Click SET CHECK NUMBERS. Enter the starting check number of the check stock in the FIRST CHECK NUMBER box. Click CONTINUE. Stale Dated Checks: My client never cashed his check...      Answer: Assist the taxpayer in filling out the TPG Stale Check Form.     All TPSC Forms are available on the TPG website under Common Forms. TPG will resend an authorization for you to print the check in your office.. Unused Checks: What do I do with my unused Checks?      Answer: Check with your banking institution regarding the policy for disposing of unused check/card stock. Most banks will advise you to shred them. Verifying Check and Card Stock Verifying Your Fee Deposit Bank Account Information Voiding Checks: How do I void a check?      Answer: When you reprint a check the software automatically knows that the check was voided, and notifies the bank.

Amended Returns Refund Status: Will Where’s My Refund? provide a refund status if I filed an amended return? Erroneous Refunds: What should I do if I know for sure the refund I receive is not from my tax account? Expediting the Refund: Will calling the IRS help me get my refund any faster? Form 1042-S Refund Time Frame: My return included a Form 1042-S. When can I expect my refund? How Long Will It Take: How long will it take for my status to change from Return Received to Refund Approved? More Than 21 Days: It's been longer than 21 days since the IRS received my return and I have not gotten my refund. Why? Refund Amount Different: Why is my refund different than the amount reflected on the tax return I filed? Refund Approved: Where’s My Refund? shows the status of my refund as Refund Approved? Refund Dates: Will I see a date for my refund right away? Refund Disbursement Changed: I requested a direct deposit refund and it is now being mailed as a paper check. Why? Refund Sent: Where’s My Refund? shows the status of my tax return as Refund Sent? Refund Status: What is the best and fastest way to get information about my refund? Refund Time Frame: How quickly will I get my tax refund? Return Being Processed: How will I know if IRS received my tax return and if my refund is being processed? Return Received: Where’s My Refund? shows the status of my refund as Return Received? When to Check Refund Status: When can I start checking on my refund status? Where's My Refund? Updates: How often does Where’s My Refund? update?