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AM-TAX
1991 Tax Preparation Software
for the IBM Personal Computer
and compatibles
(c) Copyright 1986-1991 by:
AM SOFTWARE, Inc.
P.O. Box 25010
Kansas City, MO 64119
All Rights Reserved.
1991 AM-TAX REGISTRATION FORM
Name: ____________________________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________________________
:__________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________ State: ______ Zip: ___________
Phone: _________________________
[ ] Registration only ......................... @ $ 20.00 $ ______
(acknowledges use of the AM-Tax shareware version to do
your 1991 tax return; entitles you to phone support and
annual updates at registered rates.)
[ ] Personal-1 AM-Tax Registration............. @ $ 40.00 $ ______
(1991 program disk and manual with 30 forms, schedules,
and worksheets, IRS-approved 1040 on dot-matrix and
laser printers, overlay printing, telephone support and
updates for about $25 per year.)
[ ] Personal-2 AM-Tax Registration............. @ $ 65.00 $ ______
(1991 program disk and manual with 52 forms, schedules,
and worksheets, IRS-approved 1040 on dot-matrix and
laser printer, overlay printing, telephone support, and
annual updates for about $45 per year.)
[ ] Professional AM-Tax Registration........... @ $125.00 $ ______
(1991 program disk and manual with all Personal-2
features plus client instruction letter, invoice, and
1992 tax organizer; saves 500 returns per disk.)
[ ] 1991 State Tax programs .................. @ $ 30.00 ea $ ______
(Circle: AZ CA GA IL IN KS KY MA MD
MI MO NC NJ NY OH PA SC VA)
Laser printing and electronic filing software available. Call.
Missouri residents, add 6.425% sales tax...........Tax $ ______
TOTAL $ ______
Payment by: [ ] Check [ ] MC [ ] Visa
Card #: ________ - ________ - ________ - ________ Expires: ____/____
Signature of cardholder: ____________________________________________
Diskette size needed >>>>> [ ] 5.25" DSDD [ ] 3.5" (720K) <<<<<
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
AM SOFTWARE
P.O. Box 25010
Kansas City, MO 64119
Telephone MC/VISA orders: (816) 426-8361
AM-TAX: SHAREWARE AND REGISTRATION
AM-Tax is a copyrighted ((C) 1986 - 1991) property of AM SOFTWARE, Inc. It
is not in the public domain and it is not free.
There are several versions of AM-Tax. The "shareware" version prepares a
complete tax return consisting of Form 1040 and Schedules A, B, C, D, E, F,
R, SE. All of the supporting schedules (but not the 1040) print in a
format that can be filed directly with the IRS.
The AM-Tax "Personal-1" version does all of the above, plus it supports
Schedule EIC, Forms 2106, 2119, 2210, 2441, 3903, 4562, 6251, 8615, and
8814 and prints an IRS-approved version of the Form 1040 on most dot-
matrix and laser printers. The "Personal-1" program also works with
special tax form overlays and pre-printed, pin-fed forms.
The "Personal-2" version includes all of the "Personal-1" features plus
more forms (Schedules 1, 2, 3, EIC-A, Forms 1040A, 1040ES(1992), 3800,
4136, 4137, 4255, 4684, 4797, 4835, 4868, 4952, 4972, 5329, 6252, 8283,
8453, 8582, 8606, and 8829). It also prints a replica of the Form 1040 or
1040A on HP-compatible laser printers ("T" font cartridge required). This
version is distributed on two diskettes and requires 320K and two drives.
The AM-Tax "Professional" software includes features to print a client
instruction letter, invoice, and tax organizer. An "Electronic Filing"
version is available that will also allow the tax preparer to transmit
certain tax returns to the IRS. The Professional and Electronic Filing
versions require 512K and a hard drive.
Non-registered users are granted a limited license to use the shareware
version of AM-Tax on a trial basis to determine if it meets their tax
preparation needs. However, if you use AM-Tax to organize, draft, or
prepare your tax return or to prepare tax returns for others, you are
trusted to register your use of the program. Registration includes
telephone support and annual updates at a very modest cost.
All users (including electronic bulletin board sysops, user group
librarians, and public domain or shareware distributors) are granted
permission to copy the SHAREWARE version of AM-Tax for the trial use of
others subject to the following conditions:
o Advertising, catalogs, etc. must clearly indicate that this is the
"shareware" version of AM-Tax.
o AM-Tax must be copied in unmodified form, complete with the file
containing this registration information and documentation.
o Except for a small fee to cover the cost of copying and handling
(under $6), no other cost or compensation may be associated with
the distribution of AM-Tax. If a fee is charged, the distributor
must inform the purchaser that the fee does not meet their
registration responsibilities.
o AM-Tax may not be distributed free in conjunction with any other
product without the written consent of AM SOFTWARE, Inc.
AM Software is not associated with any shareware distributor and receives
no compensation from the sale of shareware diskettes. Purchasing a
shareware diskette does not constitute registration with AM Software.
Registered version be copied for the use of others under any circumstances.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
AM-Tax is a software program designed to assist you in the preparation of
your 1991 federal tax return. There are four versions of AM-Tax, a
shareware program and three versions of the registered program. This is
the shareware version of AM-Tax. It can prepare a complete tax return
consisting of the Form 1040 and any of the Schedules (A, B, C, D, E, F, R,
and SE).
The printed copy of the Form 1040 cannot be filed (you'll need to transfer
the figures to an official form). However, this program will print all of
the Schedules in a format accepted by the IRS. For those with relatively
simple tax situations, the shareware version may be all you need to use.
The "Personal-1" version of AM-Tax requires 320K of computer memory and
runs on virtually any computer configuration. In addition to all of
shareware features, the "Personal-1" version supports additional forms and
worksheets (see section 2.0) and supports printing with special tax form
overlays or pin-fed forms. The registered versions print an IRS-approved
Form 1040 on blank paper on most IBM or Epson-type dot-matrix printers and
HP Laserjet or Deskjet printers.
The "Personal-2" version of AM-Tax was developed for those that demand even
more forms and features. It offers all of the features found in the
shareware and "Personal-1" versions and supports over 50 IRS forms,
schedules and worksheets (including the Form 1040 and 1040A).
The AM-Tax "Professional" software includes features to print a client
instruction letter, invoice, and tax organizer. It requires 512K and a
hard drive.
You should find AM-Tax easy to learn since it's designed around the federal
1040. Supporting documents are accessed by selecting from a menu of tax
forms or by pressing the F6 key when you're on a line calling for one of
the schedules or forms included in the AM-Tax program.
General-purpose worksheets are available to enhance your record keeping.
For instance, to keep a permanent tax record of your medical expenses, tell
AM-Tax to itemize that line of the Schedule A. AM-Tax will add up the
expenses, transfer the total to the line itemized, and print a detailed
list for your records. Up to 50 lines of your tax return can be 'itemized'
and up to 45 items can be listed on each worksheet. You'll find many other
useful features after reading through this manual and trying the program.
AM-Tax is your assistant in preparing your tax return. It will save you a
lot of time, but it does not offer advice. You are the one responsible for
deciding whether you should file a return, which forms you need, and for
the figures entered and calculated on your return. The formulas in this
software program have been carefully checked and we believe that they are
correct. However, the tax laws are complex and at times vague. In some
cases your special circumstances may not be properly handled by the
program's calculations. You are the one ultimately responsible for the
numbers on the form. Inspect them before signing your return.
1
2.0 TAX FORMS SUPPORTED
The 1991 shareware version of AM-Tax supports the following federal forms:
Form 1040 - Individual Tax Return
Schedule A - Itemized Deductions
Schedule B - Interest/Dividend Income
Schedule C - Business Income or Loss (5 copies)
Schedule D - Capital Gain or Loss
Schedule D1 - Capital Gain or Loss Continuation Sheet
Schedule E-1 - Rental/Royalty Income (15 rental properties)
Schedule E-2 - Partnership, S-Corp, Estate, Trust Income
Schedule F - Farm Income
Schedule R - Credit for Elderly
Schedule SE - Self-Employment Tax (2 copies)
Form W-2 - Wage and Salary Income (25 copies)
Form W-2G - Gaming Income (3 copies)
Form W-2P - Pension Income (5 copies)
The following additional forms are supported in the "Personal-1",
"Personal-2", and "Professional" versions of the program:
Schedule EIC - Earned Income Credit
Form 2106 - Employee Business Expense (2 copies)
Form 2119 - Sale of Principal Residence
Form 2210 - Penalty for Underpayment of Taxes
Form 2441 - Child Care Credit
Form 3903 - Moving Expenses
Form 4562 - Depreciation (12 copies)
Form 6251 - Alternative Minimum Tax
Form 8615 - Tax on Child's Investment Income
Form 8814 - Reporting Child's Income on Parent's Return
The "Personal-2" and "Professional" versions handle all of the above, plus:
Form 1040A - Individual "Short" Form
Schedule 1 - Interest/Dividend Income (Form 1040A)
Schedule 2 - Dependent Care Credit (Form 1040A)
Schedule 3 - Disabled/Elderly Credit (Form 1040A)
Schedule EIC-A- Earned Income Credit (Form 1040A)
Form 3800 - General Business Credit
Form 4136 - Credit for Special Fuels
Form 4137 - Tax on Tip Income (2 copies)
Form 4255 - Recapture of Investment Credit
Form 4684 - Casualty/Theft Loss
Form 4797 - Sale of Business Property
Form 4835 - Farm Rental Income
Form 4868 - Application for Filing Extension
Form 4952 - Investment Interest Expense
Form 4972 - Tax on Lump Sum Distributions (2 copies)
Form 5329 - Tax on IRA (2 copies)
Form 6252 - Installment Sales (3 copies)
Form 8283 - Noncash Contributions (5 copies)
Form 8453 - Electronic Filing Declaration
Form 8582 - Passive Activity Loss Limits
Form 8606 - Nondeductible IRA Contribution (2 copies)
Form 8829 - Business Use of Your Home
Form 1040ES - 1992 Estimated Tax
2
AM-Tax uses special 'worksheets' to handle specific situations on the
federal tax form. The worksheets and maximum entries supported are:
Dependent Worksheet (15 dependents)
Depreciation Worksheet (40 properties)
Itemized Deduction Phaseout
IRA Worksheet
Partnership Worksheet (20 partnerships)
Passive Activity Worksheets
Personal Exemption Phaseout
Taxable Social Security Benefits
3.0 GETTING STARTED
To run AM-Tax, you'll need an IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or compatible; DOS 2.0
or later; at least 256K of memory; one drive or a hard drive.
Floppy Drive System:
a) Backup the AM-Tax program diskette.
b) Insert the AM-Tax diskette into drive A.
c) Insert a formatted, work diskette into drive B (or use drive A: for
data storage).
d) Start the program by typing: TAX91.
Hard-Disk System:
a) Insert the AM-Tax program disk into drive A.
b) Type: A:INSTALL
c) Follow the prompts on the installation procedure.
d) Start the program by typing: TAX91.
NOTE: All files provided on the program diskette should be kept together
either in the same disk drive or subdirectory of your hard disk.
Also, do not remove either the program diskette or the work diskette
at any time during the execution of AM-Tax.
3
4.0 MAIN MENU
AM-Tax begins with the following menu:
---------------------------------------------
| MAIN MENU |
| |
| 1. WORK ON A TAX RETURN |
| 2. PRINT TAX RETURN(S) |
| *. CONVERT 1990 DATA TO 1991 FORMAT |
| 4. SET SYSTEM OPTIONS |
| 5. TAX FILE MAINTENANCE |
| 6. GO TO STATE |
| Q. QUIT TO DOS |
| |
---------------------------------------------
Options marked with an "*" are supported only in the registered versions of
AM-Tax. These menu options are not operational in the shareware version.
1. WORK ON A TAX RETURN
Use this option to start a new tax return or to change/review a tax
return that you've previously saved.
2. PRINT RETURN(S)
Let's you print one or more of the tax returns previously saved on
disk. You will be asked to pick from a list of all possible tax
returns and to specify the printing options to use.
4. SET SYSTEM OPTIONS
Several parameters can be controlled to suit your computer system. You
should review these parameters when you start up AM-Tax for the first
time.
5. TAX FILE MAINTENANCE
Lets you copy tax returns from one disk to another or to delete tax
returns from your data disk.
6. GO TO STATE
This option requires a hard drive. You must have one of the AM-Tax
state programs and it must be installed on the hard drive.
4
5.0 SET SYSTEM OPTIONS
Default values are preset by AM-Tax for several important parameters. If
the default values are incorrect for your system, then you must change
them to insure proper operation of the software.
1. WHICH DRIVE/PATH FOR YOUR 1991 TAX RETURNS?
AM-Tax needs to know where you want to save your tax returns. Enter
the drive letter (and, optionally a path name for your hard drive).
Examples of valid input: B (drive letter without colon)
B: (drive letter with colon)
C:\AMTAX91 (drive with path)
2. WHICH DRIVE/PATH FOR TEMPORARY WORK SPACE?
During the processing of a tax return, AM-Tax may need extra work
space. This work space must be on a disk. If available, a RAM disk
will speed up processing significantly. Enter the drive to use. See
#1 for examples of valid entries.
3. WHICH DRIVE/PATH FOR YOUR 1990 TAX RETURNS?
This parameter is not used in the shareware version. It is only used
when transferring information from a 1990 return to the 1991 tax
forms. This feature is found any registered version.
4. ROUND TO NEAREST WHOLE DOLLAR?
You can either prepare your tax return in whole dollars or to the
exact penny. Control this by Yes (whole dollars) or No (pennies).
5. DISPLAY TAX FILE DESCRIPTION?
A tax return can be tagged with an optional description which is
normally displayed on the tax return directory. For faster directory
displays, you can omit the description by answering NO.
6. AUTO SKIP TO NEXT INPUT FIELD?
When an input field is completely filled, AM-Tax either automatically
tabs to the next input field or waits for you to strike the "Enter"
key. YES causes an automatic skip.
7. SORT TAX RETURN DIRECTORY?
When selecting from a group of tax returns, AM-Tax can sort by
filename, descending date/time, or ascending date/time, or not at all.
No sorting results in the fastest directory display.
8. SELECT COLORS FOR DISPLAY
If you are using a color monitor, then you can select the colors to
use for background and various sections of the display screen.
9. TAX PREPARER INFORMATION
Tax preparers can use this area to key in name, address, and tax id
information once. AM-Tax will print it on page 2 of the Form 1040.
5
6.0 WORKING ON A TAX RETURN
6.1 STARTING A NEW TAX RETURN
To start a new return, have the Main Menu displayed on the screen; select
"Work on a Tax Return" (#1); from the "Work on a Tax Return" menu, select
"Start a new Form 1040" (option #1).
6.2 CHANGE OR REVIEW A TAX RETURN
To change a tax return that you've previously saved, have the Main Menu
displayed on the screen; select "Work on a Tax Return" (#1); from the "Work
on a Tax Return" menu, select "Change/Review a Tax Return" (option #2).
AM-Tax presents a directory of all 1991 tax returns found on your data
drive. To display one, use the arrow keys to highlight the desired tax
return and press ENTER.
6.3 SCREEN CONVENTIONS
You should be aware of a few conventions used by AM-Tax when presenting a
tax form on the computer screen.
1991 AM-Tax FORM 1040 (1) 04-15-92 11:59
----------------------------------------------------------
7a. Your wages .................. 7a ==>* (2)
7b. Spouse's wages .............. 7b ==>*
7c. Dependent care benefits...... 7c ==>C
7d. Excess reimbursements........ 7d ==>C
7e. Unreported tips (Form 4137).. 7e ==>C
7. Total wages, salary, tips.... 7 ==>C (3)
---------------------------------------------------------
(4) TAX = 1275.00 DUE = 419.00 (5) Pg 5 of 11
(6) F1 Help F2 Save... F10 Return
(1) The Title Area
Form names (such as Form 1040, Schedule A) appear here to indicate the form
currently being displayed.
(2) Supported Lines (*)
Lines on the tax forms, schedules, or worksheets marked with an asterisk
(*) are lines supported by another form, schedule or worksheet. You can
access the supporting form either by pressing F6 when the cursor is on one
of these lines or by selecting a supporting form from the F8 menu.
When the asterisk displays bright, then a supporting form is active for
that line of the tax return and you cannot enter figures directly into
that line. As long as a supporting form is active, all information must be
entered through the supporting form. If a form is accessed by mistake or
no longer needed, it can be deleted (see section 6.15).
6
Many lines not marked with an asterisk may still be supported by a general
worksheet (used for listing supporting detail). Try the F6 key on any line
to see if a general worksheet is available.
(3) Calculated/Checked Lines (C)
Lines marked with a "C" are lines that are either calculated or checked for
accuracy by AM-Tax. Normally, you cannot enter information into calculated
fields because the cursor passes over those lines. However, if the cursor
does stop on a line marked with a "C", then the calculation or check
involves more complex assumptions. AM-Tax provides a way for you to
"override" the calculations and checks for these fields. To override, move
the cursor to the calculated line, press F9, and then enter the amount that
you want to see in that line.
(4) Status Line
Messages indicating error, warning, or status conditions are reported on
this line. Your current tax status (Tax, Refund or Balance Due, and Tax
Bracket) is displayed here when there are no other messages to report.
(5) Screen Page Number
PAGE __ OF __ appears here if a tax form requires more than one screen page
to display all lines. For example, 12 screens are required to display the
entire Form 1040. You move sequentially from page to page using the PGUP
and PGDN keys. You can go directly to a screen page by typing ALT-
(number).
(6) Function Keys
AM-Tax uses function keys (F1 through F10) to control certain program
operations such as recalculation, saving, and so on. The last line of the
display screen always indicates the function keys that are active and their
corresponding operation. The "help" key (F1) provides a more verbose,
clearer description of the function key responsibilities.
6.4 ENTERING YOUR TAX INFORMATION
AM-Tax always begins by presenting the Form 1040 or Form 1040A. Data is
entered by typing information into the area of the screen marked by a
highlighted block. The size of the block indicates the maximum number of
characters that can be entered into the field.
You may type any character into a text field (name, address, city, etc.).
The entry is usually left-justified in the block.
AM-Tax lets you type only numbers, the decimal point and the minus sign
into a dollar field. Dollar fields are automatically right-justified. You
may enter dollar figures in either whole dollars or with pennies. AM-Tax
rounds your entry to whole dollars if you selected the "No rounding" option
in your "System Configuration" (see section 6.1).
AM-Tax supports dollar values between -99,999.99 and +999,999.99.
7
6.5 MOVING AROUND A TAX FORM
A tax return is prepared by moving the cursor from line to line, entering
information as you go. Some lines on the tax forms are controlled entirely
by AM-Tax calculations and are "skipped over" as you move around the form.
The cursor stops only on lines that accept input from the keyboard.
Some special keys help you move around the tax form:
HOME moves to the first input field on the screen.
END moves to the last input field on the screen.
PGUP moves to the first input field on the previous screen page.
PGDN moves to the first input field on the next screen page.
ALT-<number> moves to the first input field of screen page <number>. For
example, pressing ALT-5 on the Form 1040 would move immediately to screen
page #5. Since Form 1040 uses 12 screens, ALT-0 goes to page 10; ALT-'-'
goes to page 11; ALT-= goes to page 12.
When a field is completely filled with data, AM-Tax automatically skips to
the next input field. This feature can be turned OFF in the "Set System
Configuration" menu by changing the "auto skip" option to "N(o)".
6.6 TAX OPTIONS MENU
When you're working on a tax return, AM-Tax provides many features to make
this job just as easy as possible. Most features (such as Save Tax Return)
are highlighted on the bottom line of your display screen along with the
function key that activates it.
New this year... Function key F5 now displays a menu of all AM-Tax
features. If you don't remember the function key or keystroke to activate
the feature, you can always select from the F5 menu.
1991 AM-Tax 04-15-92 11:59
---------------------------------------------------------
OPTIONS MENU
1. View/Add Tax Form(s) (F8)
2. Delete Tax Form(s) (ALT-D)
3. Save Tax Return (F2)
4. Print Tax Return (F7)
5. Calculator (ALT-C)
6. Tax Summary (ALT-T)
7. System Configuration (ALT-S)
8. Tax File Maintenance (ALT-F)
9. Review Tax Return (ALT-R)
Q. Quit Menu
--------------------------------------------------------
F1=Help F0=Return
8
Features are be selected from this menu by:
o Using the arrow keys to highlighted the desired selection and
then pressing the ENTER key;
o Pressing the number of the selection;
o Pressing the function key or ALT-key indicated in parentheses
to the right;
6.7 ACCESSING A SUPPORTING SCHEDULE
You'll notice that many lines on the tax form screens are marked with an
asterisk (*). These lines are supported by another form, schedule, or
specific worksheet. Supporting forms are accessed in either of two ways:
1) A supporting form can be added to your tax return by pressing the F6
key when the cursor is on the line that you want to support. AM-Tax
"senses" where the cursor is located and knows which form, schedule, or
worksheet supports that line. That form automatically appears on the
screen. You then enter data into the supporting form.
2) The other way to access a supporting form is to select from a list of
all tax forms supported by AM-Tax. The F8 key (or F5, 1) displays the tax
form menu. Use the arrow keys to highlight the desired form, schedule, or
worksheet and then press the ENTER key. That form is then attached to your
tax return. This method is quicker if you know the form that you need.
6.8 ACCESSING MULTIPLE COPIES OF A FORM
Multiple copies of some forms, schedules, or worksheets (such as Form W-2,
Schedule C, and others) are supported by AM-Tax. The first time that you
access one of these forms, it automatically appears on the screen.
Pressing F6 subsequently on the same line, results in the following:
1991 AM-Tax 04-15-92 11:59
---------------------------------------------------------
COPIES OF FORM W-2
EMPLOYER A
Unused
Unused
Unused
Move cursor; press ENTER to ADD
a new copy or VIEW existing one.
--------------------------------------------------------
F1=Help F0=Return
AM-Tax identifies each copy of the form currently in use and displays the
word "Unused" for each available copy. To review one of the existing
copies, move the cursor to the W-2 that you want displayed and press ENTER.
To add a new copy of the form to your tax return, move the cursor to any of
9
the lines marked "Unused" and press ENTER. A blank form will be displayed
on the screen.
6.9 RETURNING TO THE PARENT FORM
After completing the supporting form, return to the "parent" form by
pressing F10 or ESC. The supporting form is saved in memory and the parent
form reappears. You'll also notice that the (*) on the parent form is now
highlighted, indicating that the supporting form is active.
6.10 GENERAL "ITEMIZING" WORKSHEETS
Most lines not marked with an (*) can still be supported by a blank form,
(or what AM-Tax calls a general worksheet). This is a very handy way of
organizing your data and keeping records for the IRS of key income and
expense items.
Up to 45 descriptions and dollar amounts can be listed on a single
worksheet. AM-Tax adds up the dollar amounts and transfers the total to
the line that you're "itemizing".
6.11 CALCULATING YOUR TAX (F4)
AM-Tax does a complete recalculation of your tax return whenever you:
o Press the F4 key;
o Move to a new screen page (PGUP, PGDN, ALT-(number))
o Call up a supporting form, schedule, or worksheet;
o Return to a parent form;
o Override a calculated value;
o Cancel an overridden value;
o Delete a form, schedule, or worksheet;
o Save the tax return to disk;
On the bottom left of the display screen, AM-Tax reports a running total of
your tax status based upon data currently entered into the computer. This
information is updated and displayed whenever a tax recalculation takes
place. Take advantage of this feature to quickly search for your lowest
possible tax liability.
6.12 OVERRIDING CALCULATIONS
Whenever calculations involve more than a trivial math operation, you are
given the opportunity to override the AM-Tax logic. Basically, this means
that you can override whenever the highlighted block stops on a line marked
with a "C". Press the F9 key when the cursor is on the line that you want
to override. The "C" changes to a bright "O" (for override) and you can
now enter any value that you wish. AM-Tax uses your value in place of the
calculated value in all further tax calculations.
To cancel this type of override, press F9 again (it acts as a toggle).
Notice that the bright "O" returns to a "C" and AM-Tax replaces the
overriding value with the value it calculates.
10
6.13 THE TAX SUMMARY WINDOW
New this year... is a window that gives you a quick look at key tax figures
in your tax return. This window can be opened by pressing ALT-T on any tax
form screen or by selecting option 6 on the F5 menu.
1991 AM-Tax 04-15-92 11:59
---------------------------------------------------------
TAX SUMMARY
Gross Income....... 30,000.00
Adjustments........ 4,000.00
Adj Gross Income... 26,000.00
Deductions......... 3,400.00
Exemptions......... 2,150.00
Taxable Income..... 20,450.00
Tax from Tables.... 3,088.00
Credits............ 0.00
Tax + Other Taxes.. 3,088.00
Payments........... 4,000.00
Penalty............ 0.00
Overpayment........ 912.00
Tax Balance Due.... 0.00
--------------------------------------------------------
F1=Help F0=Return
6.14 THE POP-UP CALCULATOR
AM-Tax includes a built-in pop-up calculator. The calculator is activated
by either pressing "+" (the plus key) or selecting option 5 from the F5
menu;
If you return to the tax form by pressing F9, the calculator result is
carried forward to the tax line. If you return to the tax form by pressing
the F10 or ESC key, the result from the calculator is not carried forward.
6.15 DELETING A FORM
If you've accessed a supporting form by mistake or if the supporting form
is no longer needed, AM-Tax provides a way for you to delete it.
Press ALT-D on any tax preparation screen or select option #2 on the F5
menu. A listing of all forms used in the currently active tax return is
presented.
Mark the tax forms to be deleted by pressing "+" or the SPACEBAR when the
tax form is highlighted. You can "unmark" a tax form by pressing the "-"
key or SPACEBAR on a marked form. Then press the ENTER key. AM-Tax asks
for confirmation, deletes the selected forms (along with any forms or
worksheets that might support them) and performs a recalculation.
Note: AM-Tax does not allow you to delete the Form 1040 or Form 1040A.
This is, in effect, deleting the entire tax return. You must use the
"Delete Tax Return" option (see Section 10.0) on ways to delete a tax
return file.
11
6.16 SHORT-CUT TO A FORM
The ALT-R key (or option #9 on the F5 menu) is used to move to any suppor-
ting form that is currently in use. A screen displays the forms that are
active for this return and the parent form/line that they support.
To display any of these forms, use the arrow keys to highlight the tax form
that you want to review and then press the ENTER key.
6.17 SAVING THE TAX RETURN
A tax return is saved by pressing F2 on any tax preparation screen or by
selecting option #3 on the F5 menu. You are prompted for a disk drive and
path (optional), a file name (required), and a description (optional).
If a tax return file by the same name already exists on the disk, you have
three options. You can:
1. Backup the existing tax return, then save.
2. Just write over the existing tax return.
3. Stop, so you can change the filename.
7.0 PRINTING/FILING A TAX RETURN
AM-Tax supports several printing options:
Draft 1040 - AM-Tax can print a quick copy of the Form 1040 (text and data)
on any computer printer. However, this format cannot be sent to the IRS.
Graphic 1040 - (REGISTERED versions only) AM-Tax can print an IRS-approved
Form 1040 or 1040A on most IBM and Epson dot-matrix printers or Hewlett-
Packard compatible Laserjet and Deskjet printers.
Laser 1040 - (PERSONAL-2 and PROFESSIONAL versions only) AM-Tax can print
an exact image of the Form 1040 or 1040A on laser printers that emulate the
HP Laserjet. The "T" font cartridge is required.
Laser Forms - AM Software offers an optional software package (Federal
$100, States $75 each) that can print an exact laser image of every form
and schedule supported by AM-Tax. This software requires any HP LaserJet
printer and the "T" font cartridge.
Substitute Forms and Schedules - (ALL VERSIONS) AM-Tax prints approved
copies of all supporting forms and schedules on virtually any computer
printer. These can be sent to the IRS in place of the official forms.
Pin-fed Forms - (REGISTERED versions only) AM-Tax does not write directly
onto the IRS supplied forms (they're not spaced evenly for computer
printing). However, AM-Tax can print just tax return figures on special
pre-printed computer forms.
Overlays - (REGISTERED versions only) AM-Tax can print your tax return
figures on blank paper that can then be lined up behind the overlay and
photocopied. The copy can be sent to the IRS.
Pin-fed forms and overlays are not sold by AM Software. They can be
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purchased through:
NELCO TAX FORMS, Inc.
3130 South Ridge Rd.
Green Bay, WI 54307
(414) 337-1000
7.1 FILING YOUR RETURN WITH THE IRS
The supporting schedules printed by AM-Tax (shareware version) have been
approved for filing and will be accepted under these conditions:
Paper Quality - The paper used must be equal to or better than the quality
used for the official forms mailed to you. Use at least an 18-lb paper.
Lined Paper - The substitute schedules, as printed by AM-Tax on regular
paper, have enough alignment lines to meet IRS approval. However, if you
have lined or color-barred paper, you should use it when printing
substitute supporting schedules.
Print Quality - For dot-matrix printers, use a good ribbon, especially if
you choose to have AM-Tax print the graphic version of the Form 1040.
Print Spacing - Your printer should be set to 6 lines per inch and 10
characters per inch. This is the default setting for most printers.
7.2 SELECTING THE TAX RETURN(S) TO PRINT
There are two ways to initiate printing.
While preparing a tax return, function key F7 (or option #4 on the F5 menu)
can be used to print a single tax return -- the one currently being worked
in the computer's memory.
Or, you can print several returns in a batch by selecting "Print Return(s)"
from the Main Menu. When batch printing, you are presented with a screen
that lists all of the 1991 tax returns on your data disk.
Mark each tax return to be printed by pressing "+" or the SPACEBAR next to
the filename. Un-mark a tax return by pressing "-" or the SPACEBAR next to
a marked return.
You can select as many tax returns as you wish. Once you've completed your
selection, press the ENTER key to proceed.
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7.3 PRINT MENU
Once you've selected the tax return(s) to print, AM-Tax presents the
following "Print Menu":
1991 AM-Tax 04-15-92 11:59
---------------------------------------------------------
PRINT MENU
1. Define Printer............ Epson 9-pin
2. Set Print Format Options.. Graphic,Subst
3. Print ALL Forms
4. Print SOME Forms
Q. Quit
--------------------------------------------------------
1=Help 0=Return
DEFINE PRINTER - Use this option to indicate the type of printer that
you'll be using. The current printer setting is displayed to the right.
SET PRINTER FORMAT OPTIONS - This option controls the printing of the tax
return. It's used to indicate things like the type of 1040 to print
(draft, graphic, laser, overlay), the format for the substitute forms,
number of copies, etc. The current setting for the 1040 format and
supporting form format is displayed to the right.
PRINT ALL FORMS - Press ENTER on this line to start printing ALL forms,
schedules, and worksheets.
PRINT SOME FORMS - If you press ENTER on this line, AM-Tax presents a list
of all of the forms, schedules, and worksheets in the tax return. You must
mark the ones to print (see section 7.5 for further details).
7.4 PRINT FORMATTING
After selecting the tax return(s) to print, AM-Tax needs to know how you
want your printed return to look. You are presented with a screen used to
control the printing process. The parameters that you select are saved on
disk from session to session and re-used every time you run AM-Tax. The
screen looks like this:
AM-Tax 04-15-92 11:59
---------------------------------------------------------
PRINT FORMAT OPTIONS
Form 1040 Format...................... 4
Other Forms Format?................... 1
Turn ON Underlining?.................. Y
Number of copies (1-9)................ 1
Repeat after each form?............... N
Send output to file?.................. N
Pause after each page?................ N
Horizontal data adjustment............ ___
Vertical data adjustment.............. ___
Using Nelco Lasermerge?............... N
--------------------------------------------------------
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FORM 1040 Print Format? - Only the draft format is available in the
shareware version of AM-Tax. This printout cannot be filed.
OTHER FORMS format? - Only the IRS-approved substitute format is available
in the shareware version of AM-Tax. The printed supporting forms and
statements can be filed in place of the official forms.
TURN ON UNDERLINING? - When submitting substitute tax forms, the IRS
prefers color-barred or lined paper. If you do not have color-barred or
lined paper, AM-Tax can meet IRS guidelines by underlining the data for
you. Answer Y(es) to this question if you want AM-Tax to underline the
data on substitute forms.
NUMBER OF COPIES - You can print from 1 to 9 copies of the entire tax
return (or multiple copies of individual forms if you answer N(o) to "print
all forms?").
REPEAT AFTER EACH FORM? - If you answer Y(es), multiple copies of each form
are printed before proceeding to the next form (i.e. 1040, 1040, A, A, B,
B, so on). If you answer N(o), AM-Tax prints each form of the tax return
once, then repeats (1040, A, B, 1040, A, B).
SEND OUTPUT TO FILE? - If you answer N(o), all output goes to the printer.
If you answer Y(es), output is directed to a disk file. You can then edit
the disk file with a word processor or carry the diskette to another
computer system for printing. The disk filename consists of the name of
the tax return file plus an extension of .LDT.
PAUSE AFTER EACH PAGE? - If you answer Y(es), AM-Tax pauses after each page
to give you time to change paper.
HORIZONTAL/VERTICAL DATA ADJUSTMENT - Used in conjunction with "data only"
printing to move the data position on the page. This does not apply to the
shareware version.
USING NELCO'S LASERMERGE? - Does not apply to the shareware version.
7.5 SELECTING THE FORMS TO PRINT
If you select "Print SOME forms" (versus ALL, see section 7.3), then you
must indicate the forms, schedules and worksheets to print. You are
presented with a list of the contents of each tax return.
Mark each form, schedule, or worksheet to print by typing "+" or the
SPACEBAR next to the form name. Unmark a form by typing "-" or the
SPACEBAR next to a marked form. Once you've completed your selection,
press the ENTER key to proceed printing.
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