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AM-TAX 1992 Tax Preparation Software for the IBM Personal Computer and compatibles (c) Copyright 1986-1992 by: AM SOFTWARE, Inc. P.O. Box 25010 Kansas City, MO 64119 All Rights Reserved. 1992 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 1992 tax return; entitles you to phone support and annual updates at registered rates.) [ ] Personal-1 AM-Tax Registration............. @ $ 40.00 $ ______ (1992 program disk and manual with 38 forms, schedules, and worksheets, graphic 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 $ ______ (1992 program disk and manual with 60 forms, schedules, and worksheets, graphic 1040 on dot-matrix and laser printers, overlay printing, telephone support, and annual updates for about $45 per year.) [ ] Professional AM-Tax Registration........... @ $125.00 $ ______ (1992 program disk and manual with all Personal-2 features plus Form 1040X, client instruction letter, invoice, 1993 tax organizer; saves 500 returns per disk.) [ ] 1992 State Tax programs .................. @ $ 30.00 ea $ ______ (Circle: AZ CA CT DC GA IL IN KS KY MA MD MI MN MO NC NJ NY OH PA SC VA WI) 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 PRICES VALID UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1, 1993 AM-TAX: SHAREWARE AND REGISTRATION AM-Tax is a copyrighted ((C) 1986 - 1992) 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, EIC, F, R, SE. All of the forms and schedules (including 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 Forms 2106, 2119, 2210, 2441, 3903, 4562, 6251, 8615, 8814, and 8829 and prints an IRS-approved graphic 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. It runs on a system with 400K and a hard drive OR two 5.25" drives OR one 3.5" drive. The "Personal-2" version includes all of the "Personal-1" features plus more forms (Schedules 1, 2, 3, Forms 1040A, 1040ES(1993), 1116, 3800, 4136, 4137, 4255, 4684, 4797, 4835, 4868, 4952, 4972, 5329, 6252, 8283, 8453, 8582, and 8606). This version is distributed on two 5.25 diskettes and requires 460K and two drives. The AM-Tax "Professional" software includes Form 1040X and features to to print mailing labels, a client instruction and invoice letter, and a tax organizer. The Professional version requires 512K and a hard drive. An "Electronic Filing" version is available that allows a tax preparer to transmit tax returns to the IRS by modem. Electronic filing requires 640K 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. Non-shareware versions of AM-Tax may NOT 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 1992 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, EIC, F, R, and SE). All printed forms and schedules (including Form 1040) have been approved by the IRS and can be filed in place of the official form. For those with relatively simple tax situations, the shareware version may be all you need. The "Personal-1" version of AM-Tax requires 384K 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 graphic printing, tax form over- lays or pin-fed forms. This version prints an IRS-approved graphic 1040 1040 on blank paper on most IBM or Epson-type dot-matrix printers or HP Laserjet or Deskjet printers. The "Personal-2" version of AM-Tax was developed for those who demand even more forms and features. It offers all of the features found in the shareware and "Personal-1" versions and supports 60 IRS forms, schedules and worksheets (including the Form 1040 and 1040A). The AM-Tax "Professional" software supports Form 1040X and includes features to print mailing labels, a client instruction letter, an invoice and a 1993 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 1992 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 EIC - Earned Income Credit Schedule F - Farm Income Schedule K1 - Partnership/S-Corp Income Schedule K1 - Estate/Trust 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 1099R - Pension/IRA Income (5 copies) The following additional forms are supported in the "PERSONAL-1", "PERSONAL-2", and "PROFESSIONAL" versions of the program: 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 Form 8829 - Business Use of Your Home 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) Form 1116 - Foreign Tax Credit 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 (10 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 1040ES - 1992 Estimated Tax 2 The "PROFESSIONAL" version also includes the following: Form 1040X - Amended Return 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) Extra Child Care Providers Itemized Deduction Phaseout IRA Worksheet Other Income Worksheet Passive Activity Worksheets Personal Exemption Phaseout Self-employed Health Insurance Worksheet Self-employed Income for EIC State and Local Income Tax Refund Worksheet 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: TAX92. 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: TAX92. 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 1991 DATA TO 1992 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 Personal-1 and above versions. They 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 1992 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:\AMTAX92 (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 1991 TAX RETURNS? This parameter is not used in the shareware version. It is only used when transferring information from a 1990 return to the 1992 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. QUICK CURSOR THROUGH FORM W-2? The W-2 input screen contains several "info only" fields needed only if you are electronically filing your return. For quicker data entry, you can skip these fields by answering Y to this option. 9. 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. 10. 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 1992 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. 1992 AM-Tax FORM 1040 (1) 04-15-93 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, 13 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 "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 (F5) 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. Function key F5 displays a menu of all AM-Tax features. If you don't remember the particular function key or keystroke to activate a feature, you can always select from the F5 menu. 1992 AM-Tax 04-15-93 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 Tax Return (ALT-Q) -------------------------------------------------------- F1=Help F0=Return 8 Features are 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 (F6 or F8) 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. When you access one of these forms (via F6 or F8), the following window appears: 1992 AM-Tax 04-15-93 11:59 --------------------------------------------------------- COPIES OF FORM W-2 EMPLOYER A New Copy New Copy New Copy 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 "New Copy" 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 "New Copy" and press ENTER. A blank form will be displayed on the screen. 6.9 RETURNING TO THE PARENT FORM (F10) 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 (F9) 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 (ALT-T) The "Tax Summary" 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. 1992 AM-Tax 04-15-93 11:59 --------------------------------------------------------- TAX SUMMARY Gross Income....... 30,000.00 Adjustments........ 4,000.00 Adj Gross Income... 26,000.00 Deductions......... 3,600.00 Exemptions......... 2,300.00 Taxable Income..... 20,100.00 Tax from Tables.... 3,019.00 Credits............ 0.00 Tax + Other Taxes.. 3,019.00 Payments........... 4,000.00 Penalty............ 0.00 Overpayment........ 981.00 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; When activated, the dollar value from the tax form line marked by the cursor is brought into the calculator as an initial entry value. 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 (ALT-R) 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 (F2) 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 (F7) AM-Tax supports several printing options: Substitute 1040 - (ALL versions) AM-Tax can print a substitute version of Form 1040 on any computer printer. This version is approved by the IRS for filing for the first time this year. Graphic 1040 - (P-1 and up versions only) AM-Tax can print an IRS-approved Form 1040, 1040A, 1040X, and 8453 most IBM and Epson dot-matrix printers and HP-compatible Laserjet and Deskjet printers. 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 - (P-1 and up 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 - (P-1 and up 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 12 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 forms and 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 1992 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. 13 7.3 PRINT MENU Once you've selected the tax return(s) to print, AM-Tax presents the following "Print Menu": 1992 AM-Tax 04-15-93 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 04-15-93 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 Skip page 2 if no data?............... Y Send output to file?.................. N Drive/path for output: C:\AMTAX92 Pause after each page?................ N Horizontal data adjustment............ ___ Vertical data adjustment.............. ___ Using Nelco Lasermerge?............... N -------------------------------------------------------- 14 FORM 1040 Print Format? - Only the substitute 1040 format is available in the shareware version of AM-Tax. 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). SKIP PAGE 2 IF NO DATA? - If you answer Y(es), page 2 of multi-page forms (i.e. Schedule C, F, etc.) is not printed if there is no data to print. This saves paper and time. Page 2 does not need to be sent to the IRS if it is blank. 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. Specify the disk drive and/or subdirectory to receive the output directly below this parameter. 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. 15