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AM-TAX 1988 Tax Preparation Software for the IBM Personal Computer and compatibles (c) Copyright 1985-1988 by: AM SOFTWARE P.O. Box 25010 Kansas City, MO 64119 All Rights Reserved. 1988 AM-TAX REGISTRATION FORM Name: ____________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ : ____________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________ State: ______ Zip: ___________ Phone: _________________________ [ ] Registration only ......................... @ $ 20.00 ea $ ______ (acknowledges use of the Shareware version to do your 1988 tax return; entitles you to phone support and annual updates at registered rates) [ ] Regular AM-Tax Registration................ @ $ 45.00 ea $ ______ (includes 1988 regular program disk and manual with 18 forms and schedules, graphic 1040 on IBM and Epson printers, other printing options, telephone support, and annual updates for about $30 per year) [ ] Advanced AM-Tax Registration............... @ $ 60.00 ea $ ______ (includes 1988 advanced program disk and manual with all regular AM-Tax features plus 6 more forms, a laser printed 1040 on HP lasers, telephone support, and annual updates for about $40 per year) [ ] 1988 State Tax programs ................... @ $ 30.00 ea $ ______ (Circle: CA MD MO NY NJ VA) [ ] Font cartridge (for HP laser printing)..... @ $250.00 ea $ ______ Subtotal $ ______ Missouri residents, add 6.225% sales tax...........Tax $ ______ TOTAL $ ______ Payment by: [ ] Check [ ] MC [ ] Visa Card #: ________ - ________ - ________ - ________ Expires: ____/____ Signature of cardholder: ____________________________________________ Check diskette size needed: [ ] 5.25" DSDD [ ] 3.5" (720K) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Remit to: AM SOFTWARE P.O. Box 25010 Kansas City, MO 64119 Phone orders: (816) 241-0014 AM-TAX: SHAREWARE AND REGISTRATION AM-Tax is a copyrighted ((C) 1985 - 1988) property of AM SOFTWARE. It is not in the public domain and it is not free. There are three 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, and SE. All of the supporting schedules print in a format that can be filed directly with the IRS. This version also prints directly onto special pin-fed tax forms and supports tax form overlays (read section 9). The "regular" AM-Tax version does all of the above. It also supports Forms 2106, 2119, 2210, 2441, 3903, 4136, 4562, 6251, and 8615 and prints an IRS- approved version of the Form 1040 on most Epson and IBM-compatible dot-matrix printers. The "advanced" AM-Tax version includes all of the "regular" AM-Tax features plus supports more forms (3800, 4137, 4255, 4684, 8582, and 1040ES) and prints an exact replica of the Form 1040 on HP-compatible laser printers ("T" font cartridge is required). The advanced version is distributed on two diskettes and requires 320K and two drives. 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 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 $10), no other cost or compensation may be associated with the distribution of AM-Tax. If a fee is charged, the distributor must inform the recipients that this fee does not meet their registration responsibilities. o AM-Tax may not be distributed in conjunction with any other product without the written consent of AM SOFTWARE. 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. Under no circumstances, may the registered versions (regular or advanced) be copied for the use of others. Registration is available in three options. Registration-only ($20) acknow- ledges your use of AM-Tax for your 1988 tax preparation and entitles you to future updates. Other options provide the full disk and bound manual for either the regular ($45) or advanced ($60) AM-Tax. Please use the attached form for your registration. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................ 1 2.0 TAX FORMS/WORKSHEETS .................... 2 3.0 GETTING STARTED ......................... 3 4.0 SCREEN CONVENTIONS ...................... 4 5.0 DATA ENTRY RULES ........................ N/A 5.1 Data Input Rules ................... N/A 5.2 Moving Within a Field .............. N/A 5.3 Moving from Field to Field ......... N/A 6.0 MAIN MENU ............................... 5 7.0 SET SYSTEM OPTIONS ...................... 6 8.0 PREPARING A TAX RETURN .................. 7 8.1 Accessing Supporting Schedules ...... 7 8.2 Calculating Your Tax ................ 8 8.3 Overriding Calculations and Checks .. 8 8.4 The Pop-Up Calculator ............... 8 8.5 Deleting a Form ..................... 8 8.6 Short-cut to a Supporting Form ...... N/A 8.7 Saving the Tax Return ............... 8 9.0 PRINTING TAX RETURNS .................... 9 9.1 Filing Your Return with the IRS ..... 10 9.2 Selecting the Tax Return to Print ... 10 9.3 Print Options ....................... 10 9.4 Selecting the Forms to Print ........ 13 9.5 Form Alignment ...................... N/A 9.6 Dot-Matrix 1040 ..................... 13 9.7 Laser 1040 .......................... 13 10.0 REVIEWING/MODIFYING A TAX RETURN ........ 14 A. AM-TAX MESSAGES .......................... N/A B. EXPLANATION OF TAX FORM CALCULATIONS ..... N/A N/A means not included in this abbreviated shareware documentation. PAGE 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION AM-Tax is a software program designed to assist you in the preparation of your 1988 federal tax return. There are three versions of AM-Tax, a shareware program and two 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 or use special pre-printed forms or overlays). However, the shareware AM-Tax 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 "regular" version of AM-Tax includes all of the features that thousands of customers have grown accustomed to over the past four years. It fits on one diskette and runs on virtually any computer configuration. In addition to the 1040 and all of the schedules, it supports nine other forms (see section 2.0). For the first time this year, AM-Tax also prints a Form 1040 on most IBM and Epson-type dot-matrix printers that can be filed with the IRS. The "advanced" version of AM-Tax is new for 1988. It was developed for those that demand even more forms and features. It supports an impressive list of IRS forms and can print an exact replica of the Form 1040 on most HP-type laser printers (in addition to the dot-matrix printing). Laser fonts found on the HP "T" (Tax) font cartridge are required. You should find AM-Tax easy to learn since it's designed around the Federal 1040. Supporting documents are accessed 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 also 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. PAGE 2 2.0 TAX FORMS SUPPORTED The 1988 tax year version of AM-Tax supports the following federal tax 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 E-1 - Rental/Royalty Income (2 copies, 6 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) The following additional forms are supported in the "regular" registered 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 4136 - Credit for Special Fuels Form 4562 - Depreciation (12 copies) Form 6251 - Alternative Minimum Tax Form 8615 - Tax on Child's Investment Income The "advanced" version handles all of the above, plus: Form 3800 - General Business Credit Form 4137 - Tax on Tip Income (2 copies) Form 4255 - Recapture of Investment Credit Form 4684 - Casualty/Theft Loss Form 8582 - Passive Activity Loss Limits Form 1040ES - 1989 Estimated Tax AM-Tax uses special 'worksheets' to handle specific situations on the federal tax form. The worksheets and maximum entries supported are: Worksheet #1 - W-2 Wages (25 employers) Worksheet #2 - Other Dependents (15 dependents) Worksheet #3 - Capital Gains/Losses (180 transactions) Worksheet #4 - Depreciation (30 properties) Worksheet #5 - IRA Deduction (1) The depreciation worksheet is not included in the shareware version of AM-Tax. PAGE 3 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 (320K for advanced version); one 360K drive or hard drive (two drives or a hard drive for the advanced version). One-Diskette System: a) Backup the AM-Tax program diskette. b) Start the program by typing: TAX88. Two-Diskette 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. d) Start the program by typing: TAX88. e) Go to option 4 on the main menu to designate drive B for your tax returns and work drive. Hard-Disk System: a) Insert the AM-Tax program disk into drive A. b) Create a subdirectory for AM-Tax by typing (after the C> prompt): MD TAX88 c) Copy all AM-Tax programs to that subdirectory by typing: COPY A:*.* C:\TAX88 d) Change to the tax subdirectory by typing: CD TAX88 d) Start the program by typing: TAX88. 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. PAGE 4 4.0 SCREEN CONVENTIONS This section introduces you to screen conventions used by AM-Tax: ----------------------------------------------- | AM-Tax FORM 1040 (1) date time | | --------------------------------------------- | | 7a. Your wages ........... 7a ==>* (3) | | 7b. Spouse wages ......... 7b ==>* | | 7c. Excess reimbursements. 7c ==>C (4) | | 7d. Total wages .......... 7d ==>C | | . (2) | | --------------------------------------------- | | messages (5) num/caps/ins page | | function keys (8) (6) (7) | ----------------------------------------------- (1) The Title Area Screen titles (such as FORM 1040, MAIN MENU) appear here to indicate where you are in the program. (2) Main Body Lines from each tax form and menu options are displayed here. (3) Supported Lines (*) Lines marked with an asterisk (*) are lines supported by another form, schedule, or a specific worksheet. The F6 key accesses the supporting form. When the (*) displays bright, then the supporting form is active for that line of the return. Some lines not marked with an asterisk may still be supported by a general worksheet. Try the F6 key on any line to see if a general worksheet is available. (4) Calculated Lines (C) Lines marked with a 'C' are lines calculated or 'checked' by AM-Tax. Normally, you cannot enter information into calculated lines since the cursor will not stop there. In some cases, the cursor will stop on a line marked with a 'C', indicating that the calculation was not a simple addition or subtraction, but one involving more complex assumptions. AM- Tax provides a feature for you to 'override' the calculations or checks in effect for these lines (see section 8.6 for details). (5) Error and Warning Messages Error, warning, or status condition messages are reported here. (6) Keyboard Status NUM, CAPS, or INS report the status of your keyboard shift keys. (7) Screen Page Number PAGE -- OF -- appears here if a tax form requires more than one screen page to display all lines. You move from page to page using the PgUp and PgDn keys. (8) Function Keys The last line of the display screen always indicates the current function key options. The "Help" screen (F1) provides a clearer description of the current function key assignment. PAGE 5 6.0 MAIN MENU AM-Tax begins with the following menu: --------------------------------------------- | MAIN MENU | | ------------------------------------------- | | 1. START A NEW TAX RETURN | | 2. CHANGE/REVIEW A TAX RETURN | | 3. PRINT TAX RETURN(S) | | 4. SET SYSTEM OPTIONS | | 5. REDISPLAY LAST TAX RETURN | | 6. DELETE TAX RETURN(S) | | 7. RESTORE BACKED UP RETURN(S) | | Q. QUIT | | | | Your Selection ==> | |---------------------------------------------| |1=Help 0=Return| --------------------------------------------- 1. START A NEW RETURN Let's you begin a new tax return by displaying a blank 1040 form. 2. CHANGE/REVIEW A RETURN Let's you change or review any tax return previously saved on disk. You will be asked to pick from a listing of all tax returns present on the disk. 3. 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 listing 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. REDISPLAY LAST TAX RETURN Once a tax return is in your computer's memory (after "Printing", "Changing" or "Starting a New Return" options), you can return to the main menu (to modify parameters, perhaps) and then go back to that tax return via option 5. This shortcuts reloading the tax return from disk. 6. DELETE TAX RETURN(S) Lets you clean obsolete tax returns from your disk without first returning to DOS. 7. RESTORE BACKED UP RETURN(S) Whenever you save a tax return, you have the option of keeping the previous version of that return on disk as a backup. This option provides you with a mechanism to replace the current version of a tax return with the previous (backed up) version. Q. QUIT Returns you to the DOS operating system. PAGE 6 7.0 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. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO SAVE YOUR 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:\TAX88 (drive with path) 2. WHERE CAN I FIND EXTRA, 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. 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. 4. 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 when using overlays, pre-printed forms, dot-matrix, or laser printing. PAGE 7 8.0 PREPARING A TAX RETURN AM-Tax always begins by displaying the Federal Form 1040. Data entry begins at that point and from there you proceed to other supporting forms. Try paging (via PGUP and PGDN) through the eleven screens of the Form 1040, entering data as you go. 8.1 ACCESSING SUPPORTING SCHEDULES You'll notice that many lines on the tax form are marked with an asterisk (*). Those lines are supported by another form, schedule, or worksheet. For example, line 7a of the 1040 is marked with an (*) and is supported by the W-2 worksheet. Many lines not marked with an (*) can still be supported by a general worksheet. This worksheet allows you to list up to 45 items and a corresponding dollar amount. This is a useful way of keeping more detailed records of your tax preparation. You access a supporting form, by pressing the F6 key when the cursor is on the line that you want to support. The 'parent' form is temporarily filed away and the 'supporting' form appears on the screen. You can now enter data into the supporting form. Multiple copies of some supporting forms are allowed (such as Schedule C). The first time you access one of these supporting forms, AM-Tax sends you directly to the data entry screen for that form. However, once a multi-copy form is in use, AM-Tax needs to know whether you are trying to review one of the existing copies or if you want a new copy. The following screen appears when accessing a multi-copy form (e.g., calling for Schedule C from Form 1040, line 12): --------------------------------------------- | SUPPORTING FORMS | | ------------------------------------------- | | Which copy do you want displayed? | | ----------------------------------------- | | |SEL| FORM | SUPPORTS |LINE| | | | |---|-------------|-----------|----|------| | | | _ | SCHEDULE C | FORM 1040 | 12 |BUS.#1| | | | _ | SCHEDULE C | | |BUS.#2| | | | . | | | ----------------------------------------- | | Y = Display Use INS key for a new copy | | ------------------------------------------- | | 1=Help 2=Enter 0=Return | --------------------------------------------- To redisplay one of the supporting forms created previously, move the cursor next to the form to display, type a 'Y', and then press the F2 or large, grey '+' key. Pressing INS key calls up a new, blank copy of the supporting form. The INS message will not appear if the maximum number of copies for that supporting form are currently in use. PAGE 8 Once in a supporting form, you return to the parent form by pressing either the F10 or ESC key. The parent form will reappear on the screen with the proper value transferred from the supporting form. You will also notice that the '*' is now highlighted, indicating that the supporting form is now 'active'. You never have to use a supporting form within AM-Tax. You can prepare the supporting form by hand, if you wish, and enter the result directly into the parent form. However, once you've accessed a supporting form, you cannot type a figure directly into the line of the parent form that it supports. AM-Tax will always take the calculated result from the supporting form and erase any amount that you may have keyed into the field. You will need to delete the supporting form (see 8.5) before you can return to 'direct entry' mode. 8.2 CALCULATING YOUR TAX AM-Tax completely recalculates your tax automatically whenever you move from page to page or form to form. You can force a recalculation at any time by pressing the F4 key. 8.3 OVERRIDING CALCULATIONS AND CHECKS You can override a calculated value whenever the cursor stops on a line marked by 'C'. Press F9, then enter the value you choose. To cancel an override, move the cursor to the overridden line and press F9 again. 8.4 THE POP-UP CALCULATOR You access the pop-up calculator by pressing F5. The result line will be transferred to the tax return if you exit the calculator function using the F9 key. The result line will be ignored if you exit using either the ESC or F10 key. Even though you can multiply or divide by a fraction with more than two decimal places, the calculator is result is always carried to a maximum of two decimal places. 8.5 DELETING A FORM Use the F8 key to get a listing of all forms, schedules, and worksheets currently in use. Move the cursor next to the one that you want to delete; type a "Y"; then press F2. The form (along with any other forms or worksheets that support it) will be deleted. 8.7 SAVING THE TAX RETURN A tax return is saved by pressing F2 from any tax preparation screen. If the filename already exists on the diskette or hard disk, you will be given to opportunity to 1) first make a backup of the existing file (it's renamed filename.BAK); 2) just write over the existing file (you permanently lose all information on the old file); or 3) returning to the save menu so you can change the filename. PAGE 9 9.0 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. Dot-matrix 1040 - (REGISTERED VERSIONS ONLY) AM-Tax can print an IRS-approved Form 1040 on dot-matrix printers that support either the IBM or Epson graphic standard. Laser 1040 - (ADVANCED VERSION ONLY) AM-Tax can print an exact image of the Form 1040 on laser printers that support the Hewlett-Packard laser graphic commands. Special laser tax fonts are required. 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 - 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. (ALL VERSIONS) Overlays - 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. (ALL VERSIONS) Laser Forms and Schedules - AM-Tax can write your supporting forms and schedules to a disk file that can then be merged with a laser image of each tax form. The laser software and tax fonts are extra. (ALL VERSIONS) Pin-fed forms, overlays, laser-image software, and laser fonts must be purchased through: NELCO TAX FORMS, Inc. 3130 South Ridge Rd. Green Bay, WI 54307 (414) 337-1000 PAGE 10 9.1 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 sup- porting 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. 9.2 SELECTING THE TAX RETURN(S) TO PRINT You can print one tax return or queue up several tax returns to print. After selecting option "3" from the main menu, you will be presented with a screen that lists all of the tax returns on disk. It should look like this: ----------------------------------------------------------- |AM-Tax PRINT RETURNS 04-15-89 11:59| |---------------------------------------------------------| | SEL | FILENAME | DATE | TIME | DESC | | -----|------------|--------|------|------------------ | | _ | Trial | 031589 | 9:00| First cut | | _ | Smith | 041589 | 11:00| Final version | | _ | Mom | 040189 | 16:05| Mom's return | | | |-------------------------------------------------------- | | Enter Y next to each tax return to print. | | --------------------------------------------------------| | 1=Help 2=Go 3=NewDir 0=Return| ----------------------------------------------------------- To select a tax return for print, move the cursor down to the line displaying that return and type a "Y" in the SEL(ect) column. You can select as many tax returns as you wish. Once you've completed your selections, press the F2 key to proceed. 9.3 PRINT OPTIONS After selecting the tax return(s) to print, AM-Tax needs to know how you want your printed return to look. You will be presented with a screen used to control the printing process. The parameters that you select are saved on disk from session to session and reused every time you run AM-Tax. The screen (advanced version) will look like this: PAGE 11 ----------------------------------------------------------- |AM-Tax PRINT FORMAT OPTIONS 04-15-89 11:59| |---------------------------------------------------------| | Print all forms?....==> Y FORM 1040: | | Print format? .....==> 1| | Send output to file?==> N 1=Draft copy | | 2=Data only | | Number of copies....==> 2 3=Epson 9-pin | | Repeat after form?..==> N 4=Epson 24-pin | | (N = after return) 5=IBM dot matrix | | 6=HP laser | | Stop after each pg?.==> N | | SUPPORTING FORMS: | | Using LaserMerge?...==> N Print format?......==> 1| | 1=IRS-approved | | Electronic filing?..==> N 2=Data only | | | | Horizontal print adj==> 0 Optional printer | | setup string ==> ________ | | Vertical print adj..==> 0 | | | |---------------------------------------------------------| | 1=Help 2=Go 0=Return| ----------------------------------------------------------- Print all forms? - If you want to print the entire tax return (all forms, schedules and worksheets), answer Y(es). If you answer N(o), then you choose which forms to print. You will be presented with a menu that lists the contents of your tax return. Send output to file? - If you answer N(o), the output will go to the printer (port LPT1). If you answer Y(es), then all output will be directed to a disk file. You can then edit the disk file with a word processor, if necessary, before actually printing. The filename will consist of the name of the tax return file plus an extension of .LDT. Number of copies? - You can print from 1 to 9 copies of the tax return (or copies of individual forms if you answer No 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). Stop after each page? - If you answer Y(es), AM-Tax pauses after each page to give you time to change paper. Using Nelco's LaserMerge? - If you have Nelco's laser software, answer Y(es). All forms and schedules are written to disk in a compatible format. The disk file will have the extension .LDT (required by the Nelco laser merge rules). Consult your LaserMerge documentation for more details. PAGE 12 Using LaserMerge? - LaserMerge is Nelco's laser-image software. If you answer Y, AM-Tax will write your tax return figures to a disk file in a format compatible with LaserMerge. You then exit AM-Tax and run LaserMerge to get a laser printed page (complete with tax figures) for each tax form. The data file name is the name of your tax return file with an extension of .LDT. Electronic Filing? (AM-Tax advanced with electronic filing option) - All forms and schedules are written to disk in a format compatible with Nelco's electronic filing software (Directronic Filing). DATA ALIGNMENT If you're using pre-printed forms, overlays, or Laser-Merge, it's essential that the tax data be properly aligned on the paper. If you are having trouble lining up the data and if you cannot move the paper, then AM-Tax can move the tax data instead. Horizontal Print Adjustment - This field is used to move the data left and right on the page. A negative value moves the data left and a positive value moves the data right. This value can range from -5 to +5 spaces. Vertical Print Adjustment - This field is used to move the data up and down on the page. A negative value moves the data down and a positive value moves the data up. This value can range from -3 to +3 lines. FORM 1040: Print Format? 1. Draft Copy - This is a printout on blank paper. It's quick and gives you a copy for your records, but it cannot be sent to the IRS. (ALL VERSIONS) 2. Data Only - Just the 1040 information will be sent to the printer. This option is intended for use with Nelco's overlays, pin-fed 1040, laser 1040 (supplied with advanced AM-Tax), LaserMerge, or electronic filing. Just the tax data is printed so that it lines up with the tax form text. It is not intended to be used with the IRS forms. (ALL VERSIONS) 3. Epson 9-pin - (REGULAR OR ADVANCED VERSIONS ONLY) An IRS-approved copy of the 1040 will be printed on your dot-matrix printer using the Epson 9-pin graphics commands. If you have an Epson FX, MX, JX, RX, LX, or EX model printer, you should use this option. Most non-Epson printers can emulate the Epson (usually through a dip switch setting). If you're unsure of your printer type, try this option first. Read section 9.6. 4. Epson 24-pin - (Regular or Advanced versions only) An IRS-approved copy of the 1040 will be printed using the Epson 24-pin graphics commands. Epson LQ and SQ model printers will need this setting. 5. IBM - (REGULAR OR ADVANCED VERSIONS ONLY) An IRS-approved copy of the 1040 will be printed using the IBM dot-matrix graphics commands. Any IBM or IBM compatible dot-matrix printer should use this setting. 6. HP Laser - (ADVANCED VERSION ONLY) An IRS-approved copy of the 1040 will be printed using the HP laser printer commands. Any HP Laserjet, LaserJet+, LaserJet 500, or Series II or compatible should support this setting. Read section 9.7 for more information. PAGE 13 SUPPORTING FORMS: Print Format? 1. IRS-approved substitute - AM-Tax prints an IRS-approved version of all supporting forms and schedules on blank paper. You can send this printout directly to the IRS. (ALL VERSIONS) 2. Data Only - Just the tax data will be printed. This is intended to be used with Nelco's overlays, pre-printed computer forms or laser software. It is not intended to be used with the IRS forms. (ALL VERSIONS) Printer Setup String - This is an optional field and can be used to define an initialization string for your printer. For example, you can turn on emphasized or double-strike print mode for darker, more legible output. You must precede any non-displayable character sequence (such as ESC) with a backslash (\). You can enter number or letter codes directly, but you must provide one blank space after any non-displayable character sequence. Consult your printer manual for proper commands, but here are two commands used by Epson and IBM printers to create crisper printing: Emphasized Mode = <Esc> E Printer Setup String = \27 E Double Strike = <Esc> G Printer Setup String = \27 G 9.4 SELECTING THE FORMS TO PRINT If you answer N(o) to the question "Print all forms?" (see previous section), then AM-Tax will ask you to select the forms, schedules and worksheets to print. You will be presented with a list of the contents of each tax return. Enter a Y next to the form or forms that you want printed, then press F2 (be sure your printer is turned on). AM-Tax will begin printing. 9.6 DOT-MATRIX 1040 Available in either of the registered programs. 9.7 LASER 1040 The advanced version of AM-Tax can print an exact replica of the Form 1040 on laser printers capable of emulating the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet. 9.8 ELECTRONIC FILING This is an extra cost item available with the advanced version of AM-Tax. PAGE 14 10.0 REVIEWING / MODIFYING A TAX RETURN After selecting option 2 from the main menu, you will be presented with a list of tax returns saved on disk (see 4.1 for disk drive designation). The screen will look like this: ----------------------------------------------- | CHANGE RETURN | | --------------------------------------------- | | Which tax return do you want displayed? | | ------------------------------------------- | | |SEL|FILENAME | DATE | TIME | DESCRIPTION| | | |---|---------|-------|------|------------| | | | - | SAMPLE1 | 022887| 9:03 | My return | | | | - | SAMPLE2 | 022887|12:30 | With IRA | | | | | . | | | | | | | | . | | | | | | | | . | | | | | | ------------------------------------------- | | | | Y = Display Tax Return | | --------------------------------------------- | | | | 1=Help 2=Go 3=NewDir 0=Return | ----------------------------------------------- Enter a Y in the column marked 'SEL' next to the tax return you want to review or change. Then press F2 or the large, gray '+' key. AM-Tax will take a few moments to reload that return into memory. AM-Tax will only process the first return marked with a 'Y'. If you have tax returns on several floppy diskettes, you can switch diskettes and press F3. AM-Tax will list the tax returns on the new diskette. Once the tax return is loaded, you can proceed as described in "Preparing a Tax Return".