* Note: the 'Notes' feature is only accessible when a client return is open.

1. Notes can be accessed by clicking on the Utilities menu and selecting Notes (figure 1).

(figure 1)
2. This will open the Notes window, giving a space to type any needed information as a note. Notice there are several separate tabs for different notes (figure 2).
Note: Pressing Ctrl + N or right clicking on the input screen and selecting Notes will also bring up the Notes window.

(figure 2)

Refer to figure 2 above for items a though d.

1. Notes – Notes entered here are NOT included in the IRS e-file. They may include items to follow-up on, specific client issues, notes to include for a paper filed return, etc.
2. EF Preparer Notes – Preparer Notes are included in the IRS e-file. Select this tab to provide additional voluntary information related to the tax return. These are not required attachments. Each Preparer Note is limited to 4000 characters.
3. EF Election Explanation – Election Explanations are included in the IRS e-file. Select this tab when the taxpayer makes an election for a certain tax treatment, status, exception or exemption based on an instruction for the tax form, or in a related tax publication when there is no official IRS form designed for that purpose. The specific election must be cited, followed by an explanation or other supporting information. Each Election Explanation is limited to 4000 characters.
4. EF Regulatory Explanation – Regulatory Explanations are included in the IRS e-file. They are similar to the Election Explanations but are used when the taxpayer cites a specific regulation for certain tax treatment, status, or exception or exemption when there is no official IRS form designed for that purpose. The specific regulation must be cited, followed by an explanation or other supporting information. Each Regulatory Explanation is limited to 4000 characters.

Notes Buttons

(figure 3)

Refer to figure 3 above for items a through f.

1. Previous – (Notes tab only) If more than one note have been entered for a return, clicking this button will cycle back to the note(s) entered before the current note.

2. Next – (Notes tab only) If more notes are needed, click on this button to bring up another blank note screen. If more than one note has entered for a return, this will cycle through the notes in sequential order.

3. Print – This will print the note that you are currently on.

4. Delete – This will delete the note that you are currently on.

5. Close – This will close the notes and return to the input screen.

6. Help – This will bring up detailed help regarding the notes feature.