Your Tax application provides processes to manage your tax data including:

• Shortcuts and Icons for Returns and Schedules

• Shortcuts in the Navigation Panels for the Tax Return,

• When a return or form is open there are main and right click menu selections.

• Without first opening a return or form you may access a procedure in Tax:

• by selecting Maintenance Map > Administration, refer to Tax Menus , or

• by selecting shortcuts in the TASKS bar, refer to Tax Button.

• (Series 6 & 8) from Contacts by selecting Tools > AE Tax Settings, refer to Tax Menus .

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) What-if Calculator

• (AE) System Information

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) System Requirements at my.myob

• (AO) System Requirements at my.myob

• Due to the changing requirements of hardware and operating systems, it is recommended that you download and consult the list of minimum system requirements before installing or upgrading an application.

• Support Request log, refer to How to Log a Support Call via the MYOB Website

How to Log a Support Call via the MYOB Website

The MYOB website is a resource providing information on all your ledger applications (technical, known issues, handy hints, marketing, training courses etcetera).

Support will often ask for a copy of the tax return to assist resolving a client problem. For information on how to Export a return refer to Exporting Returns .

How to log a support call:

1. Open your Internet Explorer and enter my.myob.com in the address field, or click this link my.myob.

The

my.MYOB home page

appears.

1. Select Support > Support Requests.

2. Select the Create a new Support Request button.

3. From the lists provided at these fields, select:

• Product,

• Version, and

• Module.

4. Enter text for the Subject.

5. Enter an Issue Description up to 2000 characters, including:

• a statement of the problem

• steps that produce the problem

• exact wording of any messages displayed when you encountered the problem and

• steps you have taken to resolve, or get around, the problem.

6. At the File Attachment fields click Browse to locate up to three files to be attached to your request for support.

7. Click Submit to add your new request to the Support Requests list as ‘open’.

8. You can revisit this site at any time to check on the entries added by support under for the Resolution to your request.

9. Untick the Show my support requests only to view requests from other clients.

Related topics

Navigating in Tax

Tax Menus

In Series 6 & 8, a Tax desktop, comprising frequently used menu options and tasks can be accessed from Contacts by selecting Tools > AE Tax Settings, for example:

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The Taskbar options are hyperlinked. The equivalent menu selections for these hyperlinked tasks are:

• ATO ELS Reports: Lodgment > Electronic > ELS reports. Refer to ELS/PLS Reports list.

• Month due by partner: Lodgment > Month due report > by partner. Refer to Month Due Reports.

• ATO Statistics: Lodgment > ATO Statistics. Refer to ATO Statistics .

• Flexi Report: Reports > Flexi Report. Refer to Flexi Reports.

• Assessment Summary: Preparation > Calculation > Assessment Summary. Refer to Assessment Summary.

• Lock/Unlock Return: Utilities > Lock/Unlock Return. Refer to Unlocking and Locking Returns.

• Tag for Lodgment: Electronic > Tag for Lodgment. Refer to Lodgment status.

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) What-If Calculator: Refer to What-if Calculator.

The Tax menu options are described here briefly with links to further help topics.

For Tax Calculator in AE/Series 6 & 8 refer to the Tax Calculator menu outline.

File Menu

Accountants Enterprise / Series 6 & 8 only

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) New [Shift+Insert]: Effective during data entry in a return or schedule. Refer to Working with Supporting Schedules.

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) Delete [Shift+Delete]: Effective during data entry in a return or schedule to remove any additional line previously inserted using [Shift+Insert]. Refer to User Interface General Features.

• Note [F9]: Effective during data entry in a return or schedule at any amount field or other field that may have a note attached.

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) Standard answer [F7]: Effective during data entry in a return or schedule at any field that may accept data from the Standard answers you have defined. Refer to Standard answers.

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) Copy [F5]: When in any schedule, you may copy that schedule to a nominated return. Refer to Copy a Schedule [F5].

• Summary [Shift+F2]: Effective during data entry in an income tax return to list the items in the return. The list may be Filtered to show only active items. Refer to Summary of Entered Items [Shift +F2].

• ELS test [F3]: Effective during data entry in an income tax return to perform ELS Validation and list the interactive Error Log. In Accountants Enterprise, if no return is open the Validation will be performed on the return currently highlighted. Refer to Interactive Validation Summary [F3].

• Edit completed form: Click on File > Edit completed form, to change a read-only return to edit mode. Tax returns marked as 'completed' open as Read-only to protect them from inadvertent editing. Refer to Edit completed form.

• Page setups... [Ctrl+P]: Provides access to the Page Setups to manage your printers.

(Series 6 & 8) This menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

• List: Effective for certain indexes to provide a simple list of all the entries of the particular type currently displayed. The list can be previewed.

• Exit [Alt+F4]: Close the current session of Tax.

(Series 6 & 8) This menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Utilities Menu

Control Record: The information recorded on the set of tabcards making up the Control Record establish important processing data presumed to be common to all clients. The settings established on the Control Record are overridden by the selection you may make for Agent and Tax Contact on the Return Properties Staff tab. Refer to Setting up your Control Record Properties.

(Series 6 & 8) This menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Practice Defaults; the options are:

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) Retain Schedule Data Refer to Retain Schedule Data (RSD) Options

• Print Options

• Return print Setup to establish Page Setups and printer configurations for documents that are the standard for your practice. Refer to Return Print Setup for the practice .

(Series 6 & 8) This menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Lodgment Setup: This option allows you to specify a set of ELS IP Properties for the Practice and a set of these Properties for each authorised ELS agent in the practice. Refer to Lodgment Setup.

(Series 6 & 8) This menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Exporting Returns: This utility allows you to export one or more Tax returns to a file that may then be imported onto a PC. Returns that display the padlock symbol have been exported. Refer to Exporting Returns  and Export: Audit Updates.

Importing Returns: This utility allows you to import one or more Tax returns that were previously exported so that the returns are unlocked and available for editing. Refer to Importing Returns.

Import from Tax Office pre-filled report: This utility is available when an Individual return is open. Refer to Pre-filling Tax Return data from Tax Agent’s Portal .

Unlock/Lock Returns: When a return is exported it is locked in Tax. This utility is used to unlock a locked return.

(Series 6 & 8) This menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

BAS/IAS Import: This utility is used to import data from Banklink and other third party applications to Tax. Refer to BAS/IAS Import.

(AO) This menu option is available when a tax return is open.

MYOB Superfund Import: This utility allows you to import MYOB fund and ELS data files into Tax. Refer to MCS Import  and Fund Return Import.

(Series 6 & 8) This menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

(Series 6 & 8) Import into Accounts: Data entered into Accounts for the current tax period can be imported into the Income tax Return and activity statements.

The import treats transactions as relating to primary or non-primary production business income and expenses depending on the account mapping.

Refer to Importing Account Transactions including Farm Accounts

This menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

(Series 6 & 8) Import into Farm Accounts: Data entered into Accounts for the current tax period can be imported into the Income tax Return and activity statements.

The import treats all transactions as relating to primary production business income and expenses.

Refer to Importing Account Transactions including Farm Accounts

This menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

(Series 6 & 8) Client GL Account Mapping: This utility allows you to import data on integrated systems from client accounts into a current year tax return only. This means that where you have MYOB Accounts, you can import ledger data into a current year return. Refer to Client GL Account Mapping

This menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

(AE Tax, Series 6 & 8) Integrity Check: The options available are Index Check, Validate alternate indexes, Name Text validity and Recalulate Schedule Totals. Refer to Integrity Check.

For Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

(AE Tax, Series 6 & 8) Clear Single User Locks: A single user lock is applied to a return when a user performs functions such as Lodging by ELS and Exporting or printing returns. Should the function end abnormally for some reason the return will remain locked. Refer to Clear Single User Locks.

For Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

(AE Tax, Series 6 & 8) Special Routines: The Special Routines include Update due dates based on ATO level/Classification; Refresh System links and, Update lodgment office of returns. Refer to Special Routines (AE).

For Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Edit Menu (AE/AO)

The Edit menu options are active when a tax return is open.

Cut [Ctrl+X]: This removes the contents of the field being processed and puts a copy the data in the clipboard.

Copy [Ctrl+C]: This puts a copy the contents of the field being processed in the clipboard.

Delete [Del]: This removes the contents of the field being processed.

Paste [Ctrl+V]: This inserts the contents of the clipboard into the field being processed.

Insert Row [Ctrl+Insert]: This creates an additional line in the return or schedule currently open. All field associated with the new line are provided.

Delete Row [Ctrl+Delete]: This deletes a line that has previously been added to the return or schedule. All fields associated with the line are removed.

View Menu (AE/AO)

This menu is only available when a tax return is open.

Navigation bar: This allows you hide or show the navigation bar. The navigation bar is intended to assist clients to navigate the forms and schedules using the mouse. Refer to Navigation Panels for the Tax Return.

Refresh: When indiscriminate changes are made to integration between income tax returns and attachments to them, it is recommended that you refresh the return so that integrated values are adjusted correctly.

Maintenance Menu

(AE Tax) Clients: The Contact Browser lists the code type status and name for all your Contacts. The General Tab is used to record identifiers for retrieving your Contacts. Contacts may be an individual or entity, client or employee. Refer to Clients.

Practice Manager users add clients in PM by selecting Contacts > New > Client to run the Create Client/Contact wizard.

Bulk Edit Return: This routine allows you to make the same type of change or exactly the same change to more than one return simultaneously. It is intended to simplify minor maintenance of a large numbers of returns. Refer to Bulk Return Edit.

For Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

(AE Tax) Employees: This maintenance function allows you to add and edit the employee details. Each employee must be either an Employee, a Manager or a Partner. Employees are assigned to returns to enable reporting by partner, manager or employee. Refer to Employees.

Practice Manager users add employees in PM. Select Contacts > New > Employee ad run the Create Employee wizard.

User Preferences: The user preferences are a set of tabcards on which standard settings may be established by each user. These assist the user to complete and print returns and schedules. When selected the user’s preferences override the defaults established for the practice on the Control Record. Refer to User Preferences.

For Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Tax Rates: The Tax Rates and tables are updated as required each time the Tax application is installed. Refer to Tax Rates .

For Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

(AE) Status: Refer to Status Level Index

Agents: Your practice must have at least one Tax Agent. This is the person named on the Control Record Names tab. Where a Practice has more than one lodging Agent, those Agents are added to the Agent index and may be selected for all processes where an agent may be nominated. For example, on the Return Properties Staff tab or in the Bulk Edit Return routine. Refer to Agents.

For Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Contacts: The Tax Contact is named on the income tax return declaration as the person to whom the ATO should direct queries regarding the return.

Your practice must have at least one Tax Contact. This is the person named on the Control Record Names tab. If the practice only has the one Contact that person will be the Tax Contact for every income tax return prepared. Refer to Tax Contacts.

For Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Standard answers: Standard answers are common responses you repeat many times to fill data entry fields with text, such as dates, bank names, government department names and so on. Refer to Standard answers.

Standard answers can be selected at any data entry field where this  icon is active. The shortcut key is [F7].

For Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Substantiation Notes: The Master, and Practice Notes may be used to substantiate and detail amounts and information entered into a return. Refer to Substantiation Notes.

For Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Letter Writing: Tax Letters in Word are available to the user with SQL database management. Refer to Tax Letters.

(AE) If you use the CFS database refer to Text Letter Writing.

For Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Preparation Menu

The Preparation Menu provides options for Returns and Schedules. In MYOB AO, this is available when a tax return is open.

Schedules: The Select Schedule Type lists all the schedules relevant to the return that is open including the form itself. Refer to Preparing Returns and Schedules

Schedule Notes: This is a list of all notes attached to the return. To attach a schedule note to any label in the return during data entry, click [F9]. Refer to Schedule Notes Index. To attach a note to the Assessment Details for the return refer to Assessment Details.

Delete Schedules: You can delete a schedule attached to a form (or return) during data entry when the form is open. In MYOB AE, this can also be done from the Return index when the form is highlighted.

A schedule may contain value(s) integrated from other schedules or sub-schedules. In this situation the integrated schedules and sub-schedules MUST be deleted first.

Refer to Deleting Schedules.

Delete Dissection Grids: The Index of grids shows all grids attached to the return.

You delete a single grid or select multiple grids by using the [Shift] or [Ctrl] key. Refer to Deleting Multiple Dissection Grids.

Calculation: The Calculation menu offers:

• Estimate Refer to Tax Estimate [F4].

• (AE, Series 6 & 8) What if Calculations Refer to Calculations Index.

• (AE, Series 6 & 8) The Optimiser assists the Trustee to decide on which beneficiaries will receive a distribution of Trust Income. Refer to Optimiser.

• Assessment Summary: This report will list the estimated, assessed and last year's primary tax. Refer to Assessment Summary.

Assessment Details: The Assessment Details dialog allows you to record details from the Notice of Assessment (NOA) issued by the ATO and to prepare the covering letter to accompany the NOA to be sent to the client. It also allows you to compare the tax payable/refund due amount on the NOA to the amount calculated in the [F4] estimate. From Tax 2011.2 onwards you are able to add a text note on the Assessment Details dialog. Refer to Assessment Details.

GST/PAYG Profile: These details comprise the summary of all GST/PAYG information relevant to each taxpayer. The GST/PAYG information is automatically updated with FBT, PAYG Instalment and PAYG Withholding amounts when a Statement is updated to lodged, either manually or from an ELS Validation report. Refer to GST/PAYG Profile for the taxpayer.

Consolidation Profile: This option is active for Company returns. It provides for you to record organisations that are subsidiaries of the consolidated group but for whom you do not prepare a tax return. Refer to Consolidation Group Profile.

Amend Return: This option is active for lodged Individual returns.

Refer to About amending Returns.

Rapidtax: In AE this option allows you to prepare a workflow for repeated steps for data entry, printing and lodgment related functions. These can apply to the practice, individual users or on a one time basis. Refer to RapidTax.

Practice Manager users in AE do not have access to Rapidtax.

Lodgment Menu

Electronic: This submenu comprises:

• Tag for Lodgment: This index includes returns and forms that have passed [F3] Validation and been marked as Complete. From this index an output file is built ready for transmission. Refer to Lodgment status

• Lodge: This open the Connect to the ATO screen enabling you to establish a connection to the CEG. Connection to the ATO may be done at any time or following directly from the Tag for Lodgment operation. Refer to Electronic Lodgment of returns

• Error log: The error log records the results of errors, warnings or messages encountered with tagged returns during validation. Refer to Error Log

• ATO Reports: The ATO supplies reports to your practice following each successful transmission. Validation reports identify the results of validation and the status of returns and other forms may be updated from this report. Refer to ELS/PLS Reports list

In Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Update: This submenu comprises:

• I,P,T,C,F forms: This option allows you to manually update the status of one or more income tax returns and any attached schedules that are lodged via ELS with the return. Refer to Status Update from the Validation Report

• Other ATO forms: This option allows you to manually update the status forms lodged separately from an income tax return. These forms may only a status that is ‘not lodged’, ‘sent for signature’ or ‘lodged’. Refer to Status Update of other ATO Forms

• (Series 6 & 8) Contact finder: This function opens your list of Contacts.

• (Series 6 & 8) Contact Profile: This function displays the profile of the Contact that is the subject of the open return.

• (Series 6 & 8) Invoice: This function opens the Raise a Fee window in Contacts. The Raise a Fee window displays all Matters available for billing for the selected Fee client. The display may include Matters for those clients who have their WIP redirected to the selected Fee client for billing. The Accounts User Guide may be opened by selecting Help > Help Topics while you are working in Accounts.

In AO, the Update menu option is available when a tax return is open.

ATO Statistics: This submenu provides Standard and Budget reports for all return types.

• The Standard reports are based on the requirements set up under Lodgment > Budget Maintenance.

• The Budget reports are based on the 'date due' entered in the Lodgment Details screen.

Refer to ATO Statistics .

In Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Month due report: These reports list the lodgment due date for within the category selected: by return, by partner; by manager or by employee. Refer to Month Due Reports.

In Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

For MYOB AO, this menu option will be available when a tax return is open.

Verify ATO Listings: This report checks that returns reported as ‘lodged’ on the ATO listing correspond to the returns marked as ‘lodged‘ in Tax. Any discrepancies found are reported. Refer to Verify ATO Listings

In Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

For MYOB AO, this menu option will be available when a tax return is open.

Other Reports: The Other Reports include:

• ATO Letter identifying the practice and the returns being lodged. You are prompted to reset the ‘Lodged this run’ flag?

• Performance Report to list the number and percentage of returns for each type of form; the number and percentage lodged to date; and, the total percentage complete.

• Progress Report  to list for each form type the number of current year returns; the total of each form type; and, the percentage of returns lodged on a year to date basis.

• Table Report summarising income tax returns by tax level, as selected on the Return Properties, PAYG/Lodge tab.

• Lodgment Reports for forms, (other than Income Tax and BAS/IAS) showing due date, the number on file, lodged and percentage with some selection by partner, manager etc.

In Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

BAS/IAS: The Lodgment Status Report produces a listing of all Activity Statements of the selected type with a statistical summary. Refer to Lodgment Status Report.

• The Lodgment Report show for a period range the BAS and IAS payers who have lodged, have a forms sent for signature and who have not lodged.

• The Due Report will list all returns for BAS/IAS payers who have and have not lodged.

Table Maintenance: The ATO defines two standard tax tables: Standard I, P and T forms; and, Standard C and F forms. Tax provides for maintenance of these tables should the ATO change the tax levels during the year. Refer to Table Maintenance

In Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Budget Maintenance: The ATO defines lodgment budgets, as the date by which returns of each tax level must be lodged.

In Tax the Budget Maintenance routine is used to set targets for the tax practice so that a lodgment program can be planned and maintained. Refer to Budget Maintenance.

In Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

Reports Menu

• Print Return: This Reports option opens the Print Form screen where you may choose to print one or more returns using a predefined print job with changes you can specify to apply for this print run only. Refer to Printing Returns.

• Tax Office copy PDF: The Tax Office copy PDF uses a wizard to produce one PDF document that includes a copy of all available active ATO schedules, attachments and the Electronic Lodgment Declaration (ELD) in the required order. The security of you PDF files can be achieved by applying a password. Refer to Tax Office Copy PDF Functionality.

• Print Schedule: Schedule printing will print one or more schedules on an individual basis, perhaps for checking purposes, prior to printing the entire return, estimates, ELD, etc. For example, you wish to check the Capital Gains summary prior to lodging the return. Refer to Schedule Printing.

• Print ELD: Tax agents must sign the Tax Agent's Certificate component of the applicable form. Refer to Print Electronic Lodgment Declarations.

• Print Notes: This option is used to print schedule notes attached to returns or those notes recorded on the Assessment Details dialog. Refer to Print Notes .

• Pro forma Schedules: For most schedules types this reporting option is available to print blank copies for use during client interviews. These schedules might then be used to prepare tax returns. Pro forma schedules do not display any amounts or narrations. Refer to Proforma Schedules .

In Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) Flexi Reports: This printing option is used to print reports on returns according to the needs of individual tax practices. Refer to Flexi Reports.

In Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

• Returns attached to Clients: This reporting option allows you to print the details of returns for clients with each client is on a separate page. The return details include: code, TFN, type, name. Refer to Returns Attached to Clients.

• (AE) Letters: The Report > Letter option allows you to generate letters using your practice text letters layouts. This process is not a wizard, there is no step back. Refer to Printing Letters. Practices upgraded to SQL may also produce letters from Word, refer to Tax Letters.

• Labels: Return Labels may be printed using various options for official correspondence. Refer to Return Label Printing.

In Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

• Audit Trail menu: This menu offers:

• Tax Preparation will report actions taken and changes made to returns or schedules according to the your selections. Refer to Tax Preparation Audit Trail.

• ATO report import - At the end of each transmission session a report is added to the ATO log showing those files downloaded in the transmission just completed. Tax prompts you to review these reports and, where applicable to update the status of returns that have been validated to 'Lodged'. Refer to ELS/PLS Reports list.

In Series 6 & 8, this menu option is available on the Desktop, select Tools > Tax Settings.

• (AE) Integration: This function provides integration to Investment Register System. Practice Manager does not integrate to the Investment Register System.

Tax Letters Menu

For AE/Series 6 & 8 clients using SQL, the Tax letters Menu offers:

For AO clients, the Tax letters Menu offers:

• Print Letter: This option allows you to select a letter from the list of templates. Refer to Print Letter

• Create New: A blank letter opens in Word. You can then insert the mergefields that are available to the Tax database. Refer to Create New.

• Edit Letter: Open a letter for change, such as adding new mergefields that are available to the Tax database. Refer to Edit Letter and Tax Letter Mergefields

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) Create/Update Views: This process is required when you setup for Tax Letters initially or to enable new mergefields as advised in the Release Notes from time to time. Refer to Create or Update Views.

For AE, Practice Manager users do not need to run the Create/Update Views process.

Help

• Current Screen: Click [F1] when in any area of Tax to display a help screen relevant to the current operation or where an income tax return form (C, F, I, P, T, MS) is being processed [F1] yields help on the specific item or label being processed.

The item specific topics include relevant paragraph references in the current CCH Master Tax Guide.

• Help - Contents: This option displays the full table of contents (TOC) for the Tax online help. Depending on your installation these include:

• the item specific help topics for income tax return forms.

• help on returns, schedules worksheets,

• guidance using Tax to maintain the tax returns in your tax ledger

• the ELS validation error messages

• the What-If Calculation help topics.

• Lodgment V messages: The current ELS Validation Errors, Notes and Warnings that may be issued by the ATO.

• About: This help topic describes the About Box. Refer to About Box.

About Box

The About box displays the version number of the Tax software and the name of the firm or person to whom the software is licensed. It also provides other information and more detailed information on the Application and the System by selecting the Application Details... button and the System Information button...

For Series 6 & 8, selecting Help > About from other modules such as Tax Calculator opens dialog with information relevant to that module.

For AE, selecting Help > About from other modules such as Tax Calculator; Tax Tracking; Client Database or System Release opens dialog with information relevant to each module.

User Interface General Features

This is a guide to using the features generally applicable throughout Tax. By providing these general rules, it is hoped to avoid repetitious instructions throughout the Help.

Index lists and data entry screens

Standard features and functions include:

• Delete - To delete an entry from an index:

• Right click and click Delete, or

• [Alt+D], or

• [Shift+Delete], or

• [Ctrl+Delete]

You will need to confirm that you wish to delete the entry.

• (AE) New - To add a new entry, such as a tax return:

• Right click and click New, or

• [Alt+N], or

• [Shift+Insert], or

• [Ctrl+Insert]

• (AE) New - Practice Manager users add tax returns in PM. Open the Tax Returns tab for the client in PM and select Create Return from the Taskbar.

• (AO) New - Accountants Office users add tax returns in AO. Open the Tax Returns tab for the client in PM and select Create Return from the Taskbar.

• Select - Where the operation only supports the selection of one item, click Select or [Alt+S] to capture the highlighted entry and close the index.

Where the operation supports the selection of more than one entry, entries that are selected are TICKed. These entries will be included in the next step in the process. This applies to operations like, Tag for Lodgment that allows you to select multiple forms for lodgment.
Repeating the selection process on the same entry alternately selects and de-selects that entry.

• Select all - This selects all the entries displayed in the index. All entries are Ticked. Once all entries are ticked they must be de-selected separately.

Key combinations

These key combinations can produce greater efficiency than that obtained using other navigational features:

• [Enter]

• Tax returns and schedule data entry: [Enter] operates in the same way as [Tab] with one additional feature: at any field where supporting data is required or where a schedule is already attached to the field, clicking [Enter] opens the schedule or the index of schedules as applicable .

• A list of valid selections: [Enter] automatically opens the list of values and you will need to select No or Yes to continue. To avoid opening these unnecessarily use [Tab] in preference to [Enter].

• [Alt + Underlined Letter]

• If the letter typed matches the underlined letter on a menu or function button, the menu or function is initiated.

• This key combination is the same as clicking a function button (or icon) or selecting from a menu.

• [Underlined Letter]

• Checkboxes: When selecting checkboxes, clicking the underlined letter checks the option which has the corresponding letter underlined.

• Menu Selection: When a menu is displayed, typing a character will initiate the function with an underlined character matching the character typed. For example in AE/Series 6 & 8, to start the Retain Schedule Data click [Alt+U], P, R.

• [Tab]

• The Tab key cycles through functions, data entry fields and checkboxes. Click [Enter] to initiate the function, or select/de-select the option.

• Radio Buttons: When selecting radio buttons using Tab transfers control from one radio button to the next.

• Tax returns and schedule data entry: The Tab key steps through every label in order of its position in the return.

• Selection lists: The Tab key steps through lists of valid codes or entries for selection (also called dropdown or [F10] lists) without opening them unnecessarily.

• [Ctrl+Tab]

• This key combination cycles through the Tabcards currently on screen.

• [Esc] or Cancel

• In general [Esc] exits AND abandons any changes that have been made. If there is an active option called OK present then this should be selected to close the function and save current settings.

• Cancel is used to close an index and return to the point in the processing from which the index was opened and abandons any unsaved data on the screen.

• [F6] - To ensure that all newly entered data is retained, click [F6] to close the return or schedule.

 

Related topics

Shortcuts and Icons for Returns and Schedules

Navigation Panels for the Tax Return

(AE) Select Return Index

Working with Supporting Schedules

Record Selection

Back to Navigating in Tax

Shortcuts and Icons for Returns and Schedules

For clients who use the keyboard for navigation, the shortcuts or hotkeys available while editing returns or schedules are listed here in alphabetically.

The navigation panel can be closed from the View menu.

z

Related topics

User Interface General Features

Navigation Panels for the Tax Return

(AE) Select Return Index

Working with Supporting Schedules

Back to Navigating in Tax

Navigation Panels for the Tax Return

The Navigation panel offers frequently used features relevant to the tax return being processed. In AE, for the list of returns displayed in the Select Return Index, refer to Return Index Navigation Panels .

For the full list of forms, schedules and worksheets appropriate to the return select Preparation > Schedule. Refer to Working with Supporting Schedules

The panels include: Form Summary; ATO return; ATO Schedules; ATO Forms and, Worksheets.

Features include:

• Each panel may be expanded or collapsed using the double arrowheads.

• If an element extends beyond the space available scroll bars are provided.

• A plus (+) indicates that multiples are applicable. Click the (+) to add a new schedule.

• A tick indicates that a particular schedule is attached.

Clients who prefer keyboard navigation, may hide the Navigation panel by deselecting View > Navigation.

Form Summary

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Uppermost in the Navigation panel is the Form Summary. This indicates whether the form has been marked as complete or not and the due date for lodgment.

The current taxable income for the open return updates as income and deductions are entered.

ATO Return

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Features of the ATO Return tree:

• Active items are ticked

• Click an item to shift to that item

• Your position in the return is ‘greyed’

• The contents of the Navigation panel adjust to suit the Tab in the tax return.
  Tabcards are to simplify navigating the open return by grouping related items such as Front cover, Income, etc.
  Moving between Tabcards: To use the keyboard to move through the return from beginning to end, click Page Down to arrive at the last data entry field on a tabcard and then click Tab to shift to the beginning of the next.

ATO Schedules

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You may open ATO schedules by selecting:

• The Label icon directly at the data entry point,

• The schedule from the navigation panel,

• The Schedule icon or [Alt+S].

ATO Forms

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• The list of ATO forms shows all ELS self-standing forms that can be lodged for the return type:

• A tick indicates that a particular forms has been completed.

• Click the Form name to open the existing form, if any.

Worksheets

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The list offers the worksheets most commonly used for the return type being processed. The same considerations apply to this panel as to the ATO Schedules panel. For a complete list select Preparation > Schedule.

The scroll bars are required as the worksheet list is long.

Back to Navigating in Tax

Select Return Index

Accountants Enterprise only

The Return index lists the returns on the ledger. The comprehensive set of functions provided are intended to assist both keyboard and mouse users. They include:

• To restrict the list of returns to those for a single client, that is billing entity, refer to Select Client .

• Graphical symbols to identify returns, refer to Return Index

• Navigation panels to make a selection of frequently used Reports, Functions and Favourites more accessible to mouse users. Refer to Return Index Navigation Panels

• Search for returns matching TFN, ABN or DIN, refer to Return Search Function

• Right click menu of frequently used functions, refer to Right click Menu.

• Toolbar icons for frequently used functions, refer to Toolbar icons.

Order in which the returns are listed

Initially the returns are listed by Return Code. To change the order in which the Returns are listed, click on any column heading showing the arrow symbol.

Sorting the returns: The index may be sorted in ascending or descending order by clicking a column heading where an Up arrow or Down arrow is shown. The columns include Return code, Tax File Number, Status and Return Name. Click a second time to reverse the order.

Status

This column reveals the lodgment status of a return. The codes which may be displayed in this column will depend on the type of lodgment monitoring set up in Control Record > Lodgment Tab. Refer to Setting up your Control Record Properties and Lodgment .

Tax File Number

To search for a return by TFN, move to the TFN column, type the significant digits unformatted and click [Enter].

Name

An individual's name is shown as the surname followed by a comma and then the first and second names.

An entity's name is shown as entered.

Prior Year Returns

Any return that has not been rolled into the current tax ledger will show the year of the return in brackets before the return name. For example, return raised on 2016 and rolled forward to 2017 but not yet opened in 2017 will show [2016] before the return name. Refer to Retain Schedule Data (RSD) Options

Back to Navigating in Tax

Return Search Function

 

If your Return Index shows your full tax ledger you can use the Search option to locate a return by matching against an ABN, a TFN or DIN which you provide.

To show returns for a single client, that is billing entity. Refer to Select Client .

How to run the Search

1. Click Search.

2. Tick the checkbox for either ABN, DIN or TFN.

3. Type the code (or part of it) for the return you wish to locate, and click [Enter].

Returns located

The return with the code which most closely matches the one you have typed will be located and highlighted.

The order of the index is determined on a modified case sensitive basis:

• numerals then

• all upper case, then

• mixed upper and lower case followed by

• all lower case.

Reversing the order would mean lower case are listed first, then mixed lower and upper, followed by upper then numerals.

Tax file No.: To search for a return by TFN, move to the TFN column in the Select Return index, type the significant digits in the number unformatted (that is, without spaces) and click [Enter].

Back to Select Return Index

Return Index Navigation Panels

These panels offer frequently used Reports and Functions and the option to create a Favourites list, that is, returns that may require easy or frequent access currently.

Reports

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These are frequently used reports otherwise available from the Reports menu.

Functions

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These are frequently used functions available from various places in Tax.

Favourites

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Favourites: Each user may add up to 8 returns to Favourites at any one time. These are shortcuts to returns currently being prepared.

To remove a return from Favourites, right click on it in Favourites and click Remove.

Right click Menu

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The right click menu includes:

• Open the highlighted return.

• Schedules - open the index applicable to the return.

• Search for matching the ABN, DIN, TFN. Refer to Return Search Function

• Summary of entered items for the return.

• New create a return, refer to Customising Return Properties.

• Delete the highlighted return. Refer to Deleting Schedules.

• Properties of the return, refer to Customising Return Properties.

• Add to Favourites in navigation panel.

Toolbar icons

These icons perform the selected function for the highlighted return including:

• Tax Estimate [F4] 

• Summary of Entered Items [Shift +F2]

• Interactive Validation Summary [F3].

• Edit completed form to change a read-only return to edit mode. Tax returns marked as 'completed' open as Read-only to protect them from inadvertent editing.

• Search for matching the ABN, DIN, TFN. Refer to Return Search Function

• Properties of the return, refer to Customising Return Properties.

Back to Select Return Index

Return Index

For Series 6 & 8

This ledger has been opened independently of Practice Manager or Contacts. You should close the ledger and open the required tax return from the application to which it is integrated.

For Accountants Enterprise

The Select Return index lists all the income tax returns on the ledger. Initially they will be listed by Return Code. The features provided on the Return Index include:

Tax file No. column

To search by TFN, click into the Tax file No. column. Type the exact 9 digits of the TFN unformatted and click [Enter]. If a matching TFN is found in the ledger focus shifts to that return.

Sorting the returns

The Return index may be sorted by clicking the column heading for Return code or Tax File Number. The sort is case sensitive.

Listing returns

To produce a list from the returns showing in your tax ledger:

1. At the Select Return index, click File > List.

2. Complete the Preview/Print screen to select the output device for your listing.

3. Complete the Record Selection to enter the sort sequence, and the range of returns to be listed.

4. Click OK to print the list.

Toolbar Icons

Tax provides many shortcut icons. You may customise additional icons to meet your needs. Refer to Toolbars .

Return Name column

An individual's name is shown as the surname followed by a comma and then the first and second names.

An entity's name is shown as entered in the Return Properties.

State/Status column

This column reveals the lodgment status of a return.

The method of lodgment monitoring set up under Control Record > Lodgment tab. The lodgment state applied to a return depends on the method of monitoring.

1. If Simple Lodgment Control is in use, the column will show:

• Not Started

• In Progress

• Sent for Signature

• Ready to Lodge

• Transmitted

• Rejected

• Lodged

• Assessment Received

2. If the column is 'Status', the Monitor using Status Levels is in use. Status levels must be added for lodgment monitoring. Refer to Status Level Index.

3. Tax Tracking

Select button

Depending on the process being performed the Select button allows you to nominate a single return to be actioned by the current process, or retrieves the required details from the highlighted entry in the list.

Delete a schedule

To remove a schedule attached to the return select Preparation > Delete Schedules. Locate the schedule in the list and select Delete. Confirm the operation by clicking Yes.

A message informs when a return has no schedules attached.

Amended

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In the Return Index, this symbol indicates a lodged return has been amended more than once. For example, if you amend a return (code: carl) twice, the return codes will be ‘carl’ (the latest version); ‘carl1’ (the first amendment lodged) and ‘carl0’ (the first version of the return lodged). The amended icon displays ‘carl1’.

Refer to Amending Lodged Returns

Original

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In the Return Index, this symbol indicates the Original lodged return to which amended returns with the same TFN relate.

Padlock

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In the Return Index, a Padlock indicates that the return has been exported and is therefore 'locked'.

New / Add return

To create a return, at the Return index select [Ctrl+Insert]. A blank Properties screen is opened. Refer to Customising Return Properties.

Alternatively, select the Add Return function from the navigation panel if you are in the habit of using this feature or right click on the Return index and select New.

Select Client

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Your practice may restrict the Return index to returns for selected clients.

To list returns by client:

1. Click Utilities > Control Record > Defaults

2. Tick Select Returns by client.

3. The next time you open Tax the return index will include the Select client icon. Click this icon or [Alt+E] to list the index of clients for your ledger.

4. To view the returns for a client, locate the client and click [Enter].

To return to the full list of returns

1. Click Utilities > Control Record > Defaults

2. Untick Select Returns by client.

3. The next time you open Tax the return index the Select client icon will no longer appear and the full list of returns is restored.

Back to Select Return Index

Letter Writing Overview

• Tax Letters 

• Print Letter

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) Create or Update Views

• Create New

• Edit Letter

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) Print Letters by Batch

• (AE/Series 6 & 8) Selecting a Range of Returns for Tax Letters

• Tax Letter Mergefields

If you are using AE, also read:

• Create a Flexi Report Layout

• Invoice Tab

• How to use schedule fields in a text letter

• Fields available for word processing

Back to Income Tax Returns

Toolbars

The default toolbars are Standard, Print Preview and Note Editing.

This illustrates the Standard icons added to the toolbar for Cut, Copy, Paste and Add a Note.

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Tax also provides a set of icons which you may use to customise toolbars.

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How to customise a toolbar:

1. Double-click on ‘empty’ space on the standard toolbar.

2. Click Customise.

3. Open the Configure tab.

4. From the Available Commands: double click the function to be included on the toolbar.

5. From the Select icon panel scroll right and left through the icons. Double click to associate an icon with the function.

1. Click New to move the icon/function pair to the customised toolbar.

2. Click Close to display the new toolbar.

Toolbar Tab

This tab allows you to add a new toolbar, delete a toolbar (Remove), adjust the position of toolbars (Move Up, Move Down) and to name the toolbars if required.

Back to Navigating in Tax

Record Selection

The Record Selection process enables you to choose a range of records or a method of sequencing those records or both. This process is common to exporting, printing, updating and other processing.

Sequence

The options for sequencing the items presented here depend on whether you selected Primary, Secondary or Tertiary sequencing.

• Range by Primary sequence provides:

• Return Code - select a return code then sort by TFN for each return code.

• Client Code - select a client code then sort by TFN for each client code, then sort by return code for each TFN. (This sequencing option is useful for amended returns.)

• Form Type: Return Code - select a particular form type, for example, I form, then sort by return code.

• Status: Return Code - select a particular status level, for example, 'lodged', then sort by return code.

• Office Index: Return Code - If your practice uses the Office Index, select the relevant character from the Office Index by which you wish to sort, then sort by return code.

• Range by Secondary sequence is not applicable to all processes. It provides:

• ATO level:Return code;

• Partner:ATO level:Return code;

• Manager:ATO level:Return code;

• Employee:ATO level:Return code; or,

• Agent:ATO level:Return code

• Range by Tertiary sequence is not applicable to all processes. It provides:

• Return code;

• Client code:Return code;

• TaxFileNumber:Return code;

• AlphaSort:Return code; or,

• Contact:Return code.

• Mask

If your tax practice uses Office Index Masks, you may key in an office index mask at this eight character alphanumeric field. Office indexes are user determined sorting devices for the purpose of reporting on particular groups of records.

• By Item

This option enables you to nominate returns individually, by return code. (The same end can be achieved by selecting batch and locating the required return(s) in the index).
When this option is selected, click [F6] to open a data entry screen. Type a valid return code and then click [F6]. On completion of the list of returns to be processed, click [Enter] or [F6] to close the screen and continue to the next step in the process.

Range

The range nominated, is a filter to include and exclude items in your process.

The default range for all sequencing options is from first to last, that is, the first to last items in the system.

To select a range, enter the first code then the last code, clicking [Enter] after typing in each code. Click [Enter] twice to accept the default option, from first to last. When you click [Ctrl+Right Arrow] the first code is repeated as the last code.

For example:

1. If you want to select all the returns in your Tax ledger, select Return code and leave the range set as first to last.

2. Instead if you want to select all the returns in your Tax ledger, but have them organised by form type and then listed in return code order, select Form type:Return code and leave the range set as first to last. This will result in, all the returns in your ledger being listed in form type (C, F, I, P then T) and for each form type the returns are arranged by return code.

Related topics

(AE) Creating Sort Sequence

Back to Reporting from Tax

Creating Sort Sequence

Accountants Enterprise only

If you select the User defined sequence option, the Create Sort Sequence window displays for the purpose of defining a sort sequence.

Sequence code: A ten (10) character alphanumeric field, enter a code to index the sort sequence that you are about to create, for example, AREA. If you wish to retrieve a sort sequence that you have already created, click [F10] to list the Sequences available for selection. This is a list of all the sort sequences you have created; to select an option, tab to the preferred option and click [Enter] or Select. You will then be returned to the Create Sort Sequence window. Click [Enter] again to move to the next field and the details of the sort sequence will default to all the fields in the Create Sort Sequence window.

If you are adding a new sequence, a query will display asking you if you wish to create a new sequence. Click Yes to continue and enter a Sequence Code and Description.

If you do not want to use an existing sequence or create a new one for future use, do not type anything into the sequence code field and the sequence used to print the report will not be stored. Click [Enter] to continue.

Name Selection

There are two choices, Primary and Alternate, referring to the code of the Contacts that have been added to Central Database. Select one of these to determine whether you wish to sequence Contacts according to their primary or alternate code. The default is Primary, that is, Contacts will be sorted according to their main code.

From, To and Mask: These three fields consist of ten alphanumeric characters each. You may nominate the range of Contacts to be selected in this sort sequence. The default is from first to last and to accept these, click [Enter] over each of the fields.

At the Mask field, you may nominate to sort only a particular group of Contacts. For example, if you enter the characters [C*], then only those Contacts beginning with C will be included in the sort sequence.

Include Types

These checkboxes determine the Contact types that you will include in this sort sequence. The default option includes all Contact types. If you do not wish to include all Contact types, de-select the checkboxes which correspond to the Contact types you wish to exclude, for example, creditors, prospects by clicking [Alt+highlighted letter] or just select on the checkbox and the tick will be removed.

Sequence Fields

These fields allow you to input up to five levels of sorting criteria. These levels of sorting may be viewed as five filters for sorting Contacts. This is where you nominate to sort the Contacts using specific sort view values which you have attached to Contacts.

Using: At this field enter the sort view that you wish to use. Click [F10] to display the sort view entries available for selection. Click [F9] to display an example of fields that can be sorted.

At the next two fields, the From - To fields, nominate the range for the sort view that you have entered. For example, if you entered AREA in the Using field, click [Enter] twice to accept the defaults which are ‘First’ to ‘Last’. This means that all Contacts with the sort view AREA will print regardless of the sort view value. Alternatively, by entering From 2000 to 2000, Contacts with a value of 2000 for AREA will print.

At the Mask field, if you have selected from first to last in the From - To fields, you may nominate to sort only a particular group of Contacts. For example, if you want to report on all Contacts in your database who's date of commencement is in 1994, you could use this syntax:

@FLD=D120 From first   To last               Mask ??-??-94

This means that only Contacts with 94 in the year part of the date of commencement will print regardless of the day and month.

If you want to report on all Contacts in your database with an AREA code beginning with 2, you could use this syntax:

AREA           From First   To last               Mask 2*

Masking Rules

• Use ? to replace 1 character

• Use * to replace all characters

Must have: At this field, answer [Y] so that the Contacts retrieved from your database must have the sort view attributes that you nominated. For example, if you nominated AREA at the Using field, with a range of 2000 to 2065, by selecting Yes at Must have, then only those Contacts that have sort view values within 2000 to 2065 will print.

If you answer [N], then the sort sequence will include all the Contacts you nominated to sort in the selections above. When you print the sort sequence results, all those Contacts NOT possessing the sort view which you selected will be listed first, followed by all the Contacts that do have the sort view attached in numeric and/or alphabetic order. For example, this option could be used for reviewing who has or does not have an area attached.

The 'Must have' option is not accessible if you are reporting on a field rather than a sort view as it is not applicable. All Contacts in your database will have all the relevant fields attached to them regardless of whether an actual value has been entered. You may enter up to five levels of sorting criteria. If you enter less than five levels, click [F6] or [Alt+O] to continue.

The next window that displays is the Output Device window. Select an output device (screen, printer or disk file) and the detailed listing is printed according to the sort sequence that you created.

Back to Record Selection

Working with Supporting Schedules

Tax allows you to record supporting data that integrates to labels in the main return or to other worksheets that integrate to the main return. These are:

• ELS schedules that are completed and lodged with the return.

• Customised worksheets for calculation and record keeping purposes that are never lodged with the return.

• Worksheets that are not lodged but will generate a lodgable schedule including Capital Gains and Depreciation.

• A Generic Schedule which is never lodged with the return.

• A Dissection Grid which is never lodged with the return.

Integration

When creating a schedule or worksheet the following points should be remembered, that where the schedule or worksheet integrates values to more than one item or label in the return, all related fields are greyed out and any changes that need to be made to those labels must be made in the supporting schedule or worksheet.

Creating new schedules or worksheets

These methods may be used to open the schedule or worksheet:

• Where a label becomes highlighted on rollover, click the label to open the relevant schedule.

• Where a schedule, worksheet or dialog is already attached the field will be greyed out. Click [Enter] to opened the schedule.

• Click on the required schedule in the Navigation pane which is divided into sections containing only those schedules and worksheets relevant to the particular form type; or

• Click on the Schedule icon, if it is enabled.

• Click Preparation > Schedule, for the full index of Schedules. To locate the schedule you want:

• sort by schedule code, type the code and click [Enter]; or

• sort by description, type the first few letters of the name and click [Enter]

• The majority of worksheets may be selected from the Navigation pane under the heading Worksheets. The worksheets available are dependent on the return type being completed.

• Capital Gains and Depreciation worksheets provide an Index of transactions and a checkbox to select to generate the version of the schedule to be lodged by ELS.

• Where 'Quick access to...' is shown, enter 'Yes' to open the relevant schedule.

Deleting Activity Statements, Schedules and worksheets

In Tax, Activity Statements, schedules and worksheets may be deleted when the client return is open. To do this:

1. Click Preparation > Delete Schedules,

2. Highlight the entry to be deleted.

3. Click Delete.

Caution should be taken when dealing with the following worksheets:

• Unless you want to the delete every Capital Gains event transaction or every Depreciating asset and all its details, do NOT select to delete these worksheets from the main return. Individual asset transactions may be deleted from the Index of the relevant worksheet, the entire Index may only be deleted from the main return.

• Where the schedule to be deleted integrates to another schedule, for example Depreciation is integrated to the Rental schedule and you want to delete the Rental schedule, you must open the Depreciation worksheet and turn off integration. Failure to do this will result in the system creating a blank Rental schedule into which to 'put' the depreciation expense. Where there are a lot of Assets, which might occur with Rental or Business income schedules, you can use the Batch Update routine to turn off integration for all relevant assets to the particular schedule or worksheet.

Copying schedules from one return to another return [F5]

Tax AE/Series 6 & 8 will copy a return or a schedule's contents to another return. To do this:

1. Open the return or schedule/worksheet that is to be copied

2. Click [F5]

3. Key the code of the return where the copy is to be placed

Separately lodged forms

Other forms that are lodged separately from the main return may be prepared while the main return is open by either selecting them from the ATO forms panel on the Navigation pane or from Preparation > Schedule and selecting the relevant schedule.

Agent's Report Requests (RR) and Client Preference advice forms (CP, L and Z)

To prepare and lodge these forms:

• For the Default Agent for the Practice as shown on the Control Record:

1. Click Utilities > Lodgment Setup > Agent Request Form.

2. Complete the form and click Output.

3. The next time you log on to the ELS Gateway, this request will be lodged.

• Default Agent for the practice: To create a Correspondence Preference Form CP and the relevant schedules L and Z for the Default Agent, click Utilities > Control Record > Correspondence Preference Tab. Complete the required correspondence types and click Lodge CP form.

To lodge the CP immediately click Connect now from the Connect to the ATO screen or you can exit from that screen and the next time you log on to the ELS Gateway this form and its accompanying schedules will be lodged.

• For any Agent other than the default Agent:

• click Maintenance > Agents > Properties > Security Tab > Agent Request Form complete the request and click Output. The Request will be lodged next time you log on to the ELS gateway.

• To create a Correspondence Preference Form CP and the relevant schedules L and Z, for any Agent other than the default Agent:

• click Maintenance > Agents > Properties > Defaults Tab > Correspondence Preferences. Complete the required correspondence types and click Lodge CP form. The CP may be lodged immediately by selecting Connect now from the Connect to the ATO screen or you can exit from that screen and the next time you log on to the ELS Gateway, this form and its accompanying schedules will be lodged, along with any other returns batched for lodgment.

Special Conditions for Schedule W

Each year, the ATO writes to some Tax Agents and to many taxpayers advising them that they will be required to lodge a Work Related Expenses Schedule W for work related deductions claimed in excess of $300.

If your Practice has received such an instruction from the ATO, the Schedule will always be lodged or you will be prompted to complete it, when the Work related deductions (D1 to D5) exceed $300, but you need to do the following:

Go to the Control Record > Defaults and tick the box Schedule W mandatory for E-Lodgment or if another lodging Agent in the Practice has been requested to lodge the Schedule W, go to the Maintenance > Agents > Properties > Defaults Tab to tick this box.

The ATO usually sends these advices about the requirement to lodge the Schedule W in May for the year ending 30th June. This is in good time for making the decision about what information from the previous year D1 to D5 items should go to which schedule or worksheet in the new tax year.

To set the roll-over defaults for the default Agent, select Utilities > Retain schedule data > Form I Tab and tick which of the 3 options is best suited to the practice. A shortcut to Agent Maintenance is provided on this screen to simplify accessing the schedule W defaults for other agents in the practice. Alternatively, select Maintenance > Agents > Properties > Defaults > Schedule W.

Other Attachments (att)

When an Other Attachments schedule is completed the question on the Front Cover of the income tax return regarding the schedule is completed for you.

[F9] Notes

Tax provides a basic Note writing facility whereby a note may be attached at most fields in income tax returns and supporting schedules.

This feature comprises two types of Notes:

1. Master Notes (Substantiation Notes), and

2. Practice Notes

Master Notes may be transferred to Practice Notes and edited to suit the Practice.

Practice Notes may be created by the practice and 'attached' to items in the return or be self-standing Notes that simply print with the return.

Substantiation Notes are a comprehensive set of Notes containing current substantiation requirements which are updated each year in accordance with changing legislation and requirements. If transferred to Practice Notes, they are not updated but are rolled forward from year to year. They contain functionality that allows the total values to be integrated to the main return or schedule label.

PAYG What-if Estimate Schedules

Where the Individual is liable to pay PAYG Instalments, a choice of 2 What-if PAYG Instalment estimates (Instalment Income by Base rate (xPI) or a GDP-Adjusted instalment estimate (xPG)) may be completed by opening the relevant one from the Preparation > Schedule menu and electing to use values from either the current year's or 2 prior years' returns.

If the taxable income in the return is altered after the PAYG estimate has been created, then, in order to have the values updated by Tax you will need to delete the xPI or xPG and select it again. Alternatively, you can edit the figures in the previously prepared PAYG What-if scenario.

Other PAYG Estimate schedules that this applies to are:

• pgC - PAYG (Instalment Income Estimate) - Company Return

• pgF - PAYG (Instalment Income Estimate) - Fund Returns

• pgT - PAYG (Instalment Income Estimate) - Trust Return

Superannuation Contributions Surcharge (SCS) forms

SCS forms comprise the following schedules:

• Supplier Provider form (MC) for 2008 and later income years

• Member Details schedule (S) for 2008 and later income years

• Supplier Provider form (SP) for 2007 and prior year returns

• Member Statement (ES) for 2007 and prior year returns

• Contributed Amounts data –Transfer-out R for 2007 and prior year returns.

For the 2008 and later years:

The Super Provider, Super Supplier and Member details have been combined into one worksheet.

For the 2007 and prior income years

Both Funds and SMSFs will continue to use the SP and ES

A Super Provider form (SP) must accompany any member statements. To create one select Preparation > Schedule > Super Provider Form (SP), complete the form and select [F6] to save it and exit.

To create the Member Statement schedule (ES) select Preparation > Schedule > Super Member Data (ES). At the bottom of the ES enter 'Yes' to open the schedule R to enter any Contributed Amounts details and Transfer-out data.

The ES, together with the R, is a multiple schedule allowing many Member Statements to be lodged with the one Supplier Provider form.

AVAs for the 2008 and prior years may be used by both Funds and SMSFs.

Assessment Variation Advice forms (AVA forms)

AVA forms comprise the following schedules:

• Superannuation Supplier/Provider data (SP)

• Assessment Review data (SR)

• Amounts Transfer-Out data (D)

A Super Provider form (SP) must accompany any variation advices. To create one select Preparation > Schedule > Super Provider Form (SP), complete the form and select [F6] to save it and exit.

To create the Assessment Variation Advice schedule (SR), select Preparation > Schedule > Super Variation Advice (ES). At the bottom of the ES enter 'Yes' to open the schedule D to enter any Assessment Review data and Amounts Transfer-out data.

The SR, together with the D, is a multiple schedule allowing many Assessment Variation Advices to be lodged with the one Supplier Provider form.

Sharing certain types of income between taxpayers:

Tax provides sharing and distribution functions for the following types of income:

• Capital Gains/Losses

• Rental Properties

• Partner and Beneficiary Distribution Statement worksheets

• Motor Vehicle Expenses

• Interest Received

• Dividends Received

Capital Gains/Losses

To ensure that the share actually takes place and does not overwrite a previous share, each Asset description MUST differ from any other asset of the same category. For example, say the taxpayer has several lots of ANZ Shares owned jointly with the spouse, disposed of at different times during the income year. If both Assets are called 'ANZ Shares', the first asset shared will be correct, but the second asset shared will overwrite the first share in the spouse's return. The Shares should be named something like Lot 1 ANZ Shares and the second Lot 2 ANZ and so forth.

The Capital Gain/Loss share in the recipient's return has the heading Source Data:. Under this heading the return code, name from which the share arose and the details of the asset giving rise to the share are shown. These details are printed on the Capital Gains schedules.

Rental Properties

When shared, the address of the property is printed at the top of the rental schedule, together with the details of the return 'Distributed from'. When the Share button is selected in the rental schedule attached to the host return the relevant amounts from the gross column will be refreshed in the rental schedules attached to the returns for co-owners of the property. The co-owner can edit any amount in the Share Column to deal with situations where one owner incurs a larger portion of an expense than another. For full details on this procedure refer to How to Complete the Rental Schedule.

Partner and Beneficiary Distribution Statement worksheets

Partnerships: Each partner is provided with a 'profile' worksheet (the xP) which contains all of the partner's details, and the percentage share in that Partnership. These details roll forward from year to year and if they do not change from one year to the next, then all that is required, once data entry is complete, is to click [F8] or open the Distribution tab and click Distribute. The system will distribute the various income types and their respective credits in accordance with the Partnership percentage entered in the xP.

Trusts: Each Beneficiary of a Trust is provided with a 'profile' worksheet (the xT) which contains, all the beneficiary's personal details, which roll forward from year to year. If the distribution to the beneficiary can be converted to a percentage, then the system would calculate and distribute the various income types and their respective credits in accordance with the Beneficiary percentage entered in the xT.

This would mean that the xT would only need to be opened to confirm that the beneficiary is to receive a distribution this year and to enter the percentage of that distribution.

Alternatively, you will have to distribute the income into each beneficiary's profile worksheet.

Once done, click [F8] at the Distribution tab or from any position in the Trust return and the system will advise of any discrepancy between the amounts distributed and the amounts available to be distributed. It will then put those undistributed amounts in the column Labels that are Income to which no beneficiary is presently entitled. If the income is income to which no beneficiary is presently entitled, you have nothing to do. Alternatively, you will need to check and correct the amounts distributed in the various xT worksheets.

What-if Calculator for Individuals and Trusts (AE/Series 6 & 8)

By selecting Preparation > Calculation > What-If, you may create a standalone calculation or retrieve the balances from the current return for the client (Individual or Trust).

Changes made to a What-if calculation do not flow back to Tax and you may create multiple tax scenarios for any one client. [F1] Help provides detailed instructions on how to use the What-if calculator.

Related topics

Shortcuts and Icons for Returns and Schedules

Company Return

Individual Return

Partnership Return

Fund Income Tax Return

SMSF Annual Return

Dissection Grid

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Attributes Tab in Contacts

Accountants Enterprise Series 6 & 8 only

The data on the Contacts Attributes Tab can be found in the open tax return as:

• A.B.N: Return Properties > General Tab and on the return.

• A.C.N: Return Properties > General Tab and on the return.

• BAS/IAS Client: There is no equivalent value in Tax, but if either BAS or IAS frequency is recorded on the Return Properties > General Tab then the client is regarded as registered.

• BAS Frequency: Return Properties > General Tab.

BAS Payer frequency may be recorded as:

• Annual GST return

• Monthly Activity Statement

• Monthly BAS and Annual GST return

• Quarterly Activity Statement

• Quarterly BAS and Annual GST return

The menu selection is Preparation > GST/PAYG Profile > General Tab > Method of preparation BAS.

• IAS Frequency: Return Properties > General Tab.

IAS Payer frequency may be recorded as:

• Annual

• Monthly

• Quarterly

Click Preparation > GST/PAYG Profile > General Tab > Method of preparation IAS and select the frequency.

• FBT Frequency: Preparation> GST/PAYG Profile > General > FBT obligations? Answer Yes/No. Tax provides quarterly reporting.

Preparation> GST/PAYG Profile > FBT Tab displays for relevant labels in the Activity Statement, a matrix of quarterly and annual amounts for prior and current years as applicable.

• Group Tax No: Preparation > GST/PAYG Profile > General > Taxpayer grouped for GST purposes?

• GST Basis (Cash or Accruals): Preparation > GST/PAYG Profile > General > Taxpayer registered for GST on a cash or accruals basis?

• GST Frequency: Return Properties > General Tab.

BAS Payer frequency may be recorded as:

• Annual GST return

• Monthly Activity Statement

• Monthly BAS and Annual GST return

• Quarterly Activity Statement

• Quarterly BAS and Annual GST return

Click Preparation > GST/PAYG Profile > General Tab > Method of preparation BAS, and select the frequency.

• Manager: Return Properties > Staff Tab > Manager.

• Office: The ATO is selected on the Return Properties > PAYG/Lodge Tab > ATO Office.

• Partner: Return Properties > Staff Tab > Partner.

• PAYG Instalment: Tax provides quarterly reporting.

Preparation > GST/PAYG Profile > Instalment Tab presents a matrix of prior year quarter and annual amounts and current year quarterly amounts for relevant labels in the Activity Statement.
A PAYG Instalment Estimate may be created from the open return by selecting Preparation > Schedule > PAYG Instalment Estimate.
If the return changes delete the estimate and create a new one.

• PAYG Withholding: Tax provides monthly reporting.

Preparation > GST/PAYG Profile > Withholding Tab presents a matrix of prior year quarter and current year monthly amounts for relevant labels in the Activity Statement.

• PDF Password: Return Properties > General Tab.

• Receive BAS/IAS: Return Properties > General Tab > BAS/IAS received via

Selections offered are paper, internet and ELS.

• Return Type: Return Properties > General Tab.

To alter the return type for the same client delete the return, redefine the return type and add a new return, which will by definition have the desired type.

• SBE Taxpayer: The taxpayer's SBE status is recorded at the relevant label in the income tax return.

Tax provides the user with the SBE Eligibility Worksheet to determine whether they are eligible to be an SBE taxpayer. The relevant values integrate from the worksheet to the correct labels in the income tax return.

• Tax Contact: Return Properties > Staff Tab > Contact.

• Tax File Number: Return Properties > General Tab > TFN.

• Tax Level: Return Properties > PAYG/Lodge Tab > Tax Level.

• Team Member: Return Properties > Staff Tab > Employee.

• Deferred company tax: Preparation > GST/PAYG Profile > Deferral Tab presents a matrix of 24 monthly amounts for label 7 in the Activity Statement and the total amount of company tax being deferred.

In Tax, the deferred company tax amount entered into the return setup wizard can be separated on the GST/PAYG Profile > Deferral Tab

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Contacts Attributes with no equivalent in Tax are:

• Accounting System

• Area

• C/Seal

• Class

• Fee

• Industry

• Investment

• Land Tax

• Lost

• Mail

• Refer To

• Results

• Sales Tax No

• TCB Client

• Won

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