installing 2017 taxslayer pro desktopdownloads.taxslayer.com/prokb/article53774/installing...

Installing 2017 TaxSlayer

Pro Desktop

Initial Configuration of the Program

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Office Setup Before you begin using TaxSlayer Pro, you need to configure general office settings. You can set up your office and edit or delete information for the ERO, Firm and preparers. Several items in configuration carry over to tax returns so that you only have to type this information once. This includes items such as the firm name and preparer information.

To configure TaxSlayer Pro, use the following steps:

1. Double-click the 2017 TaxSlayer Pro icon on your desktop.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Thank you for choosing TaxSlayer Pro window:

Click Ok.

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TaxSlayer Pro Displays an explanation of important configuration items for the 2017 program:

Click Ok.

If 2016 TaxSlayer Pro is installed on this computer, TaxSlayer Pro asks if you would like to use the same network settings as last year. Select Yes if your office network has not changed. Select No if your office network has changed. (Example: New transmitting computer):

If 2016 TaxSlayer Pro is not installed on this computer, TaxSlayer Pro displays the Network question:

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Click Yes or No to answer this question.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the System / Network Configuration Menu. The Menu will reflect the answer to the previous question.

Or

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Review the information displayed on the screen. Slick Exit or type the corresponding number to make changes.

TaxSlayer Pro displays a reminder that you should fill in all information pertaining to your Company/Firm, as seen in the screenshot below.

Click Ok.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Firm Information Menu:

Enter your company’s/firm’s information. Use the following tips for entering this information:

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a. Do not type any special characters in the name or address boxes. When you click Ok, TaxSlayer Pro displays an error message with any characters the IRS does not allow:

b. When you type your Zip Code, TaxSlayer Pro completes the city and state boxes.

c. If your company/firm is in another country, select the Check for Foreign Address check box to select the country:

d. Do not type your Social Security number in the Firm EIN box. If your

company/firm does not have an EIN, leave this box blank.

e. EFIN Validation Code: The IRS has mandated that an EFIN Validation Code be entered in the software. The EFIN Validation Code is a 12-digit code unique to your EFIN. Your EFIN Validation code can be found by logging in to your TaxSlayer Pro My Account and selecting the Account History link on the left side of the screen. Below your 2017 Software Purchase Order Number, your EFIN Validation Code will be displayed. You can manually enter the Validation Code, or copy and paste it into the space provided in the Firm Information Menu:

When all information has been entered, click Ok.

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Review the information displayed on the Firm Information Setup Menu. Click Exit or type the corresponding number in the menu to make changes.

ADMIN Account:

The 2017 TaxSlayer Pro Program includes a set of Predefined Roles. Roles will be used to set permissions for each preparer.

The default ADMIN Account Role will be used to manage permissions for preparers as well as manage preparer usernames and passwords. The ADMIN Account Role cannot be edited. The ADMIN Account username is ADMIN. This username cannot be changed.

TaxSlayer Pro displays a prompt to enter a strong password for the default ADMIN Account:

Create a password to be used for the ADMIN Account. The password must contain between 8 and 30 characters and:

Use upper and lower case letters (Example: AaBb) Use a number (Example: 123) Use a special character (Example: (@!#$)

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Confirm New Password window:

Re-enter the password that you entered on the previous screen.

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If the password you enter does not match the first password, TaxSlayer Pro displays an error message:

Re-enter the password to be used for the ADMIN Account. Confirm the new password.

Important: The ADMIN password you create will be needed to manage preparer usernames, passwords and security roles. Please remember this password.

TaxSlayer Pro displays a prompt to create a security question and answer for the default ADMIN Account. The security question will be used to verify the ADMIN Account in the event you cannot remember the ADMIN Account password:

Select a security question from the drop-down menu. Enter the answer to the question in the box provided. Click Ok.

Pulling Forward Preparers If 2016 TaxSlayer Pro is installed on this computer, TaxSlayer Pro displays the question window:

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TaxSlayer Pro displays the Enter/Edit Preparers window:

If preparers were pulled forward from the 2016 TaxSlayer Pro program, review the information for each preparer and make any necessary changes by clicking on the preparer’s name in the list and clicking Edit, or by double-clicking on the preparer’s name in the list.

Usernames, Passwords and Roles Usernames: Each preparer that was pulled forward from 2016 TaxSlayer Pro was assigned a unique username for use with the 2016 program. The prior year username pulls forward to 2017 TaxSlayer Pro. To edit the preparer’s username, select the preparer from the Enter/Edit Preparers Window.

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TaxSlayer Pro displays the Preparer Edit Menu:

Click Preparer Security or type the corresponding number.

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TaxSlayer Pro displays the Preparer Security Menu:

Click Username or type the corresponding number.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the User Name Window:

Enter a unique username for this preparer in the box provided. Press Enter.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Preparer Security Menu with the new user name:

Password and Security Question: Each preparer that was pulled forward from 2016 TaxSlayer Pro created their own password and security question and answer for use

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with the 2016 program. The prior year password and security question and answer pulls forward to 2017 TaxSlayer Pro. To clear the preparer’s password and security question, select the preparer from the Enter/Edit Preparers Window.




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Click Password/Security Question or type the corresponding number.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the following Password/Security Question:


If you select Yes, the current password and security question and answer will be cleared. The preparer will be prompted to create a new password and security question and answer the first time that they log in to the software using their assigned username.

Roles: Each preparer that was pulled forward from 2016 TaxSlayer Pro was assigned a security role for use in the 2016 program. The prior year security role pulls forward to 2017 TaxSlayer Pro. To edit the preparer’s security role, select the preparer from the Enter/Edit Preparers Window.

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Click on Role or type the corresponding number.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Apply Role window:

Return Preparer: Has restricted access to many areas of the program. Can create and edit their own tax returns. Does not have access to tax returns created by another preparer.

Super User: Has access to all areas of the program except Firm and Preparer Information. Has unlimited access to tax returns.

Unlimited: Has unlimited access to all areas of the program.

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Select a new role for the preparer. Click Exit.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Preparer Security Menu with the new assigned role:

TaxSlayer Pro Tip: If you need to make a security change specific to this preparer, you can do this by clicking the appropriate menu option and clicking either Preparer has Access or Preparer does not have Access.

Click Exit Menu or type the corresponding number. TaxSlayer Pro displays the Preparer Edit Menu. Select Exit.

Repeat these steps for each preparer pulled forward from the 2016 TaxSlayer Pro program.

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Adding a Preparer If you did not pull forward preparers from the 2016 TaxSlayer Pro program, or need to add preparers TaxSlayer Pro displays the Enter/Edit Preparers Window:

To add a new preparer, click New.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Preparer Information Entry Screen:

a. Enter a preparer code. You can use any number from 1-999999. Use a unique

code for each preparer. Enter the preparer’s Social Security number. b. Enter the preparer’s 9 digit PTIN. c. Enter the preparer’s name in the appropriate boxes. d. Enter a username for the preparer. Use a unique username for each preparer.

The preparer will log in to the program using their assigned username. They will be prompted to create their own password and security question and answer the first time that they log in to the software.

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e. Click Ok.


Verify the information for the preparer.

TaxSlayer Pro Tip: TaxSlayer Pro generates the practitioner PIN using a 1 followed by the last four digits of their PTIN. If you want to change this number, click Preparer Practitioner PIN or type the corresponding number, and then type the new numbers.


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a. You will not enter a password or security question for the preparer at this time.

Each preparer will be prompted to create their own password and security question and answer the first time that they log in to the software using their assigned username.

Click on Role or type the corresponding number.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Apply Role window:

Click on the role that you want to assign to this preparer.

Return Preparer: Has restricted access to many areas of the program. Can create and edit their own tax returns. Does not have access to tax returns created by another preparer.

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Super User: Has access to all areas of the program except Firm and Preparer Information.

Unlimited: Has unlimited access to all areas of the program. Has unlimited access to tax returns.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Preparer Security Menu with the new assigned role:

TaxSlayer Pro Tip: If you need to make a security change specific to this preparer, you can do this by clicking the appropriate menu option and clicking either Preparer has Access or Preparer does not have Access.

Click Exit Menu or type the corresponding number. TaxSlayer Pro displays the Preparer Edit Menu. Select Exit or select the corresponding number.

Repeat these steps for each preparer added in the 2017 TaxSlayer Pro program.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Enter/Edit Preparers window:

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When all preparers have been added, select Exit.

Selecting a Bank TaxSlayer Pro displays the Bank Setup Menu:

If you are offering bank products as a refund disbursement option for your clients, select Bank Used for Bank Products or type the corresponding number.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Bank Selection window:

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If you have been approved with a bank to offer bank products, the name of the bank should be displayed in the window. Click on the name of the bank and click Ok.

If you have not yet been approved by a bank, or are not offering bank products, select Currently Not Offering Bank Products.

If you selected a bank, TaxSlayer Pro displays the Bank Setup Menu:

Review the options in the menu. Click Exit, or type the corresponding number to make changes.

Setting Up Fees/Pulling Forward Fees TaxSlayer Pro displays the Fees Menu:

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Select a line item to enter the fee to be charged. Enter the fee for the line item in the box provided.

TaxSlayer Pro Tip: Fees can be set up manually, line by line, or you can set the same fee for a range of line items. Click on Set Range. TaxSlayer Pro displays a range entry window. Type the corresponding line numbers from the Fees Menu into the boxes for the beginning range and ending range. Enter the fee you will charge for these items. Press Enter.

If 2016 TaxSlayer Pro is installed on this computer and you want to pull forward the fees you used last year, click on Pull Prior Year Fees. All prior year fees will be pulled to the Fees Menu.

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When you have configured all of your fees click Exit.

TaxSlayer Pro displays a series of questions asking if you would like to pull forward each customizable client letter from 2016 TaxSlayer Pro. If you made changes to any of the above client letters in 2016 TaxSlayer Pro, selecting Yes will pull the changes into the 2017 client letters:

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TaxSlayer Pro displays the Path Menu:

Review the information for accuracy. Click Exit or type the corresponding number.

TaxSlayer Pro backs up all tax return data files to the drive on which the program is installed. If you would like an additional backup of the returns, a secondary drive must be available for use. (Removeable USB or flash drives work well for this purpose). If a secondary drive is available, select Secondary Backup Path or type the corresponding number.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Select Backup Path Menu:

Select the drive you would like to use for a secondary backup or type the corresponding number. Click Ok.

Setting Up Macros/Pulling Forward Macros TaxSlayer Pro displays the Question window:

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Tip: TaxSlayer Pro allows you to set up macros, or automatic entries, to reduce your time and keystrokes when entering data for employers, day care providers, etc., in your area.

If you do not want to set up macros, click No. Otherwise, click Yes.

If 2016 TaxSlayer Pro is installed on this computer, TaxSlayer Pro displays the Question window:

Click on Yes or No. If you click yes, all prior year Macros for Employers will be displayed in the Most Common Employers window. If you select no, TaxSlayer Pro displays the Most Common Employers window:

To add a MACRO, click New and complete the information for the employer.

Click Exit.

Complete the information for any of the following as TaxSlayer Pro prompts you to do so:

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a. Interest and dividend payers b. K-1 entities c. Child care providers d. Charitable organizations e. Banks

Setting Up Premium Options TaxSlayer Pro displays the Question window:

Click Yes or No. If no, go to page 32.

If yes, TaxSlayer Pro will verify your EFIN as a Premium customer.

If TaxSlayer Pro cannot verify your EFIN as a Premium customer, TaxSlayer Pro displays the Premium Activation Code Entry box:

Enter the TaxSlayer Pro Premium Activation Code you were given when you purchased TaxSlayer Pro Premium. If you do not know your Premium Activation Code, you can retrieve it by logging in to your TaxSlayer Pro My Account and clicking on the Pro Premium link on the left side of the screen.

Enter your Premium Activation Code and click Enter.

If 2016 TaxSlayer Pro Premium is installed on this computer, TaxSlayer Pro displays the Question window:

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Click Yes or No.

If yes, TaxSlayer Pro displays the PaperCut E-Mail Configuration Menu:

Click Exit or type the corresponding number.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Premium Configuration Menu:

Review the Premium Options and make any changes. Click Exit or type the corresponding number.

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If 2016 TaxSlayer Pro Premium is not installed on this computer, TaxSlayer Pro displays the PaperCut E-Mail Configuration Menu:

Select E-Mail Method or type the corresponding number.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Select PaperCut E-Mail Method to be Used window:

Indirect through TaxSlayer Pro – Emails sent using the PaperCut feature of TaxSlayer Pro Premium will be delivered through TaxSlayer’s secure email server.

SMTP/SMTP via CDO – These settings are specific to your email provider. TaxSlayer Pro displays the Select SMTP Provider Menu:

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Select your email provider from the list and click Ok.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the SMTP Port Number box:

Enter your email provider’s SMTP Service Port Number. If you do not know the port number, you must contact your email provider directly to obtain the correct information.

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TaxSlayer Pro displays the Question:

Select Yes or No. If you do not know if your email provider requires a username and password, you must contact your email provider directly to obtain the correct information.

If Yes, enter the username and password:

TaxSlayer Pro displays the PaperCut E-Mail Configuration Menu:

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Review the information. Click Exit or type the corresponding number to make changes. If you are unsure about any of the information displayed in the menu, contact your e-mail provider directly.

TaxSlayer Pro displays the Premium Configuration Menu:

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Review the Premium Options and make any changes. Click Exit or type the corresponding number.

TaxSlayer Pro displays a message:

Read the message and click Ok.

TaxSlayer Pro completes configuration and closes the program.

To open the software program again, double-click the TaxSlayer Pro icon on your desktop.

If you did not purchase TaxSlayer Pro Premium:

TaxSlayer Pro displays a message:

Read the message and click Ok.

TaxSlayer Pro completes configuration and closes the program.

To open the software program again, double-click the TaxSlayer Pro icon on your desktop.

installing 2017 taxslayer pro desktopdownloads.taxslayer.com/prokb/article53774/installing...

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