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Information about “AM-TAX 1990”
AM-TAX helps you prepare your federal tax return. It does most
calculations for you and, where possible, checks if the information you
entered is consistent and valid.
Because it's powerful, you can try ``what if'' situations. Change an
income or deduction and instantly see the result on your tax balance or
refund. Many commonly-used forms and schedules are supported, as well
as worksheets for specific situations such as capital gains, partnership
and corporate income, and estate or trust income. Information entered
or calculated for a supporting form is automatically transferred to the
appropriate line it supports. All the forms can be printed and
filed directly with the IRS.
AMTAX.DOC
AM-TAX
1990 Tax Preparation Software
for the IBM Personal Computer
and compatibles
(c) Copyright 1986-1990 by:
AM SOFTWARE
P.O. Box 25010
Kansas City, MO 64119
All Rights Reserved.
1990 AM-TAX REGISTRATION FORM
Name: ____________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________
:____________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________ State: ______ Zip: ___________
Phone: _________________________
[ ] Registration only ......................... @ $ 20.00 $ ______
(acknowledges use of the AM-Tax shareware version to do
your 1990 tax return; entitles you to phone support and
annual updates at registered rates)
[ ] Personal-1 AM-Tax Registration............. @ $ 40.00 $ ______
(1990 program disk and manual with 26 forms, schedules,
and worksheets, IRS-approved 1040 on IBM and Epson
compatible printers, overlay printing, telephone
support and updates for about $25 per year.)
[ ] Personal-2 AM-Tax Registration............. @ $ 65.00 $ ______
(1990 program disk and manual with 44 forms, schedules,
and worksheets, IRS-approved 1040 and 1040A, laser
printed 1040/1040A on HPLJ printers with "T" font
cartridge, and annual updates for about $45 per year)
[ ] Professional AM-Tax Registration........... @ $125.00 $ ______
(1990 program disk and manual with all Personal-2
features plus client instruction letter, invoice, and
1991 tax organizer, saves 500 returns per disk.)
[ ] 1990 State Tax programs .................. @ $ 30.00 ea $ ______
(Circle: CA IL MD MO NY NJ OH VA)
Laser printing and electronic filing software available. Call.
Missouri residents, add 6.425% sales tax...........Tax $ ______
TOTAL $ ______
Payment by: [ ] Check [ ] MC [ ] Visa
Card #: ________ - ________ - ________ - ________ Expires: ____/____
Signature of cardholder: ____________________________________________
Diskette size needed >>>>> [ ] 5.25" DSDD [ ] 3.5" (720K) <<<<<
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
AM SOFTWARE
P.O. Box 25010
Kansas City, MO 64119
Telephone MC/VISA orders: (816) 426-8361
AM-TAX: SHAREWARE AND REGISTRATION
AM-Tax is a copyrighted ((C) 1986 - 1990) property of AM SOFTWARE. It is
not in the public domain and it is not free.
There are several versions of AM-Tax. The "shareware" version prepares a
complete tax return consisting of Form 1040 and Schedules A, B, C, D, E, F,
R, SE. All of the supporting schedules (but not the 1040) print in a
format that can be filed directly with the IRS.
The AM-Tax "Personal-1" version does all of the above, plus it supports
Forms 2106, 2119, 2210, 2441, 3903, 4562, 6251, 8615, and 8814 and prints
an IRS-approved version of the Form 1040 on most Epson and IBM-compatible
dot-matrix printers. The "Personal-1" program also works with special tax
form overlays and pre-printed, pin-fed forms.
The "Personal-2" version includes all of the "Personal-1" features plus
more forms (Schedules 1, 2, 3, Forms 1040A, 1040ES(1991), 3800, 4136, 4137,
4255, 4684, 4797, 4835, 5329, 8283, 8582, and 8606). It can print a
replica of the Form 1040 or 1040A on HP-compatible laser printers ("T" font
cartridge is required). This version is distributed on two diskettes and
requires 320K and two drives.
The AM-Tax "Professional" software includes features to print a client
instruction letter, invoice, and tax organizer. An "Electronic Filing"
version is available that will also allow the tax preparer to transmit
certain tax returns to the IRS. The Professional and Electronic Filing
versions require 512K and a hard drive.
Non-registered users are granted a limited license to use the shareware
version of AM-Tax on a trial basis to determine if it meets their tax
preparation needs. However, if you use AM-Tax to organize, draft, or
prepare your tax return or to prepare tax returns for others, you are
trusted to register your use of the program. Registration includes
telephone support and annual updates at a very modest cost.
All users (including electronic bulletin board sysops, user group
librarians, and public domain or shareware distributors) are granted
permission to copy the SHAREWARE version of AM-Tax for the trial use of
others subject to the following conditions:
o AM-Tax must be copied in unmodified form, complete with the file
containing this registration information and documentation.
o Except for a small fee to cover the cost of copying and handling
(under $6), no other cost or compensation may be associated with
the distribution of AM-Tax. If a fee is charged, the distributor
must inform the recipients that this fee does not meet their
registration responsibilities.
o AM-Tax may not be distributed free in conjunction with any other
product without the written consent of AM SOFTWARE.
AM Software is not associated with any shareware distributor and receives
no compensation from the sale of shareware diskettes. Purchasing a
shareware diskette does not constitute registration with AM Software.
Under no circumstances, may any registered version be copied for the use of
others.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................ 1
2.0 TAX FORMS/WORKSHEETS .................... 2
3.0 GETTING STARTED ......................... 3
4.0 SCREEN CONVENTIONS ...................... 4
5.0 DATA ENTRY RULES ........................ N/A
5.1 Data Input Rules ................... N/A
5.2 Moving Within a Field .............. N/A
5.3 Moving from Field to Field ......... N/A
6.0 MAIN MENU ............................... 5
7.0 SET SYSTEM OPTIONS ...................... 6
8.0 PREPARING A TAX RETURN .................. 7
8.1 Accessing Supporting Schedules ...... 7
8.2 Calculating Your Tax ................ 8
8.3 Overriding Calculations and Checks .. 8
8.4 The Pop-Up Calculator ............... 8
8.5 Deleting a Form ..................... 8
8.6 Saving the Tax Return ............... 8
9.0 PRINTING TAX RETURNS .................... 9
9.1 Filing Your Return with the IRS ..... 10
9.2 Selecting the Tax Return to Print ... 10
9.3 Print Options ....................... 10
9.4 Selecting the Forms to Print ........ 13
10.0 REVIEWING/MODIFYING A TAX RETURN ........ 14
A. AM-TAX MESSAGES .......................... N/A
B. EXPLANATION OF TAX FORM CALCULATIONS ..... N/A
N/A means not included in this abbreviated shareware
documentation.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
AM-Tax is a software program designed to assist you in the preparation of
your 1990 federal tax return. There are four versions of AM-Tax, a
shareware program and three versions of the registered program. This is
the shareware version of AM-Tax. It can prepare a complete tax return
consisting of the Form 1040 and any of the Schedules (A, B, C, D, E, F, R,
and SE).
The printed copy of the Form 1040 cannot be filed (you'll need to transfer
the figures to an official form). However, this program will print all of
the Schedules in a format accepted by the IRS. For those with relatively
simple tax situations, the shareware version may be all you need to use.
The "Personal-1" version of AM-Tax requires 256K of computer memory, fits
on one diskette and runs on virtually any computer configuration. In
addition to all of shareware features, the "Personal-1" version supports
additional forms and worksheets (see section 2.0) and supports printing
with special tax form overlays or pin-fed forms. The registered versions
print an IRS-approved Form 1040 on most IBM and Epson-type dot-matrix
printers.
The "Personal-2" version of AM-Tax was developed for those that demand even
more forms and features. It offers all of the features found in the
shareware and "Personal-1" versions and supports over 40 IRS forms,
schedules and worksheets (including the Form 1040 and 1040A). This version
also prints an IRS-approved Form 1040 and an exact replica of the Form 1040
or 1040A on any HP LaserJet printer. Laser fonts found on the HP "T" (Tax)
font cartridge are required.
The AM-Tax "Professional" software includes features to print a client
instruction letter, invoice, and tax organizer. It requires 512K and a
hard drive.
You should find AM-Tax easy to learn since it's designed around the federal
1040. Supporting documents are accessed by pressing the F6 key when you're
on a line calling for one of the schedules or forms included in the AM-Tax
program. General-purpose worksheets are also available to enhance your
record keeping. For instance, to keep a permanent tax record of your
medical expenses, tell AM-Tax to itemize that line of the Schedule A.
AM-Tax will add up the expenses, transfer the total to the line itemized,
and print a detailed list for your records. Up to 50 lines of your tax
return can be 'itemized' and up to 45 items can be listed on each
worksheet. You'll find many other useful features after reading through
this manual and trying the program.
AM-Tax is your assistant in preparing your tax return. It will save you a
lot of time, but it does not offer advice. You are the one responsible for
deciding whether you should file a return, which forms you need, and for
the figures entered and calculated on your return. The formulas in this
software program have been carefully checked and we believe that they are
correct. However, the tax laws are complex and at times vague. In some
cases your special circumstances may not be properly handled by the
program's calculations. You are the one ultimately responsible for the
numbers on the form. Inspect them before signing your return.
1
2.0 TAX FORMS SUPPORTED
The 1990 tax year version of AM-Tax supports the following federal forms:
Form 1040 - Individual Tax Return
Schedule A - Itemized Deductions
Schedule B - Interest/Dividend Income
Schedule C - Business Income or Loss (5 copies)
Schedule D - Capital Gain or Loss
Schedule D1 - Capital Gain or Loss Continuation Sheet
Schedule E-1 - Rental/Royalty Income (15 rental properties)
Schedule E-2 - Partnership, S-Corp, Estate, Trust Income
Schedule F - Farm Income
Schedule R - Credit for Elderly
Schedule SE - Self-Employment Tax (2 copies)
Form W-2 - Wage and Salary Income (25 copies)
Form W-2G - Gaming Income (3 copies)
Form W-2P - Pension Income (5 copies)
The following additional forms are supported in the "Personal-1",
"Personal-2", and "Professional" versions of the program:
Form 2106 - Employee Business Expense (2 copies)
Form 2119 - Sale of Principal Residence
Form 2210 - Penalty for Underpayment of Taxes
Form 2441 - Child Care Credit
Form 3903 - Moving Expenses
Form 4562 - Depreciation (12 copies)
Form 6251 - Alternative Minimum Tax
Form 8615 - Tax on Child's Investment Income
Form 8814 - Reporting Child's Income on Parent's Return
The "Personal-2" and "Professional" versions handle all of the above, plus:
Form 1040A - Individual "Short" Form
Schedule 1 - Interest/Dividend Income (Form 1040A)
Schedule 2 - Dependent Care Credit (Form 1040A)
Schedule 3 - Disabled/Elderly Credit (Form 1040A)
Form 3800 - General Business Credit
Form 4136 - Credit for Special Fuels
Form 4137 - Tax on Tip Income (2 copies)
Form 4255 - Recapture of Investment Credit
Form 4684 - Casualty/Theft Loss
Form 4797 - Sale of Business Property
Form 4835 - Farm Rental Income
Form 5329 - Tax on IRA (2 copies)
Form 6252 - Installment Sales (3 copies)
Form 8283 - Noncash Contributions (5 copies)
Form 8582 - Passive Activity Loss Limits
Form 8606 - Nondeductible IRA Contribution (2 copies)
Form 1040ES - 1991 Estimated Tax
AM-Tax uses special 'worksheets' to handle specific situations on the
federal tax form. The worksheets and maximum entries supported are:
Dependent Worksheet (15 dependents)
Depreciation Worksheet (40 properties)
IRA Worksheet
Partnership Worksheet (20 partnerships)
Passive Activity Worksheets
2
3.0 GETTING STARTED
To run AM-Tax, you'll need an IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or compatible; DOS 2.0
or later; at least 220K of available memory; and one 360K drive or hard
drive.
One-Diskette System:
a) Backup the AM-Tax program diskette.
b) Start the program by typing: TAX90.
Two-Diskette System:
a) Backup the AM-Tax program diskette.
b) Insert the AM-Tax diskette into drive A.
c) Insert a formatted, work diskette into drive B.
d) Start the program by typing: TAX90.
e) Go to option 4 on the main menu to designate drive B for your tax
returns and work drive.
Hard-Disk System:
a) Insert the AM-Tax program disk into drive A.
b) Create a subdirectory for AM-Tax by typing (after the C> prompt):
MD TAX90
c) Copy all AM-Tax programs to that subdirectory by typing:
COPY A:*.* C:\TAX90
d) Change to the tax subdirectory by typing:
CD TAX90
d) Start the program by typing: TAX90.
NOTE: All files provided on the program diskette should be kept together
either in the same disk drive or subdirectory of your hard disk.
Also, do not remove either the program diskette or the work diskette
at any time during the execution of AM-Tax.
3
4.0 SCREEN CONVENTIONS
This section introduces you to screen conventions used by AM-Tax:
-----------------------------------------------
| AM-Tax FORM 1040 (1) date time |
| --------------------------------------------- |
| 7a. Your wages ........... 7a ==>* (3) |
| 7b. Spouse wages ......... 7b ==>* |
| 7c. Excess reimbursements. 7c ==>C (4) |
| 7d. Total wages .......... 7d ==>C |
| . (2) |
| --------------------------------------------- |
| messages (5) num/caps/ins page |
| function keys (8) (6) (7) |
-----------------------------------------------
(1) The Title Area
Screen titles (such as FORM 1040, MAIN MENU) appear here to indicate
where you are in the program.
(2) Main Body
Lines from each tax form and menu options are displayed here.
(3) Supported Lines (*)
Lines marked with an asterisk (*) are lines supported by another form,
schedule, or a specific worksheet. The F6 key accesses the supporting
form. When the (*) displays bright, then the supporting form is
active for that line of the return. Some lines not marked with an
asterisk may still be supported by a general worksheet. Try the F6
key on any line to see if a general worksheet is available.
(4) Calculated Lines (C)
Lines marked with a 'C' are lines calculated or 'checked' by AM-Tax.
Normally, you cannot enter information into calculated lines since the
cursor will not stop there. In some cases, the cursor will stop on a
line marked with a 'C', indicating that the calculation was not a
simple addition or subtraction, but one involving more complex
assumptions. AM-Tax provides a feature for you to 'override' the
calculations or checks in effect for these lines (see section 8.6 for
details).
(5) Error and Warning Messages
Error, warning, or status condition messages are reported here.
(6) Keyboard Status
NUM, CAPS, or INS report the status of your keyboard shift keys.
(7) Screen Page Number
PAGE -- OF -- appears here if a tax form requires more than one screen
page to display all lines. You move from page to page using the PgUp
and PgDn keys.
(8) Function Keys
The last line of the display screen always indicates the current
function key options. The "Help" screen (F1) provides a clearer
description of the current function key assignment.
4
6.0 MAIN MENU
AM-Tax begins with the following menu:
---------------------------------------------
| MAIN MENU |
| 1. START A NEW FORM 1040 |
| * START A NEW FORM 1040A |
| 2. CHANGE/REVIEW A TAX RETURN |
| 3. PRINT TAX RETURN(S) |
| * ELECTRONIC FILING |
| 4. SET SYSTEM OPTIONS |
| 5. REDISPLAY LAST TAX RETURN |
| 6. DELETE TAX RETURN(S) |
| 7. RESTORE BACKED UP RETURN(S) |
| *. CONVERT 1989 RETURN TO 1990 FORMAT |
| *. CLIENT CORRESPONDENCE |
| Q. QUIT TO DOS |
| |
| Your Selection ==> |
---------------------------------------------
Options marked with an "*" are supported only in the registered versions of
AM-Tax. These menu options are not operational in the shareware version.
1. START A NEW RETURN
Let's you begin a new tax return by displaying a blank 1040 form.
2. CHANGE/REVIEW A RETURN
Let's you change or review any tax return previously saved on disk.
You will be asked to pick from a listing of all tax returns present on
the disk.
3. PRINT RETURN(S)
Let's you print one or more of the tax returns previously saved on
disk. You will be asked to pick from a listing of all possible tax
returns and to specify the printing options to use.
4. SET SYSTEM OPTIONS
Several parameters can be controlled to suit your computer system. You
should review these parameters when you start up AM-Tax for the first
time.
5. REDISPLAY LAST TAX RETURN
Once a tax return is in your computer's memory (after "Printing",
"Changing" or "Starting a New Return" options), you can return to the
main menu (to modify parameters, perhaps) and then go back to that tax
return via option 5. This shortcuts reloading the tax return from
disk.
6. DELETE TAX RETURN(S)
Lets you clean obsolete tax returns from your disk without first
returning to DOS.
7. RESTORE BACKED UP RETURN(S)
Whenever you save a tax return, you have the option of keeping the
previous version of that return on disk as a backup. This option
provides you with a mechanism to replace the current version of a tax
return with the previous (backed up) version.
5
7.0 SET SYSTEM OPTIONS
Default values are preset by AM-Tax for several important parameters. If
the default values are incorrect for your system, then you must change
them to insure proper operation of the software.
1. WHICH DRIVE/PATH FOR YOUR 1990 TAX RETURNS?
AM-Tax needs to know where you want to save your tax returns. Enter
the drive letter (and, optionally a path name for your hard drive).
Examples of valid input: B (drive letter without colon)
B: (drive letter with colon)
C:\TAX90 (drive with path)
2. WHICH DRIVE/PATH FOR TEMPORARY WORK SPACE?
During the processing of a tax return, AM-Tax may need extra work
space. This work space must be on a disk. If available, a RAM disk
will speed up processing significantly. Enter the drive to use. See
#1 for examples of valid entries.
3. WHICH DRIVE/PATH FOR LASER PRINT FILES?
If you have the optional AM-Tax laser printing software installed,
enter the name of the directory where the laser files were installed.
4. WHICH DRIVE/PATH FOR YOUR 1989 TAX RETURNS?
This parameter is not used in the shareware version. It is only used
when transferring information from a 1989 return to the 1990 tax
forms. This feature is found in the "Personal-2" or "Professional"
disks.
5. ROUND TO NEAREST WHOLE DOLLAR?
You can either prepare your tax return in whole dollars or to the
exact penny. Control this by Yes (whole dollars) or No (pennies).
6. SORT TAX RETURN DIRECTORY?
When selecting from a group of tax returns, AM-Tax can sort by
filename, descending date/time, or ascending date/time, or not at all.
No sorting results in the fastest directory display.
7. DISPLAY TAX FILE DESCRIPTION?
A tax return can be tagged with an optional description which is
normally displayed on the tax return directory. For faster directory
displays, you can omit the description by answering NO.
8. AUTO SKIP TO NEXT INPUT FIELD?
When an input field is completely filled, AM-Tax either automatically
tabs to the next input field or waits for you to strike the "Enter"
key. YES causes an automatic skip.
9. SELECT COLORS FOR DISPLAY
If you are using a color monitor, then you can select the colors to
use for background and various sections of the display screen.
10. TAX PREPARER INFORMATION
Tax preparers can use this area to key in name, address, and tax id
information once. AM-Tax will print it on page 2 of the Form 1040.
6
8.0 PREPARING A TAX RETURN
AM-Tax always begins by displaying the Federal Form 1040. Data entry
begins at that point and from there you proceed to other supporting forms.
Try paging (via PGUP and PGDN) through the eleven screens of the Form 1040,
entering data as you go.
8.1 ACCESSING SUPPORTING SCHEDULES
You'll notice that many lines on the tax form are marked with an asterisk
(*). Those lines are supported by another form, schedule, or worksheet. For
example, line 7a of the 1040 is marked with an (*) and is supported by the
W-2 worksheet.
Many lines not marked with an (*) can still be supported by a general
worksheet. This worksheet allows you to list up to 45 items and a
corresponding dollar amount. This is a useful way of keeping more detailed
records of your tax preparation.
You access a supporting form, by pressing the F6 key when the cursor is on
the line that you want to support. The 'parent' form is temporarily filed
away and the 'supporting' form appears on the screen. You can now enter
data into the supporting form.
Multiple copies of some supporting forms are allowed (such as Schedule C).
The first time you access one of these supporting forms, AM-Tax sends you
directly to the data entry screen for that form. However, once a multi-copy
form is in use, AM-Tax needs to know whether you are trying to review one
of the existing copies or if you want a new copy. The following screen
appears when accessing a multi-copy form (e.g., calling for Schedule C from
Form 1040, line 12):
---------------------------------------------
| SUPPORTING FORMS |
| ------------------------------------------- |
| Which copy do you want displayed? |
| ----------------------------------------- |
| |SEL| FORM | SUPPORTS |LINE| | |
| |---|-------------|-----------|----|------| |
| | _ | SCHEDULE C | FORM 1040 | 12 |BUS.#1| |
| | _ | SCHEDULE C | | |BUS.#2| |
| | . | |
| ----------------------------------------- |
| Y = Display Use INS key for a new copy |
| ------------------------------------------- |
| 1=Help 2=Enter 0=Return |
---------------------------------------------
To redisplay one of the supporting forms created previously, move the
cursor next to the form to display, type a 'Y', and then press the F2 or
large, grey '+' key.
Pressing INS key calls up a new, blank copy of the supporting form. The
INS message will not appear if the maximum number of copies for that
supporting form are currently in use.
7
Once in a supporting form, you return to the parent form by pressing
either the F10 or ESC key. The parent form will reappear on the screen
with the proper value transferred from the supporting form. You will also
notice that the '*' is now highlighted, indicating that the supporting
form is now 'active'.
You never have to use a supporting form within AM-Tax. You can prepare the
supporting form by hand, if you wish, and enter the result directly into
the parent form. However, once you've accessed a supporting form, you
cannot type a figure directly into the line of the parent form that it
supports. AM-Tax will always take the calculated result from the
supporting form and erase any amount that you may have keyed into the
field. You will need to delete the supporting form (see 8.5) before you
can return to 'direct entry' mode.
8.2 CALCULATING YOUR TAX
AM-Tax completely recalculates your tax automatically whenever you move
from page to page or form to form. You can force a recalculation at any
time by pressing the F4 key.
8.3 OVERRIDING CALCULATIONS AND CHECKS
You can override a calculated value whenever the cursor stops on a line
marked by 'C'. Press F9, then enter the value you choose. To cancel an
override, move the cursor to the overridden line and press F9 again.
8.4 THE POP-UP CALCULATOR
You access the pop-up calculator by pressing F5. The result line will be
transferred to the tax return if you exit the calculator function using the
F9 key. The result line will be ignored if you exit using either the ESC
or F10 key. Even though you can multiply or divide by a fraction with more
than two decimal places, the calculator is result is always carried to a
maximum of two decimal places.
8.5 DELETING A FORM
Use the F8 key to get a listing of all forms, schedules, and worksheets
currently in use. Move the cursor next to the one that you want to delete;
type a "Y"; then press F2. The form (along with any other forms or
worksheets that support it) will be deleted.
8.6 SAVING THE TAX RETURN
A tax return is saved by pressing F2 from any tax preparation screen. If
the filename already exists on the diskette or hard disk, you will be given
to opportunity to 1) first make a backup of the existing file (it's renamed
filename.BAK); 2) just write over the existing file (you permanently lose
all information on the old file); or 3) returning to the save menu so you
can change the filename.
8
9.0 PRINTING/FILING A TAX RETURN
AM-Tax supports several printing options:
Draft 1040 - AM-Tax can print a quick copy of the Form 1040 (text and data)
on any computer printer. However, this format cannot be sent to the IRS.
Dot-matrix 1040 - (REGISTERED versions only) AM-Tax can print an
IRS-approved Form 1040 or 1040A on dot-matrix printers that support either
the IBM or Epson graphic standard.
Laser 1040 - (PERSONAL-2 and PROFESSIONAL versions only) AM-Tax can print
an exact image of the Form 1040 or 1040A on laser printers that support the
Hewlett-Packard laser graphic commands. The "T" font cartridge is
required.
Laser Forms - AM Software offers an optional software package (Federal
$100, States $75 each) that can print an exact laser image of every form
and schedule supported by AM-Tax. This software requires any HP LaserJet
printer and the "T" font cartridge.
Substitute Forms and Schedules - (ALL VERSIONS) AM-Tax prints approved
copies of all supporting forms and schedules on virtually any computer
printer. These can be sent to the IRS in place of the official forms.
Pin-fed Forms - (REGISTERED versions only) AM-Tax does not write directly
onto the IRS supplied forms (they're not spaced evenly for computer
printing). However, AM-Tax can print just tax return figures on special
pre-printed computer forms.
Overlays - (REGISTERED versions only) AM-Tax can print your tax return
figures on blank paper that can then be lined up behind the overlay and
photocopied. The copy can be sent to the IRS.
Pin-fed forms and overlays are not sold by AM Software. They can be
purchased through:
NELCO TAX FORMS, Inc.
3130 South Ridge Rd.
Green Bay, WI 54307
(414) 337-1000
9
9.1 FILING YOUR RETURN WITH THE IRS
The supporting schedules printed by AM-Tax (shareware version) have been
approved for filing and will be accepted under these conditions:
Paper Quality - The paper used must be equal to or better than the quality
used for the official forms mailed to you. Use at least an 18-lb paper.
Lined Paper - The substitute schedules, as printed by AM-Tax on regular
paper, have enough alignment lines to meet IRS approval. However, if you
have lined or color-barred paper, you should use it when printing
substitute supporting schedules.
Print Quality - For dot-matrix printers, use a good ribbon, especially if
you choose to have AM-Tax print the graphic version of the Form 1040.
Print Spacing - Your printer should be set to 6 lines per inch and 10
characters per inch. This is the default setting for most printers.
9.2 SELECTING THE TAX RETURN(S) TO PRINT
During the preparation of a tax return, when a tax form is on the screen,
pressing the F7 function key lets you print the tax return that you are
currently preparing.
You can also print one tax return or queue up several tax returns to print.
After selecting option "3" from the main menu, you will be presented with a
screen that lists all of the tax returns on disk. It should look like
this:
-----------------------------------------------------------
|AM-Tax PRINT RETURNS 04-15-90 11:59|
|---------------------------------------------------------|
| SEL | FILENAME | DATE | TIME | DESC |
| -----|------------|--------|------|------------------ |
| _ | Trial | 031590 | 9:00| First cut |
| _ | Smith | 041590 | 11:00| Final version |
| _ | Mom | 040190 | 16:05| Mom's return |
| |
|-------------------------------------------------------- |
| Enter Y next to each tax return to print. |
| --------------------------------------------------------|
| 1=Help 2=Go 3=NewDir 0=Return|
-----------------------------------------------------------
To select a tax return for print, move the cursor down to the line
displaying that return and type a "Y" in the SEL(ect) column. You can
select as many tax returns as you wish. Once you've completed your
selections, press the F2 key to proceed.
9.3 PRINT OPTIONS
After selecting the tax return(s) to print, AM-Tax needs to know how you
want your printed return to look. You will be presented with a screen used
to control the printing process. The parameters that you select are saved
10
on disk from session to session and reused every time you run AM-Tax.
The screen looks like this:
---------------------------------------------------------------
|AM-Tax PRINT FORMAT OPTIONS 04-15-90 11:59 |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| PRINT ALL FORMS?....==> Y NUMBER OF COPIES?.......==> 1 |
| REPEAT AFTER EACH FORM?.==> N |
| FORM 1040 FORMAT?...==> 1 (N = after tax return) |
| 1 = Draft 1040 |
| * = Data Only PRINTER TYPE............==> 1 |
| * = Laser Forms 1 = Epson 9-pin |
| * = Dot-matrix approved 2 = Epson 24=pin |
| 3 = IBM 9-pin |
| OTHER FORMS FORMAT?.==> 1 4 = IBM 24-pin |
| 1 = IRS-approved 5 = HP Laserjet |
| * = Data Only 6 = Other |
| * = Laser Forms PRINTER CONNECTION......==> 1 |
| 1 = LPT1 3 = COM1 |
| SEND OUTPUT TO FILE?==> N 2 = LPT2 4 = COM2 |
| (N = to printer) PAUSE AFTER EACH PAGE?..==> N |
| HORIZ DATA ADJUSTMENT...==> |
| TURN ON UNDERLINING?==> Y VERT. DATA ADJUSTMENT...==> |
| USING NELCO LASERMERGE..==> N |
| |
| PRINTER SETUP STRING... ==> |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| F1=Help F2=Go F0=Return|
---------------------------------------------------------------
Print all forms? - If you want to print the entire tax return (all forms,
schedules and worksheets), answer Y(es). If you answer N(o), then you
choose which forms to print. You will be presented with a menu that lists
the contents of your tax return.
Form 1040 Format? - The shareware program only recognizes format code #1
(draft copies). Additional options available in the registered versions of
AM-Tax print "data only" for form overlays or the IRS approved dot-matrix
and laser 1040.
Other Forms Format? - The shareware program only recognizes format code
#1 (IRS approved substitute). Additional options available in the
registered versions of AM-Tax print "data only" for form overlays or IRS
approved laser tax forms. AM Software's Laser Forms software is required
for the laser printing on HP LaserJets.
Send output to file? - If you answer N(o), the output will go to the
printer. If you answer Y(es), then all output will be directed to a disk
file. You can then edit the disk file with a word processor, if necessary,
before actually printing. The filename will consist of the name of the tax
return file plus an extension of .LDT.
Underline? - The IRS prefers color-barred or lined paper when printing
the substitute forms. If you have plain computer paper, AM-Tax can provide
the underlining necessary to meet IRS approval.
11
Number of copies? - You can print from 1 to 9 copies of the tax return (or
copies of individual forms if you answer No to "print all forms?").
Repeat after each form? - If you answer Y(es), multiple copies of each form
are printed before proceeding to the next form (i.e. 1040, 1040, A, A, B,
B, so on). If you answer N(o), AM-Tax prints each form of the tax return
once, then repeats (1040, A, B, 1040, A, B).
Printer Type? - Indicate the type of printer you're using. This
parameter controls the graphic printer commands used in the IRS approved
dot-matrix printing of the Form 1040 and 1040A. It is not used in the
shareware version.
Printer Connection - Indicate the printer port that is to be used.
Normally this is LPT1, but you could also indicate LPT2 or either of 2
serial ports.
Pause after each page? - If you answer Y(es), AM-Tax pauses after each page
to give you time to change paper.
Horizontal Print Adjustment - When printing in "data only" mode, this field
is used to move the data left and right on the page. A negative value
moves the data left and a positive value moves the data right. This value
can range from -5 to +5 spaces.
Vertical Print Adjustment - When printing in "data only" mode, this field
is used to move the data up and down on the page. A negative value moves
the data down and a positive value moves the data up. This value can range
from -3 to +3 lines.
Using LaserMerge? - This option is not used in the shareware version of AM-
Tax.
Printer Setup String - This is an optional field and can be used to define
an initialization string for your printer. For example, you can turn on
emphasized or double-strike print mode for darker, more legible output.
You must precede any non-displayable character sequence (such as ESC) with
a backslash (\). You can enter number or letter codes directly, but you
must provide one blank space after any non-displayable character sequence.
Consult your printer manual for proper commands, but here are two commands
used by Epson and IBM printers to create crisper printing:
Emphasized Mode = <Esc> E Printer Setup String = \27 E
Double Strike = <Esc> G Printer Setup String = \27 G
9.4 SELECTING THE FORMS TO PRINT
If you answer N(o) to the question "Print all forms?" (see previous
section), then AM-Tax will ask you to select the forms, schedules and
worksheets to print. You will be presented with a list of the contents of
each tax return.
Enter a Y next to the form or forms that you want printed, then press F2
(be sure your printer is turned on). AM-Tax will begin printing.
12
10.0 REVIEWING / MODIFYING A TAX RETURN
After selecting option 2 from the main menu, you will be presented with a
list of tax returns saved on disk (see 4.1 for disk drive designation).
The screen will look like this:
-----------------------------------------------
| CHANGE RETURN |
| --------------------------------------------- |
| Which tax return do you want displayed? |
| ------------------------------------------- |
| |SEL|FILENAME | DATE | TIME | DESCRIPTION| |
| |---|---------|-------|------|------------| |
| | - | SAMPLE1 | 022890| 9:03 | My return | |
| | - | SAMPLE2 | 022890|12:30 | With IRA | |
| | | . | | | | |
| | | . | | | | |
| | | . | | | | |
| ------------------------------------------- |
| |
| Y = Display Tax Return |
| --------------------------------------------- |
| |
| 1=Help 2=Go 3=NewDir 0=Return |
-----------------------------------------------
Enter a Y in the column marked 'SEL' next to the tax return you want to
review or change. Then press F2 or the large, gray '+' key. AM-Tax will
take a few moments to reload that return into memory. AM-Tax will only
process the first return marked with a 'Y'.
If you have tax returns on several floppy diskettes, you can switch
diskettes and press F3. AM-Tax will list the tax returns on the new
diskette.
Once the tax return is loaded, you can proceed as described in "Preparing
a Tax Return".
13
FILE0479.TXT
Disk No: 479
Disk Title: AM-Tax 1990
PC-SIG Version: S5
Program Title: AM-Tax
Author Version: 1990
Author Registration: $20.00/$40.00/$65.00/$125.00
Special Requirements: None. Printer recommended.
AM-TAX helps you prepare your federal tax return. It does most
calculations for you and, where possible, checks if the information you
entered is consistent and valid.
Because it's powerful, you can try ``what if'' situations. Change an
income or deduction and instantly see the result on your tax balance or
refund. Many commonly-used forms and schedules are supported, as well
as worksheets for specific situations such as capital gains, partnership
and corporate income, and estate or trust income. Information entered
or calculated for a supporting form is automatically transferred to the
appropriate line it supports. All the forms can be printed and
filed directly with the IRS.
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1989 PC-SIG, Inc.
GO.TXT
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< PC-SIG Disk #479 AM-TAX 1990 >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ To print the documentation, type: PRINTDOC (press Enter) ║
║ ║
║ To start AM-TAX 1990, type: TAX90 (press Enter) ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ Copyright 1990, PC-SIG, Inc. ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #0479
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
1040 P90 6322 11-26-90 8:00a
A P90 2561 11-26-90 8:00a
B P90 2281 11-26-90 8:00a
C P90 3910 11-26-90 8:00a
D P90 6667 11-26-90 8:00a
D1L P90 764 11-26-90 8:00a
D1S P90 812 11-26-90 8:00a
E1 P90 3170 11-26-90 8:00a
E2 P90 2735 11-26-90 8:00a
F P90 4615 11-26-90 8:00a
R P90 3306 11-26-90 8:00a
SE1 P90 3026 11-26-90 8:00a
SE2 P90 2519 11-26-90 8:00a
IRA P90 2109 11-26-90 8:00a
FORMS S90 1198 11-26-90 8:00a
SCREENS S90 9138 11-26-90 8:00a
TAX90 S90 47661 11-26-90 8:00a
TAX90 EXE 117688 11-26-90 8:00a
AMTAX DOC 46481 11-26-90 8:00a
PRINTDOC BAT 20 11-26-90 8:00a
FILE0479 TXT 1999 12-11-90 10:38a
GO BAT 40 1-01-80 6:00a
GO TXT 771 12-11-90 12:34a
23 file(s) 269793 bytes
40960 bytes free