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TECHNICAL CHANGE NOTICE TCTP0304

for 2003 Edition of HowardSoft's Tax Preparer®

SUBJECT: Improper printing of dependents at line 10 for graphic Form 540 (California ONLY)


Problem. The fill-in printing of dependent names and relationships at line 10 of Form 540 is incomplete, and the relationships are sometimes improper. The symptoms for the three affected cases are:

  • For 1 dependent: Only the dependent’s name is printed. No relationship is printed.
  • For 2 dependents: The relationship printed for the 1st dependent is that of the 2nd dependent. No relationship is printed for the 2nd dependent.
  • For 3 dependents: The relationship printed for the 1st dependent is that of the 2nd dependent, and the relationship printed for the 2nd dependent is that of the 3rd dependent. Neither the name nor the relationship is printed for the 3rd dependent.

Perspective. The problem exists only if both of the following conditions are met:

  • No more than 3 dependents are claimed on the return.
  • You print a Windows-graphic or Laser-graphic Form 540 (and therefore must be using Standard Level or Premium Level software).

Note that only graphic (fill-in) printouts are affected. Neither facsimile printouts nor e-file output are affected. Furthermore, neither calculations nor data are affected.

Workaround. There is no workaround for this problem other than handprinting the proper information on the form.

Solution. The problem is averted by printing Form 540 using release ca2003.01e (ec2003.01e for e-file) or later.