HowardSoft
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P.O. Box 8432
La Jolla, CA 92038-8432
phone: (858) 454-0121
e-mail: support@howardsoft.com
CHECK WEB FOR UPDATES website
(a restricted website for those who have already installed a CURRENT edition of Tax Preparer)

Contents Downloads e-file Alerts Bulletins Manuals 2021 Editions Public Website

Updates for 2022 Editions of Tax Preparer
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Tax Preparer release 2022.01r still available

CAUTION: The complex new Schedule 8812 is mandatory for tax year 2021 for computing the Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents. Although it is automatically generated by the software if any Dependent Worksheets you prepared show qualification for either credit, you must provide additional information on this Schedule 8812 in order to maximize your credit and reconcile advance payments with the credit. Pay particular attention to entries on screen 2 (for advance payments received), screen 3 (for number of children under 6 at line 4a), and screen 4 (for residency requirements for the enhanced crediis at line 13). (The new Schedule 8812 was added to the software in Release 2022.01a.)

California Supplement release 2022.01d still available

MANDATORY UPDATE for California Supplement to Release 2022.01a or later.

If you started a California Form 540 return with Release 2022.01 (the first release for the year), you MUST update to Release 2022.01a or later, then change an entry on Form 540 to correct the calculation of tax. See details on the California Downloads Page.

Partnership Edition release 2022.01b still available

If you have installed release 2022.01 of the Partnership Edition for Form 1065 returns, you can use the below on-line updates to bring it up-to-date.


CLICK HERE
for on-line updates

Click Here to Order

Order Form for prior filing season.

Easy on-line ordering: You can still order programs for the 2022 filing season, for filing amended or late returns for tax year 2021. For the easiest way to order, complete our secure online Order Form. Just click the yellow starburst. With instant acknowledgement of your order, you'll be sure that we received your order. (You can also order by mail or phone. We accept all checks and major credit cards.)

Impact of Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

on returns for tax year 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, enacted August 16, 2022, includes a number of provisions that affect returns for 2022, but their effect on the IRS forms for 2022 are benign. By contrast, the American Rescue Plan of 2021 added complex enhancements to the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for Child and Dependent Care Expenses and greatly added complexity of the related forms. But those complexities disappear for 2022, making only the changes from the recent act of consequence. Those changes include simple changes for Form 5695 because of enhancement or reinstatement of certain energy-saving credits and Form 8962 because an extension of a benefit that was new for 2021 for middle-income taxpayers. Most other changes affect only the amounts of various credits, or the caps on certain requirements for them. As a result, you will see changes stemming from the bill only in the details in the forms but not their structure.

TIPS on moving Tax Preparer to a new computer or upgrading an old one.

Moving to a new computer? If you bought a new computer and want to copy your prior-year data to that computer for translation, see the last few pages of Chapter 14 of the new User's Guide (pages 14-13 through 14-18). It provides useful information and tips on moving Tax Preparer data from one computer to another, backed by examples for four common scenarios.

NEW: Upgrading old computer to Windows 10? If you upgrade an existing computer to Windows 10, you may encounter printing or start-up problems:

  •   Printing: You may have to update the driver for your printer if graphic forms in Tax Preparer do not print properly. While the Windows 10 upgrade automatically installs the required new drivers for most popular printers of recent vintage, it does not update drivers for older or less popular printers, many of which did not yet have Windows 10 drivers available when Windows 10 was first released. You may therefore have to install a new driver from the website for the manufacturer of the printer, if available.
  •   Start-up (32-bit only): Tax Preparer may not start because of a change in settings that Microsoft's upgrade to Windows 10 imposes automatically for 32-bit versions of Windows 10. To change the settings back to the ones required by Tax Preparer, see Customer Service Memo CSTP1503. (No such problem exists for 64-bit versions of Windows 10, which are generally installed when you upgrade a 64-bit computer to Windows 10.)

Additional help. Some people have had perplexing problems this year for which there were not immediate solutions. These include failure of the installation programs, failure of Tax Preparer to start, inability to access tax data, and inability for e-file transmission software to find e-file output to transmit. All of the problems are caused by either aggressive anti-virus software or non-standard computer setups. However, convenient solutions for all problems are available and are described in two new memos on our Bulletins page:

  •   CSTP1501: How to ensure proper installation and updating of Tax Preparer.
  •   CSTP1502: How to avert inability to run Tax Preparer's start-up .vbs file.

32-bit and 64-bit compatibility!

Since shortly before the 2015 filing season, Tax Preparer has been compatible with all versions of Windows 8, 8.1, and 10, including both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, and all other Windows versions as far back as Windows XP, whether 32-bit or 64-bit. Although greatly modified for 64-bit Windows, the familiar look and feel of Tax Preparer remains the same. You will have no problem installing or running our software on a new Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 computer, most of which are preloaded with a 64-bit version of Windows. However, Windows 10 may require an updated print driver or, for 32-bit versions, a change in default settings as detailed in Customer Service Memo CSTP1503. (Prior to this time, in order to use Tax Preparer on a 64-bit machine you had to install additional software that created a virtual 32-bit machine and then install Tax Preparer within that virtual machine, which could sometimes be difficult and costly.)

TIPS for paid preparers: Don't forget the mandatory annual registration of your PTIN. You must register with the IRS to practice in 2019 as a paid preparer. REMEMBER, you must renew your PTIN annually each year you want to prepare returns for clients. And don't forget about mandatory e-file. (See our 2011 HowardNews for information on both mandatory registration and mandatory e-file.) You are now required to e-file your clients' returns except for returns that cannot be handled by your e-file software or returns that your clients do not want to be e-filed. However, even if you find that you are not required to e-file many of your returns, there are plenty of reasons for adding e-file to your practice anyway. Read Why e-file? on our home page for details.

ON-LINE UPDATES for 2022 Edition (prior tax season)

These on-line updates can be used only by those who have already installed a prior release of the same program for the same filing season. (For the last on-line updates for the prior tax season, click the 2021 EDITIONS button near the top of this page.)

Tax Preparer
(Form 1040)

CLICK HERE
for updates

Release 2022.01r now available.

(Updated 8/17/2022.)

Partnership Edition
(Form 1065)

CLICK HERE
for updates

Release 2022.01b now available.

(Updated 8/17/2022.)

California Supplement
(Form 540)

CLICK HERE
for updates

Release 2022.01d now available.

(Updated 5/7/2022.)

Manuals
(Tax Forms Guides and User's Guide)

CLICK HERE
for manuals

The latest on-screen manuals are also included with all updates.

IMPORTANT NEWS

8/17/2022: Release 2022.01b of Partnership Edition now available.

This release corrects the graphic printout of Schedule K-1 (1065). To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Partnership Downloads Page.

8/17/2022: Release 2022.01r of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release revises updates for Tax Preparer 1040 to avert an adverse effect on Partnership 1065 software. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

6/18/2022: Release 2022.01q of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release revises Schedule 1 e-file and printouts, and adds two revised IRS-revised publications. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

5/14/2022: Release 2022.01a of Partnership Edition now available.

This release adds Forms 3468 and 8822-B to complete the software for Form 1065 returns. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Partnership Downloads Page.

5/7/2022: Release 2022.01d of California Supplement now available.

This release improves Form 3514 printouts, calculations, and translation. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the California Downloads Page.

5/5/2022: Release 2022.01c of California Supplement now available.

This release adda Schedule P and Forms 3510, 3514, 3523, 3533, 3533-B, 3548, 5805, and 5805-F. It also changes official printouts to more precisely conform with the FTB forms and FTB specifications. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the California Downloads Page.

4/22/2022: Release 2022.01p of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Forms 8379, 8594, 8611, 8822, 8822-B, and 8828. It also adds a recently-revised IRS publication. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

4/21/2022: Release 2022.01o of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release averts a problem some computers have with release 2022.01n when itemizing to our W-2 Worksheets. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

4/19/2022: Release 2022.01n of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Forms 2848, 4137, 4972, and 6478, and revises Form 1040X to avert a potential rejection of an amended return (and more). To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page. Be sure to read the details if you prepared any amended returns using a prior release.

4/18/2022: Release 2022.01m of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Forms 1310, 2350, and 2555, and revises Form 8962 to prevent common data entry errors and ensure trouble-free e-file. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page. Be sure to read the details if you prepared or revised any returns using Release 2022.01j.

4/14/2022: Release 2022.01l of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Forms 2120, 4255, 5884, 6765, 8332, and 8815, and revises Form 8962. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page. Be sure to read the details if you prepared or revised any returns using Release 2022.01j.

4/13/2022: Release 2022.01k of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release revises Form 8995 to correct a calculation problem in Release 2022.0j. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page. Be sure to read the details if you prepared or revised any returns using Release 2022.01j.

4/13/2022: Release 2022.01b of California Supplement now available.

This release adda Schedule X and Forms 3519 and 540-ES. It also revises Forms 3506, 3532, and 3805P. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the California Downloads Page.

4/10/2022: Release 2022.01j of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Form 1040X, averts a potential e-file error on Form 8995, and eliminates potential printout problems for cover/billing letters and Schedule A. It also adds more recently-released IRS publications to the Tax Preparer Control Panel. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

4/4/2022: Release 2022.01i of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Form 1116, averts an ER 9/LN 30061 for certain worksheets and corrects a couple of insignificant errors. It also adds more recently-released IRS publications to the Tax Preparer Control Panel. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

3/24/2022: Release 2022.01a of California Supplement now available.

This release corrects the calculation of tax and revises select printouts. This is a MANDATORY update. You must not continue to use Release 2022.01. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the California Downloads Page.

3/10/2022: Release 2022.01h of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release corrects a Schedule 3 calculation problem unique to the Economy Level and revises a printout of an e-file form. It also adds 2 more recently-released IRS publications. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

3/6/2022: Release 2022.01g of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Forms 2210 and 2210-F and makes revisions to Form 8812, the Control Form (affecting Forms 2210 and 1040-ES), and e-file. It also adds more recently-released IRS publications. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

3/1/2022: Release 2022.01f of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Form 1040-ES. It also adds more recently-released IRS documents. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

2/24/2022: Release 2022.01d of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Forms 5405, 6781, 8606, 8615, 8814, 8839, 8910, and 8936. It also averts a potential problem in Economy Level and adds a couple of recently-released IRS publications. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

2/20/2022: Release 2022.01c of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Forms 5695, 8396, 8853, 8885, and 8889. It also makes technical changes in Form 8812, and adds several new IRS releases of publications and form instructions. To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

2/15/2022: Release 2022.01b of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Schedule H and Forms 6198, 8960, 8962, and 8995. It also revises Schedule EIC and Forms 2441, 8812, and 8862 to avert potential problems, and adds two dozen recently released IRS publications (and instructions for a few forms). To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

2/9/2022: Release 2022.01a of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

This release adds Schedule 8812 and Form 8959 as well as IRS documents (forms, instructions, and publications) released by the IRS after the last release of Tax Preparer. Unlike prior years, the complex new Schedule 8812 is mandatory for tax year 2021 for computing the Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents . Although it is automatically generated by the software if any Dependent Worksheets you prepared show qualification for either credit, you must provide additional information on this Schedule 8812 in order to maximize your credit and reconcile advance payments with the credit. Pay particular attention to entries on screen 2 (for advance payments received), screen 3 (for number of children under 6 at line 4a), and screen 4 (for residency requirements for the enhanced crediis at line 13).

To get the new update and more details on the changes, go to the Downloads Page.

2/2/2022: Release 2022.01 of Tax Preparer 1040 now available.

The first release for the current tax season, which the IRS opened just days ago, is now available. If you indicated on-line delivery of the software when you ordered, you should have received an email giving you a protected link to the product you ordered. On the other hand, if you indicated delivery on CD, you will receive a CD containing the software soon, as we ship all products today. If you ordered on-line delivery but have not received an email with the appropriate link, be sure to let us know so that we can give you access to the product. Note that we will be releasing important updates to this first release in the coming days, so be sure to Check for Updates frequently.

Prior releases. For details on prior-year changes throughout the tax season, see Changes in Recent Releases for the respective software:

What are the changes?

Because of the convenience of the web, we issue new releases frequently, even when most of the changes are relatively insignificant. Changes are highlighted in the bottom half of the respective download pages. However, if you want more detail about the most significant changes, there are two other places to look:

  •   E-FILE ALERTS. Changes that are of consequence ONLY to e-file returns are documented here. The changes typically avert specific Reject Codes for the e-file return, so if your return is rejected, check this list first to see if you need to update your software and take particular steps to repair your data.
  •   BULLETINS. Changes that are significant for both paper and e-file returns are documented here. Technical Change Notices are issued for each significant change, including the steps you may have to take to repair a return prepared with an earlier release.

Changes that are not documented on either of these pages are less serious in nature, including rewording on some on-screen lines to make entries more understandable, correction of spelling errors, correction of line number references on printouts, and technical changes that have no affect on calculations.

IMPORTANT TIP: After you translate a prior-year return to the current-year format, be sure to VIEW ALL TRANSLATED WORKSHEETS to ensure that the worksheets are recalculated under their new format, and to verify that all entries are proper for the current return. This step is especially necessary this year because of major changes in several worksheets.

This web page last updated September 17, 2022