ProSeries basics - an overview

ProSeries basics - an overview

This section briefly explains many ProSeries features and when you use them. For more detailed information about a specific topic, refer to the applicable chapter of this User’s Guide.

Important:

Windows standards. ProSeries software includes standard Windows elements such as menus with commands, toolbars with buttons, and dialog boxes. You use these elements in the ProSeries program the way that you use them in other Windows‑based programs.

Note the following about standard Windows elements in ProSeries software.

These elements...

Have these characteristics...

Menus and commands

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The menus that open from the menu bar in the two main areas of the ProSeries program—HomeBase and the Client Data window—are File, Edit, View, Forms, Import, E-File, Tools, HomeBase, Update, Information, Window, and Help.

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The menus and commands for certain special features, such as the Letter editor and the Invoice editor, are specifically for that feature.

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Each menu includes a set of related commands. If there’s a keyboard shortcut for a command, it’s listed on the menu.

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Each command starts a procedure, opens another menu, or opens a dialog box.

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If a command doesn’t apply to what you’re doing or have done, it appears dimmed on the menu.

Toolbars and buttons

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The toolbar in each of the two main areas of the ProSeries program—HomeBase and the Client Data window—has buttons that are appropriate for that area.

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The toolbars for certain special features, such as the Letter editor and the Invoice editor, have buttons that are specifically for that feature.

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Toolbar buttons are shortcuts to commands also found on menus. Each button starts a procedure, opens another menu, or opens a dialog box.

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If a button doesn’t apply to what you’re doing or have done, it appears dimmed on the toolbar.

Dialog boxes

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Dialog boxes serve a variety of purposes. A dialog box can present information, allow you to select options, and enable you to start procedures.

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Dialog boxes include labeled buttons such as OK, Cancel, Print, and Help.

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While a dialog box is open, you can’t select any menu commands or toolbar buttons.

The next sections explain the two main areas of the ProSeries program—HomeBase and the Client Data window.

HomeBase

When you start the ProSeries program, you see HomeBase first. ProSeries summarizes information about your client files in HomeBase.

From HomeBase, you can:

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Start client files

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Open previously-saved client files

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Perform tasks such as:

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Transfer data to new client files

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Print returns

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File returns electronically

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Backup client files and Restore backed-up client files

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Track missing client information

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Run Client Analyzer queries

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Read important messages in the Message Center

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Set up many ProSeries options and features

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Get information and help

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Use the Live Community panel to interact with other tax professionals

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Use HomeBase views to see selected types of clients

In the following illustration of HomeBase, the Form 1040:Individuals HomeBase view is selected.

The HomeBase menu bar

The following summarizes the menu bar for HomeBase. The underlined characters are keyboard shortcuts. Hold down the ALT key and type the underlined character to see that menu. If a command on a menu doesn’t apply to the task at hand, it appears dimmed.

The HomeBase toolbar

Use the buttons on the left half of the HomeBase toolbar to perform the following tasks:

Use the buttons on the right half of the HomeBase toolbar to perform the following tasks:

If a button doesn’t apply to the task at hand, it appears dimmed.

Client Data window

When you start a client file or open a previously-saved client file, you see the Information Worksheet for that client in the ProSeries Client Data window.

From the ProSeries Client Data window, you can:

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Import client data from Quicken, QuickBooks, or other software

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Enter, edit, and delete data for the current client

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Open forms, schedules, worksheets, and other items

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Save the current client’s data in a client file

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Check the current client’s return(s) for errors

▪

Track missing client information

▪

Set up many ProSeries options and features

▪

Get information and help

▪

Use the Live Community panel to interact with other tax professionals

The following illustration shows the Federal Information Worksheet for Form 1040 returns in the Client Data window.

The Client Data window menu bar

The following summarizes the menu bar for the Client Data window. The underlined characters are keyboard shortcuts. Hold down the ALT key and type the underlined character to see that menu. If a command on a menu doesn’t apply to the task at hand, it appears dimmed.

The Client Data toolbar

Use the buttons on the left side of the Client Data toolbar to perform the following tasks:

Use the buttons on the right side of the Client Data toolbar to perform the following tasks:

Entering data on forms in the Client Data window

When you create a new client file or open an existing client file, the Information Worksheet for that type of return appears.

To do this...

Do this...

Enter basic client data in the data fields on the Information Worksheet

1. Select a field that’s shaded light yellow or light red, then type the appropriate data.

2. Press the Enter or Tab key, or use your mouse to move the cursor to the next field.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you’ve entered all applicable data on the Information Worksheet.

Save the data you entered

Go to the toolbar and click the Save the Current Client File button.

Select another form, schedule, worksheet, or other item for data entry

Click the name of the form, schedule, worksheet, or other item in the Forms Bar.

Enter all applicable data on the form, schedule, worksheet, or other item

1. Select a field that’s shaded light yellow or light red, then type the appropriate data.

2. Press the Enter or Tab key, or use your mouse to move the cursor to the next field.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you’ve entered all applicable data on the form, schedule, or worksheet.

Save the client’s data

Go to the toolbar and click the Save the Current Client File button.

Important:

ProSeries calculations. As you enter client data, ProSeries calculates totals and automatically flows the appropriate data to the applicable forms.

Important:	Windows standards. ProSeries software includes standard Windows elements such as menus with commands, toolbars with buttons, and dialog boxes. You use these elements in the ProSeries program the way that you use them in other Windows‑based programs.

To do this...	Do this...
Enter basic client data in the data fields on the Information Worksheet	1. Select a field that’s shaded light yellow or light red, then type the appropriate data. 2. Press the Enter or Tab key, or use your mouse to move the cursor to the next field. 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you’ve entered all applicable data on the Information Worksheet.
Save the data you entered	Go to the toolbar and click the Save the Current Client File button.
Select another form, schedule, worksheet, or other item for data entry	Click the name of the form, schedule, worksheet, or other item in the Forms Bar.
Enter all applicable data on the form, schedule, worksheet, or other item	1. Select a field that’s shaded light yellow or light red, then type the appropriate data. 2. Press the Enter or Tab key, or use your mouse to move the cursor to the next field. 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you’ve entered all applicable data on the form, schedule, or worksheet.
Save the client’s data	Go to the toolbar and click the Save the Current Client File button.

Important:	ProSeries calculations. As you enter client data, ProSeries calculates totals and automatically flows the appropriate data to the applicable forms.

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