Date Version: January 2016
Version 15.2 is the required minimum version for e-file submission.
All installation types require the 15.2 update.
As a best practice, it is recommended that you close the application on all workstations and update each one separately.
We’ve expanded the existing E-file Information panel inside Return Manager to offer even more exciting features. You will now have an “at-a-glance view” of e-File status information for returns listed in Return Manager with the following improvements:
In this release, we've greatly expanded ATX integration with CCH iFirm. This functionality is only available to ATX customer who have subscribe to CCH iFirm. This integration allows you to enjoy increased visibility across workflow, resources and performance, ultimately freeing your practice up to spend more time adding value for your clients. New functionality includes:
New CCH iFirm menu: The menu gives you quick access to key CCH iFirm information:
Share Contact Information with CCH iFirm: A new integrated contact-sharing feature gives you the ability to import a limited set of demographic data from CCH iFirm directly into new ATX returns. Conversely, when you create a new return in ATX, when you close the return, you'll be asked if you want to create that new contact that iFirm.
View CCH iFirm Job Status in ATX: Job statuses track the progress on a job which helps your firm track the workflow of a linked return in ATX. The current status of each job appears in Return Manager in ATX. When you update the job status in CCH iFirm your team will know the current state of a job.
Renamed “Card” Filter: In Bank Manager, we renamed the "Diamond Card” product type filter to simply “Card.”
Print Checks feature - Internet Explorer Override: Because our Print Checks feature requires the Internet Explorer (IE) browser, ATX will automatically bypass your default browser and launch Print Checks in IE. If you don’t have IE or have removed it from your system, you’ll get a message to install it to use Print Checks.
Save Warning on Extensions has been disabled by default: You will no longer be prompted to confirm changes if those e-files are only Extensions. The application will continue to warn you if you are saving changes that might affect other types of e-files.
Removed Declaration Control Number (DCN) fields from Preparer Manager: The DCN was adopted by some states as an e-file identifier when Modernized E-file (MeF) first began. Since DCN is no longer used, we have removed the DCN Counter and DCN Max columns from the E-file tab in Preparer Manager.
Editing Custom Columns feature on Assets reports: We've made it easier for you to edit custom columns on Fixed Asset reports. If you use the Reports feature in Fixed Assets, give this improved feature a try!
E-filing PDF attachments – file size warning: ATX now detects and displays the file size for attached PDFs. We've also added a suggested file size limit to ensure a speedy e-file transmission.
In an effort to combat stolen identity tax fraud and to ensure that tax refunds go to the correct individuals, some states have instituted a new requirement for drivers’ license or state-issued identification card numbers to be entered on the Filers Info tab of the 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ returns. These IDs, which apply to taxpayers and spouses, will flow from the federal forms into the state e-files that request the data. For nearly all states who request this information, returns will not be rejected for missing information; however, including it in e-filed returns may speed processing.
As of mid-December, only Alabama has indicated they will be requiring this ID for e-file processing. Filers in Alabama without a state-issued ID or driver’s license will be required to paper file.
Date Version: November 2015
The following installation types require the 15.1 update:
Server Only installations do not require the 15.1 update if on version 15.0.
As a best practice, it is recommended that you close the application on all workstations and update each one separately.
This update expands the capability of Search Online by introducing a dedicated search bar that can be enabled/disabled by clicking the Search Online button from the Open Return toolbar. When using the search bar, criteria entered will be passed to your default internet browser where a Google search will be performed. Using the search bar is more powerful when combined with the CCH® IntelliConnect® Browser plug-in.
If you do not know your CCH IntelliConnect log in information go to https://www.cchsfs.com/research-register-email/ to retrieve the information.
ATX now alerts you when you have not set up your Tax Research login credentials in Preferences. The alert notification turns the Tax Research button on the Open Return toolbar red, indicating credentials are not entered. The Tax Research button turns green when credentials are entered in Preferences.
The Practice Aids 1040 toolbar button now displays as the Practice Aids button. The button was revised to work more seamlessly with the open return, by now opening corresponding Practice Aids for the open federal signature form.
The Tax Research menu expanded to include the following links:
If you file or prepare New York State tax returns and are exempt from the NYTPRIN, ATX now allows entry of the appropriate exemption code in the Preparer/ERO Manager. Set the exemption code by selecting the code using the drop down list from the NYTPRIN Excl column on the Preparers tab in the Preparer/ERO Manager.
Sale of Principle Residence: The Sale of Principle Residence feature was revised for Sale Abandonment and Installment Sale disposition types to match recent updates to publication 523.
Accumulated depreciation reporting on Form 4562: Accumulated depreciation amounts from the Asset Entry tab are now transferred to the 4562 Detail report.
Prior year rolled asset: Sold assets from a prior year are not be visible if the “Delete Sold Assets” preference is selected on the Rollover Manager tab of the Preferences dialog box.
Multiple Asset Report now displays future depreciation information and hides assets that do not apply.
Date Version: November 2015
Thank you for choosing ATX as your tax preparation software! The entire team that designs, builds, tests and supports ATX has only one goal in mind: to provide you with a powerful solution that helps your business achieve improved workflow efficiency and tax compliance.
To ensure that your system is ready for the newest version of ATX, please review the System Requirements. You can also test your system against those requirements with our System Analysis tool.
Windows® 10 is fully supported for ATX 2015. Before upgrading computers that currently have an earlier Windows version installed, please refer to Knowledge Library Answer ID 15351 for important information.
The new Edge browser included with Windows 10 currently has limitations with respect to required functionality. Microsoft offers the option to use Internet Explorer 11 rather than the Edge browser and the ATX team recommends that customers choose that option until Edge is more fully developed.
With Congress still considering legislation that impacts 2015 tax returns, the IRS has communicated its decision to leave forms in 2014 format and replace line descriptions with lapsed tax provisions of “Reserved.” Given the IRS approach, ATX will follow these guidelines to ensure additional flexibility in handling late legislative changes:
As always, we will continue our close monitoring of both Congressional and IRS activity so we can provide you with best response time possible when these regulatory decisions are finalized.
Our commitment to excellence in automated forms continues with the following 2015 items:
ATX Advantage customers also benefit from these exclusive calculation enhancements:
Save setup time -- create your print packets in one user and then have all other users import the print packet settings.
Use the Discard Multiple Forms command feature when you want to remove more than one form from a return. This command menu item also deletes any data you have entered on that form.
When you want to attach a Client Letter to a paper filed return, use the Letter Options tab and select the "will be printed" check box. The included letter text will indicate that the return will be paper filed.
ATX now launches fully maximized to take advantage of larger screens. It also remembers any application size settings you apply.
To assist preparers who need greater asset management functionality, we incorporated several asset management features from our Fixed Asset Manager (FAM) product into ATX. Enhanced Asset Management is included with our new ATX Advantage package or can be purchased as an add-on to any other ATX package.
Enhanced Asset Management functionality gives users the ability to:
To activate a free trial of Enhanced Asset Management, click the 30-Day Enhanced Asset Trial link on the Fixed Assets toolbar and follow the on-screen instructions.
50% Bonus depreciation and Section 179 limits ($500,000) remain at 2014 levels based on the assumption that legislation will, once again, extend these tax advantages for assets placed in service in 2015. Updates will be issued as needed in future releases.
The following changes are in effect:
Our new Tax Research menu gives instant access to some of the most powerful tools in CCH® IntelliConnect® so you can quickly find reliable answers to your tax questions.
This release contains our initial integration of CCH iFirm Practice Manager, a set of online tools designed to help you benefit from efficiency and visibility into your accounting practice like never before.
To help populate your CCH iFirm Contacts database, this new feature accesses your prior year installation of ATX, extracts Filer contact information and seamlessly rolls that information forward, loading it to your CCH iFirm site. After adding your CCH iFirm account information to Preferences in ATX, simply open Rollover Manager and look for the CCH iFirm menu.
To learn more about managing your tax and accounting business with CCH iFirm, request a custom demonstration or attend one of our tri-weekly webinars.