Downloads for 2008 Editions of Tax Preparer

Update to 2008.01i NOW AVAILABLE

(Requires that you have already installed a disc for the 2008 filing season, such as 2008.pre or 2008.01.)

For details on the changes, see Changes in Recent Releases below.

The downloads on this page are only for Tax Preparer for Form 1040 returns. Downloads for the Partnership Edition for Form 1065 returns are found on the Partnership Downloads page. Downloads for the California Supplement for Form 540 returns are found on the California Downloads page.

Tax Preparer Downloads

To use these downloads, click the appropriate version and follow the on-screen instructions. (CAUTION: These downloads require that you have already installed on your computer a prior release for the 2008 filing season for the same level -- Economy, Standard, or Premium.)

If you previously installed a Pre-Release disk, and you use the Standard or Premium Level software, we recommend that you also install the 2008.01 CD-ROM disk when it arrives, even if you updated using the below download, so that you get the IRS documents (approx. 90 MB) and the e-file transmission program (also 90 MB) that are included on the disk. CAUTION: After you install the CD-ROM, you will have to run the below download, even if you downloaded and installed it previously, because the CD-ROM will return your software to release 2008.01.

e-file information. For more information on e-file, go to the e-file Alerts page. You'll see where to find the EFI2007 software, how to install and set it up, and important information on changes in e-file rules and Form 8453.

Economy Level. To update prior releases to release e2008.01i, click the following link: Update Tax Preparer 2008 Edition Economy (e2008.01i). (For details on the changes, see Changes in Recent Releases below.)

(786 KB) (revised 3/31/2008 6:00 PM PDT)

Standard Level. To update prior releases to release s2008.01i, click the following link: Update Tax Preparer 2008 Edition Standard (s2008.01i) (For details on the changes, see Changes in Recent Releases below.)

(1,317 KB) (revised 3/31/2008 6:00 PM PDT)

Premium Level. To update prior releases to release p2008.01i, click the following link: Update Tax Preparer 2008 Edition Premium (p2008.01i). (For details on the changes, see Changes in Recent Releases below.)

(1,522 KB) (revised 3/31/2008 6:00 PM PDT)

IRS Downloads

Documents revised by the IRS since 2008.01 CD-ROM. IRS documentation contained on our CD-ROMs for release 2008.01 and later contain IRS forms, instructions, and publications as they existed on January 15, 2008. However, the IRS has made a number of changes since that time and has was posted revised versions on the web. We provide here links to the revised documents so that you can update the documents we provided on our CD-ROMs. (See How to download into Tax Preparer, below, for instructions on using these links.)

For details on the changes, and to keep up-to-date with later changes, see the IRS web page Changes to Current Tax Forms, Instructions, and Publications. (Note that any changes that impact our software or manuals are already included in the latest downloads from this Check for Updates web site.)

Documents omitted from 2008.pre CD-ROM. IRS documentation was inadvertently omitted from the pre-release CD-ROMs. However, you can get the latest releases of forms, instructions, and publications direct from the IRS at their current web page for IRS forms, instructions, and publications. All forms, instructions, and publications are listed in numerical order on this page. Just click the one you want to retrieve, click Review Selected Files, and you'll get a link to the PDF file for the selected document on the next screen. See How to download into Tax Preparer, next, for instructions on using this link.

How to download into Tax Preparer. In order to make your downloads accessible from Tax Preparer, right-click each link to an IRS form, instruction, or publication and choose Save Target As..., then save the file to C:\TAX\DOC2008. You will then be able to access the forms for on-screen viewing while using Tax Preparer by clicking Documents from the menu bar on the floating Tax Preparer Control Panel, then Forms and Publications.

(If you installed Tax Preparer in a folder other than C:\TAX, the default folder, you will have to replace C:\TAX with your own folder when Saving Target As.)

Changes in recent releases

(revised 3/31/2008)

Release 2008.01i differs from release 2008.01h as follows:

• Roth IRA distributions: The taxable amount computed at line 25 of Form 8606 is generally subject to a 10% penalty, since the taxable amount stems from nonqualified distributions (such as those withdrawn before age 59-1/2 or before the required 5-year holding period has finished). The amount subject to penalty is shown on screen 10 of Form 8606 as Early dist for 5329,line 1 and is intended to be automatically transferred to the screen 1 of Form 5329 as Roth distrbs(early at any age). However, that transfer was missing in copy 1 of Form 5329 (for you), and flawed in copy 3 of Form 5329 (for spouse). The transfers and automatic creation of Form 5329 when required are now operating as intended. (For more detail, including the steps required to correct a return prepared with an earlier release, see Bulletin TCTP0801.)
• Form 1040 printing: Formerly, if you had an amount on any line in the section of Form 1040 page 2 labeled Other taxes for line 63, the amount and it's code would be printed in a supporting statement and cross-referenced on the dotted line for line 63. Now, if only one line has an amount, the code and amount are printed on the dotted line. A separate supporting statement is now used only if more than one line has an amount.

Release 2008.01h differs from release 2008.01g only in the handling of the printing and e-file output for gambling amounts at line 28 of Schedule A. Prior to the change, any gambling winnings reported on Form 1040 would be printed in the description area of Schedule A, line 28, even when no gambling losses were claimed. This resulted in possible confusion for a paper return and an error 0197 in field 0485 of Schedule A for an e-file return. The revised software prints only the allowable gambling losses in the description area, as required for e-file. For a paper return, details of the computation of the limitation on gambling losses are now printed only in a separate supporting statement, provided you itemize either Gross gambling losses or Gambling inc not on W-2G on screen 8 of Schedule A.

Release 2008.01g differs from release 2008.01f only in the generation of e-file output. It averts the following errors that prevent you from creating e-file output for certain returns with a Form 4797:

• ER 9/ LN 22404: This error could previously arise when you try to generate e-file output for a return with more than 4 worksheets supporting line 2(g) of Form 4797.
• ER 9/ LN 30943: This error could previously arise when you try to generate e-file output for a return with more than 4 worksheets supporting line 10(g) of Form 4797.

After you install 2008.01g, you can successfully generate e-file output for such returns.

Release 2008.01f differs from release 2008.01e in a number of minor changes to improve clarity and minimize confusion:

• On-screen label changes and additional instructional text. This includes additional on-screen references to IRS Pub. 4655 (which revises several IRS instructions), correction of on-screen form and line reference errors (which affect no calculations), correction of spelling and other typographical errors, and changes to more closely match text on IRS forms. These changes result in minor changes to on-screen text for Forms 1040, 1116, 2441, 3800, 4136, 4255, 4970, 5695, 6252, 6781, 8611, 8615, 8812, and 8889.
• Schedule A: Sales tax rates for 4 states changed, and line reference changes on other forms. Default sales tax rates for ID, NJ, NC, and SC updated on the Sales Tax Worksheet (used for prorating local tax for localities that have no table in the IRS instructions). On-screen line references on some other forms to Schedule A corrected.
• Schedule B: 1099-INT Worksheet clarified. On-screen labels on the worksheet changed to clarify the entry of data from boxes 8 and 9 of Form 1099-INT.
• Form 1116: Adjustments and printouts refined. (Standard and Premium Levels only) A data entry line for a 5% component added for line 17. Dollar levels for qualifying for a line 13 adjustment exception indexed. Line 13 adjustment forced to be proper sign (negative for category a copy of Form 1116, positive for category b copy of Form 1116). Column letters for chart at bottom of page 1 of Form 1116 corrected on-screen and for draft and graphic printouts. Entry for line 28 forced to be positive (because calculations perform the subtraction).
• Form 2106: Special depreciation allowance for GO Zone vehicles added, and meaning of dates clarified. A 50% special allowance for certain vehicles in the Gulf Opportunity Zone is now supported on the Vehicle Expense Worksheet for Form 2106 (which was already supported on Form 4562 worksheets). Labels for dates on Vehicle Expense Worksheet changed to more clearly reflect meaning.
• Form 2555: Changes for tax planning added. (Premium Level only) Exclusion levels and base housing allowance added for tax year 2008 (for tax planning when tax year on Control Form is changed to 2008).
• Form 4136: Allowed types and headings refined. (Premium Level only) The types allowed on the Fuel Use Worksheet have been refined to exclude type 17 (now obsolete), add types 2 and 9 for line 2b, and add type 16 for lines 8d and 8e. Headings for line 5 revised to more closely match IRS form.
• Form 6765: Aesthetic refinements. (Premium Level only) Display of Section B election now reflects answer to election in the past (calculations unaffected). Minor typographical error in graphic form corrected.
• Form 8801: Automatic transfer and Road Map access added, and line 20 restricted. (Premium Level only) Form 1040, line 71 now automatically reflects Form 8801, line 27, and Form 8801 is now accessible from that line. Line 20 now provides for entry of unallowed electric vehicle credit only.
• Form 8812: Earned income calculation and printout refined. Earned income calculation for line 4a refined for farm income, using Farm Optional amount only when a farm profit exists. Line 4b now shows combat pay even when not used in computing line 4a (per IRS instructions).

Release 2008.01e differs from release 2008.01d mainly in the addition of Form 8910 (Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit) to the Standard and Premium Levels (including e-file). This form provides a tax credit for purchasing a hybrid vehicle, among others, and both a business and personal credit are available. All other changes relate to on-screen aesthetics and minor typographical errors.

Release 2008.01d differs from release 2008.01c as follows:

• Several forms added to the Premium Level. (Premium Level only) Forms omitted from earlier releases because of their late releases by the IRS are now included in the Premium Level software:
  • Form 2848. Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative. Because the IRS has repeatedly postponed the release of the promised new version of this form, we have installed the March 2004 version, which is still being accepted by the IRS. The IRS now anticipates a release date of 2/26/2008 for the new version of this form.
  • Form 4136. Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels. This complex, 4-page form includes a new credit at line 17 (Leaking Underground Storage Tank Tax), but the IRS will not process returns with a claim for that credit until March 3. As a result, e-file returns containing a credit for that line will be rejected by the IRS and paper returns will be held for processing until that date.
  • Form 6765. Credit for Increasing Research Activities. Contrary to last year, Sections A, B, and C of this form are now mutually exclusive. You can claim only one of the three types of credit. However, the IRS does not support a claim for the credit in Section C (Alternative Simplified Credit) for an e-filed return; you must file a paper return if you claim that credit.
  • Form 8611. Recapture of Low-Income Housing Credit. Only the revision date has changed on this form, and the instructions have changed only due to clarifications for lines 1, 11, and 14 so it's unclear why the IRS delayed the release of this form!
  • Form 8801. Credit for Prior Year Minimum Tax. This form has grown to 3 pages with the addition of a new refundable credit. Its complexity has also increased because of new calculations required for filers of Form 2555 (or 2555-EZ).
• Form 6251 revised. A clarifying line has been added above line 11 to explain that the automatic entry for line 11 comes from your entry on Form 1099-INT worksheets for Schedule B and Form 8814.

Release 2008.01c differs from release 2008.01b as follows:

• e-file compatibility with California software ensured. (Standard and Premium Levels only) This update ensures that your federal e-file is not adversely affected by the installation of the California Form 540 software.
• Form 8846 added. (Premium Level only) This form is used by an employer to claim credit for social security and Medicare taxes paid on certain employee tips. It was released by the IRS after the start of the tax season, and was therefore omitted from earlier releases of Tax Preparer.
• Form 2210 calculation refined. The calculation for a penalty in the last penalty period is now correctly based on 366 days rather than 365.
• Form 6251 calculation refined. The special adjustments for Form 2555 filers is refined to prevent the adjustment from reducing certain amounts below zero.
• Form 3468 translation expanded. Translation of all parts of lines 2 through 5 is now assured. (This change applies only to those who start a return by translating a return previously changed to tax year 2007 before the translation, since the data on the form for tax year 2006 would not apply.)
• Form 8283 translation expanded. State and ZIP code are now properly translated from the prior year on worksheets for lines 1, 2, and 5.

Release 2008.01b differs from release 2008.01a in the implementation of changes detailed in the new IRS Pub. 4655 (Supplemental Instructions for 2007 Form 1040 and Form 1040NR) and technical corrections involving the Schedule D Tax Worksheet and Form 1099-R. Changes stemming from Pub. 4655 include:

• Tax from Form 8889 for Form 1040, line 44c moved to line 63. As a result, line 44c of Form 1040 is now OBSOLETE, as well as the IRS instruction on line 22 of Form 8889. The software now prevents you from making an entry on line 44c. Instead, the software now provides above line 63 an entry for Tax from Form 8889, line 22 and identifies the amount to the IRS as HDHP (indicating that the amount is an additional 10% tax for failure to maintain High Deductible Health Plan coverage under a health savings account). (For a return prepared with a prior release, the software automatically moves any amount on line 44c to the new line above line 63 the first time Form 1040 page 2 is recalculated after release 2008.01b is installed.)
• Tax from charitable contribution recapture for Form 1040, line 44 moved to line 63. As a result, the related IRS instructions on pages 24 and 33 of IRS Form 1040 Instructions 2007 are now OBSOLETE! The software no longer has an entry line at line 44 for this recapture tax. Instead, the software now provides above line 63 an entry for Charity deduction recapture and identifies the amount to the IRS as FITPP (indicating that the amount is an additional 10% tax on recapture of a charitable contribution of a Fractional Interest in Tangible Personal Property). (For a return prepared with a prior release, the software automatically moves any amount on the special line at line 44 to the new line above line 63 the first time Form 1040 page 2 is recalculated after release 2008.01b is installed.)
• Foreign Earned Income Tax Worksheet for Form 1040, line 44 revised. As a result, the IRS instructions on page 34 of IRS Form 1040 Instructions 2007, including the Foreign Earned Income Tax Worksheet--Line 44, are now OBSOLETE! The 10-line worksheet is replaced by the 6-line worksheet in IRS Pub. 4655, which includes a greatly expanded footnote relating to complex adjustments you must make to the Schedule D Tax Worksheet when you have capital gains in addition to a foreign earned income exclusion. All of these changes are fully automatic in the software, including the extensive footnote.

Note that the IRS does NOT plan to revise Form 1040 nor its instructions, relying solely on Pub. 4655 to alert tax preparers of the changes! Other changes in release 2008.01b include:

• Graphic form for Schedule D Tax Worksheet added. The printout graphics for this worksheet was inadvertently omitted from prior releases. Furthermore, the graphic now reflects the changes stemming from Pub. 4655 through additional footnotes on the form.
• Ceilings on Schedule D Tax Worksheet raised. The ceilings at line 15 of the worksheet are now properly indexed with inflation, which could affect some high-income taxpayers. (For a return prepared with a prior release, after installing release 2008.01b you must enter a 1 on any line labeled No entry required on this page in order to ensure that the change is activated.)
• e-file error ERC 103, Field 1160, averted for returns with Form 1099-R withholding. Due to a change in IRS e-file format for line Form 1040, line 64, returns with a Form 1099-R could formerly be rejected. Note that unrelated rounding errors can cause the same error message, which is eliminated in that case by rounding your withholding entries on our worksheets for Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R to the nearest dollar. (For a return prepared with a prior release, you must change an entry on Form 1040, page 2, in order to activate the change after installing release 2008.01b.)

Release 2008.01a differs from release 2008.01 in the activation of e-file and the inclusion of the main e-file form that must be completed for all e-file returns. Once you install the EFI2007 transmission software, you can transmit e-file output generated by Tax Preparer with release 2008.01a. For more information on e-file, go to the e-file Alerts page. You'll see where to find the EFI2007 software, how to install and set it up, and important information on changes in e-file rules and Form 8453.

Release 2008.01 differs from release 2008.pre2 as follows:

• Schedule EIC auto-creation ensured: Schedule EIC was not formerly created automatically when only one child was qualified for the credit, but is now always created when necessary. (Calculations of Schedule EIC were correct, but you had to create it yourself if only one child was qualified.)
• Spurious supporting statements on printouts eliminated: (Premium and Standard Levels only)Now averts spurious statement references, such as (Stm020137) and (Stm020141), which could appear on any form with data in an itemized list or worksheet. Supporting statements are now aesthetically as designed. (Economy Level was never affected by this problem.)
• Form 5884 added: (Premium Level only) For work opportunity credit.

Release 2008.pre2 differs from release 2008.pre1 as follows:

• Form 1040, line 55c through 57 calculations corrected: (Standard and Economy Levels ONLY.) Line 46 and all credits on line 47 through 55c are now properly reflected in the result for line 57. (Calculations in our Premium Level software are not affected because they exhibited no problems.)
• Form 1040X added: For amended returns.
• Form 1040-ES added: For estimated taxes.

Release 2008.pre1 differs from release 2008.pre as follows:

• Form 1040, line 56: Now properly includes credits on lines 47 through 54. Formerly line 56 included only line 55, and sometimes a 1-digit number as well.
• Form 1040, line 76: Now properly computes an amount for line 76 when tax is due. Formerly the amount on that line would be zero irrespective of whether an amount was due.
• Official printout of Form 1040, page 1: Now averts spurious statement references, such as (Stm020137) and (Stm020141), which could appear at lines 7 through 16. The problem could formerly arise when a W-2 worksheet existed for line 7b (the spouse's W-2).
• Form 4562: Now supports the new special 50% allowance for cellulosic biomass ethanol plant property and omits N.Y. Liberty property from section 179 and listed property worksheets (since favorable treatment for N.Y. Liberty property has expired for all but residential real and nonresidential rental property).
• Minor typos on graphics: Corrects minor typos in graphics for Forms 8582, 8834, and 8839.