In this issue:

What's new with CFS products in 2007
With 2006 coming to a close, CFS has been working on enhancements to our programs for the upcoming year. The following is a brief summary of some of these changes.

Expanded Detail on any field
A common feature to all of the toolbox utility programs, the user will now be able to add expanded detail to any numeric field in a module. This function is similar to features found in popular tax preparation programs like Lacerte & ProSystem fx.

For example, if the user wishes to enter detailed data for the Interest Income field in the Federal/State Tax Planner, simply hit Crtl+E or the “=” key and a detail screen will appear. The detailed data is then summarized back on the main data screen. These detail screens can also be printed.

New Module for TaxTools 2007—Domestic Production Activities Deduction
This new module consists of a worksheet to assist in the preparation of Form 8903, Domestic Production Activities Deduction (DPAD). The module calculates all three methods for calculating the DPAD and the data is then transferred to Form 8903.

CFS Payroll System
The Employer Setup screen now has more flexibility for the user. Employers can now setup payroll for multiple states. Also, user-defined income items, deduction items, and tax items can be added on the setup screen and will appear in the payroll grid. Departments can be added for sorting and reporting.

Tax Corresponder
New letters include:

If you have a suggestion for other improvements we can make to our software, please contact us.

Check your forms order
If you've already ordered forms, make sure you open the box and have all the items you need for tax season. Remember—any deficiencies in your forms/envelope order must be reported within 30 days of receipt of the order. December 15th is the deadline for returning unused forms for a refund.

If you require additional forms or if you have not yet placed your order, please click here.

Tech Support Corner
Effective alternatives to calling tech support

CFS technical support and our toll-free number are free, but time is money—especially during tax season. Although our tech support has excellent response times, during tax season you may experience delays. Wouldn't it be better if you didn't have to call us at all? Here are some suggestions to help you avoid unnecessary tech support calls during tax season.

1. Microsoft has released its latest operating system, Vista. You have undoubtedly received warnings from other software manufacturers advising not to install Vista now.
   
   We agree.
   
   Some of our customers will have it forced on them due to unplanned situations requiring the purchase of a new computer. Our programs will work on Vista but be prepared for a learning experience and unforeseen problems.
2. Our busiest time for technical support is January. This is when you are busy finishing your fourth quarter and end of year payroll and sales tax reports, installing new 2007 programs and getting ready for income tax returns. If you install and test your software in December you will be ahead of the game.
   
   A large percentage of tech calls involve installation, update, and printing issues. So, install your W2/1099 program now and print some test forms using the same computer and printer you will use in January. If you are going to e-file W2 or 1099 forms, go through the program's help file and make sure you are not missing a pin number, password or any other critical details.
3. Go to our website and create a My CFS account. If you already have one, check your information, including your e-mail address. The website also has a number of resources to help solve technical problems:
   1. You can request your license code; it will be e-mailed to you.
   2. Our newly redesigned Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) has detailed instructions for most problems you will encounter.
   3. Look in the Forums section to see if someone else has asked the same question.

As my favorite teacher says, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Be prepared and you will be one of the majority of our customers who doesn’t need to call technical support.

W2/1099 E-File 2006 is coming soon
The E-File add-on for W2/1099 2006 will be released next month. It will feature an upgraded interface. If you haven't yet ordered, click here.

Have you updated your license code?
With January right around the corner, now is the time to make sure you've entered the correct license code for your CFS software.

Most of our programs are shipped on a single "CFS Software" CD. When you place an order, a unique license code is generated based on your name and address and the programs you have purchased. When you enter that code, you will receive full access to the programs you purchased and limited access (for demonstration purposes) to the other programs on the CD. If you purchase additional programs at a later date, you will receive a new license code which you must enter to gain access to the additional programs purchased.

For example, if you purchased 941/940 2006 earlier this year and recently purchased W2/1099 2006, you must enter the new license code you received when you purchased W2/1099 2006. The code you received when you previously purchased 941/940 2006 will not give you access to the W2/1099 program.

Your license code can be found on the receipt that was mailed to you, or it may be retrieved here.

CFS Customer Service