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In this issue:

• Time is running out for early renewal discounts!
• Form 5500-EZ Released
• Antivirus Issues
• Marketing Your Practice with Tax Corresponder
• Happy Memorial Day

Time is running out for early renewal discounts!
There are only a few days left to take advantage of our biggest renewal discounts of the year. Renew by May 31, 2012, for the biggest savings on CFS software, forms and tax return supplies:

• Use discount vouchers for programs renewed early last year.
• Earn $10 discount vouchers to apply to next year's spring renewal.
• Take 20% off forms, envelopes, and supplies.
• Take 20% off any first-time software purchase.

Click here to renew the quickest, easiest way—by using your MyCFS online account.

NOTE: If you renew online, you do not need to return the paper renewal form.

Form 5500-EZ Released
Form 5500-EZ for 2011 was released by the IRS and has been included in the latest updates for TaxTools and Small Business Tools 2012. Form 5500-EZ, Annual Return of One-Participant (Owners and Their Spouses) Retirement Plan, and Form 5558, Application for Extension of Time to File Certain Employee Plan Returns, are the only forms in the 5500 series issued by the IRS and supported by CFS. Other forms in the 5500 series are part of the Department of Labor's EFAST2 system and must be filed electronically on the DOL website. For more information, see the FAQ on the DOL website.

If you have TaxTools or Small Business Tools 2012, make sure you have updated to the latest version containing Form 5500-EZ by using the "Update from the Web" option within the program, or download the update manually from our Software Updates page. For more information or to order the programs, click here for TaxTools, and here for Small Business Tools.

Remember—if you have a dedicated high-speed Internet connection such as DSL or cable, you can configure most CFS programs to automatically check for updates each time you run the program. Click "Configuration" on the toolbar, and check the box next to "Check for web updates when program starts."

Antivirus Issues
Lately, we seem to be encountering more and more instances of antivirus software interfering with the installation and operation of our software. The reason for this is that, in recent years, there has been a change in the way antivirus software works.

Traditionally, antivirus programs have identified viruses by comparing a file to a list of known viruses (a "virus definition file") that is periodically updated. Obviously, this is the best way to make an accurate identification. The problem is, as more and more viruses are created every day, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep a virus definition file up-to-date.

To overcome this issue, programmers of antivirus software have developed more sophisticated systems for detecting potential viruses; the antivirus software makes an "educated guess" as to whether a file is a virus or not, based on certain of the file’s attributes. This type of system is usually referred to as "heuristic analysis," although it may go by other names. (Symantec, for example calls theirs a "reputation-based system" that uses "the wisdom of crowds.") Heuristic analysis can be a more effective means of identifying viruses, but it can also lead to false positives, as has recently been happening with our software.

Most antivirus programs allow you to adjust the sensitivity of heuristic analysis. The trick is in finding the balance between protecting your computer and getting too many false positives. We suggest consulting your antivirus program's help file for more information.

Marketing Your Practice with Tax Corresponder
Tax season is over, and now is the perfect time to expand your business. CFS Tax Corresponder contains many form letters that can be used to market your practice to potential clients or to market new services to existing clients. Included are letters on such topics as IRAs, estate planning, tax planning strategies, and higher education tax breaks.

The letters in Tax Corresponder were written by experienced tax preparers, and can be customized to suit your needs. Client data can be imported from other CFS programs and other major tax preparation programs, then mail-merged to create a personalized letter to each of your clients.

For more information on Tax Corresponder or to order the program, click here.

Happy Memorial Day
CFS will be closed on Monday, May 28th, in observance of Memorial Day. "Through their deeds, the dead of battle have spoken more eloquently for themselves than any of the living ever could."—Abraham Lincoln

CFS Customer Service

	TaxTools '12 & '13 . . . . . . . . . . $189
	Quick Reference Guide '12 & '13. . . . $ 39
	CA 571 Preparer '12 & '13. . . . . . . $ 99

Please contact us if you would like to discontinue this free monthly service.