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Article #: 19059
Different Firm, Preparer, or ERO on Return
By default, Drake Tax prints firm, preparer, and Electronic Return Originator (ERO) information on a return using setup data and the preparer working on the return. You can override those defaults for a single return on screen 1 or on the PREP screen. Defaults differ slightly between the individual (1040) package and the fiduciary (1041) package.
For how preparer and firm numbers populate when you create a new return, see Drake Tax – Auto-Fill Preparer and Firm Number for New Returns (KB 12195).
Individual and other packages (Form 1040 and similar)
By default, the program prints the information shown in the table below on the return.
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Firm | Firm associated with Preparer #1 in Setup > Preparers and Users |
| Preparer | Preparer #1 in Setup > Preparers and Users |
| ERO | ERO selected in Setup > Options, EF tab (default is Paid Preparer) |
To override any of these defaults for a return, open screen 1 and, under Return Options, select a firm, preparer number or name, or ERO.
Be aware of the following when determining what information appears on the return:
- Because both the firm and ERO information is determined by the return’s preparer, a selection in the Preparer # drop list causes both the firm and ERO information to be overridden with the corresponding information associated with the selected preparer.
- If you do not make an entry for the Preparer # or Firm #, or if you select NONE – Self Prepared Return (No Paid Preparer), nothing is printed on the applicable line of the return. For the ERO, the program uses the information entered on the EF tab in Setup > Options.
- Data entered on the PREP screen overrides the default data and the corresponding Return Options selections on screen 1. ERO information is not affected by PREP screen entries but is affected by a selection from the ERO # drop list on screen 1.
- The Data Entry # field on screen 1 is for tracking purposes only.
- A firm or preparer must be entered in Setup > Firms or Setup > Preparers and Users in order to show up as an option in the override drop lists on screen 1.
Fiduciary package (Form 1041)
By default, the program generates the information shown in the table below on the return.
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Firm | Firm #1 from Firm Setup (first firm entered in Setup > Firms) |
| Preparer | Preparer who is logged in to Drake Tax and fills out the return (entered in Setup > Preparers and Users) |
| ERO | ERO from Setup > Electronic Filing & Account Information (ERO); appears on Form 8879-F, IRS e-file Signature Authorization |
To override any of these defaults for a return, go to screen 1 of the return. In the Other Information section of the screen, select the name or number of the firm, preparer, and ERO.
PREP screen overrides
You can also use the PREP screen (accessible from the Miscellaneous tab of the Data Entry Menu) to override federal and state preparer information if the firm is not set up in Setup > Firms or Setup > Preparers and Users.
On the PREP screen you can override:
- Third-party designee
- Federal preparer information (if the preparer is not set up at Setup > Preparers and Users)
- State preparer information (if the preparer is not set up at Setup > Preparers and Users)
If you make an entry in the FEDERAL PREPARERS section of the PREP screen, you must complete all applicable information for both the preparer and the firm in this section.
The PREP screen also includes an option to not print the preparer’s information on the letter, bill, or summary.