Drake Tax – Changing File Types

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Article #: 10384

Change Return File Type

You can convert returns from one file type to another at Tools > File Maintenance > Change File Type. For example, an 1120 return can be converted to an 1120-S, or an individual return can be converted to another type of return, such as a 706 or partnership.

The Change File Type process will convert name, address, fiscal year, all depreciation, screens 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. In corporation to S corporation conversions, the Balance Sheet and Schedule A information also transfers.

Caution Make a backup of any file you intend to change before you begin the change. Not all data converts, and if the new file type doesn’t contain the data you are expecting, then the data is permanently lost. Changing a converted file back to its original type will not recover lost data.

To change a file to another type:

  1. Go to Tools > File Maintenance > Change File Type.
  2. Enter or select the SSN or EIN of the return that you want to convert and click Continue.
  3. Confirm your selection and choose the type of return to convert into. The current return type displays grayed out and not available.
  4. From the available choices, select the type to which you want to convert. Click Continue.

    Note If you are converting an individual into a return type that requires an EIN rather than an SSN, you will be prompted for the new EIN.

  5. You’re advised when the conversion is completed. Click OK and return to the home screen.
  6. Go to Tools > Repair Index Files > Repair All Indexes > Continue > OK > Exit.
  7. Open the return and confirm the file and data conversion.

To change from another type of entity to an 1120 corporation in Drake Tax:

  1. From the Home window menu bar, select Tools > File Maintenance > Change File Type to open the Convert Client Data File Type search window.
  1. In the Client Selection text box, type the EIN or name of the entity. (You can also double[1]click the return from the Client Name list or click the Recent Returns drop list and then choose a category to help you search for a return.) Click Continue.
  2. Select the new return type.
  3. Click Continue to save the change, then click OK.

If you want to revert to the original file type and don’t want to keep the converted file, delete the converted file and restore the backup that you made of the original. Use care in deleting the converted file to ensure that you delete the correct file. Deleted files cannot be restored, except from a backup.

PPR or Drake Tax 1040 Restrictions

You are only able to change a business return to another type of business return. You cannot change a business return to a 1040, or vice versa. The file type can be changed one time under the Tools menu. An attempt to change the file type a second time will result in the following message:

“The return type has already been changed on this tax return. Additional changes not allowed.”

Important A 1041 return cannot be changed to any other return type.