Overview

This feature allows you to import data into Drake Tax from a trial balance worksheet (Microsoft Excel). The specially designed trial balance template and import function has the following benefits:

• The need to duplicate entries is eliminated.

• Data entry errors are reduced by automatically importing data to the correct fields.

• Preparers can merge basic accounting functions with tax preparation.

The Trial Balance Import feature is available for 1065, 1120, 1120-S, and 990 returns, and is accessible from the main Data Entry screen.

1. Click Import > Trial Balance Import to display the Trial Balance Import dialog box.

2. Click Create New to open a new template spreadsheet in Excel like that displayed on the dialog box. You may have to adjust your Excel macro settings (see below).

To use this feature, you need a copy of your client’s financial statements containing all the data needed to prepare a trial balance. This function does not export data. It creates an Excel spreadsheet in the form of a template that you can complete and import back into the return. All templates are created with $0 amounts entered. You enter the appropriate financial data on the template. Totals are displayed at the bottom of the template. When data is entered, if credit and debit columns are out of balance, the worksheet highlights the out-of-balance amount. You can correct entries until a successful trial balance is displayed, and then import the completed trial balance information back into the return.

Practice Worksheets

Practice worksheets are available in Excel format, which you can use to see how this feature works. Trial Balance Import Practice Worksheets.xls contains examples of balanced worksheets for 1120, 1120-S, 1065, 990 returns. Enter data into the trial balance template to see how the Trial Balance Import feature works. The template should balance and the data can be imported into the return.

Considerations

Before starting to use the trial balance import function, review “Importing Trial Balance Information” in the appropriate manual supplement (see below). You should be familiar with the following subjects before you start:

• Preparing to Use Trial Balance Import

• Preparing Financial Data for Import

• Entering Financial Data

• Saving a File

• Importing Data into a Return

Notes

• SCH2 Data: Data for the SCH2 screens cannot be entered directly into the trial balance worksheet. Although the amounts must be included in the trial balance worksheet for the worksheet to balance, the SCH2 detail screens must be created separately from the worksheet. When the return is produced, Schedule L will reflect both the amounts imported from the trial balance worksheets (where direct entry was allowed) and the totals of the SCH2 screen amounts.

• Auto-balance: If you are using trial balance import, auto-balance must be turned off prior to import.

  • Starting in Drake Tax 2020, there is a global setup option to turn off auto-balance. If you want to turn off auto-balance globally for all returns, go to Setup > Options > Calculation & View/Print tab > Turn off auto-balance of the balance sheet. If this is not checked, turn off the auto-balance on a single return by going to the PRNT screen and checking the box Reverse autobalance setup option.

  • In Drake Tax 2019 and prior, go to the PRNT screen and check the box Turn off autobalance.

• Check for Detail Worksheets: The trial balance import allows only those detail worksheets required by the IRS. Check updated returns for detail (Ctrl + W) worksheets that are not required. Remove unnecessary detail worksheets prior to import.

• Cells View Only: Most cells in the trial balance worksheet are view-only. In a new template, editable debit and credit cells are indicated by a dollar amount ($0).

• Depreciation Amounts: If using the trial balance import feature, enter depreciation amounts directly into the appropriate fields on the trial balance worksheet, not in the fields in data entry. When the trial balance is imported, the COGS depreciation expense amount flows directly to the appropriate line of Form 1125-A, and is calculated accordingly.

• Items entered on the worksheet Other Tax Detail will not show on the main worksheet, but the amount will be imported into the return on the appropriate line on the DED screen if you import the trial balance.

Requirements

Microsoft Excel 2003 or later is required for import. It must be the full program downloaded from Microsoft, not the Microsoft store (app store). Check to ensure that the full program is installed under your computer's control panel > Add/remove programs.

Enable Macros

The trial balance template opens in Microsoft Excel. The buttons such as Other Cost Details rely on macros to work. Your Excel program must permit macros to run for the buttons to work. In Excel 2019, 2016, 2010, and 2007,

• Go to File > More > Options.

• Select Trust Center, then on the right side panel click the Trust Center Settings button.

• In the left side menu, click Macro Settings.

• Select either: 

  • Enable All Macros (macros remain enabled until you change this setting)

  • Disable all macros with notification (prompts you to enable them on a case-by-case basis using the Security Warning Option which appears when you open a workbook)

• Click OK twice to save and exit from the settings display.