e-news - CFS Tax Software, Inc.

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In this issue:

Have You Renewed Your Software, Forms, and Supplies?
Some 2017 Programs Are Available Now
940 Update Has Been Posted
Have You Updated Your License Code for W2/1099?
Extension of Time to File Information Returns
Technical Support Options
Replacement Social Security Tax Forms Available Online

Have You Renewed Your Software, Forms, and Supplies?
If not, why not? Tax season is just around the corner-don't be caught unprepared. Furthermore, you may be eligible for a business expense deduction if you order by December 31st.

With your MyCFS account, it's easy to renew online. You can also use your MyCFS account to:

View your order history,
Track UPS packages,
Look up your license code,
Notify us of a change of address.

Some 2017 Programs Are Available Now
Although the official release dates are in January and CDs won't be mailed until then, we generally release several programs before the first of the year. TaxTools, Payroll System (941/940, LivePayroll, Payroll Corrector), W4 Calculator, and Tax Corresponder are usually posted for download by mid-December. If you have purchased one or more of the above programs and would like to get an early start installing them and entering data, click here for our download page.

If you have not yet purchased your 2017 software and would like to do so, click here to renew online.

940 Update Has Been Posted
A Payroll System update containing Form 940 was posted earlier this month. Payroll System users who have not already done so can download the update automatically from within 2016 Payroll System, or manually from the Payroll System Updates page on our web site. As always, we will mail an update CD to 941/940 and LivePayroll users who purchased update CD service.

Note: This year California is the only credit reduction state. "If you paid any wages that are subject to the unemployment compensation laws of a credit reduction state, your credit against federal unemployment tax will be reduced based on the credit reduction rate for that credit reduction state. Use Schedule A (Form 940) to figure the credit reduction. For more information, see the Schedule A (Form 940) instructions or visit IRS.gov." (2016 Instructions for Form 940.)

Have You Updated Your License Code for W2/1099?
This time of year, we receive many calls from frustrated W2/1099 users who cannot access the program, simply because they have not updated their license code. Remember-your license code is based on your firm name, address, and the programs you have purchased. If, like many of our customers, you purchased W2/1099 months after you purchased your other CFS programs, the license code you received when you purchased those other programs will not work for W2/1099. You must use the new license code you received when you purchased W2/1099.

You can look up your license code online using your MyCFS account. It is also displayed beneath the instructions when you download software from our Download CFS Software page. To change your license code in the program:

Open CFS Payroll System.
Click on the File drop-down menu at the upper left corner of the screen.
Click on Firm Information...
Enter your new license code in the License Code field.
Click OK.

Extension of Time to File Information Returns
With the new January 31st filing deadline rapidly approaching for Forms W-2 and Forms 1099-MISC reporting NEC, you may wish to consider filing Form 8809, Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns. Form 8809 can be found in CFS Payroll System under "General Forms/Utilities." To ensure that it is received promptly, we recommend faxing the completed form to the fax number in the instructions. You can also file an online fill-in Form 8809 through the FIRE system at https://fire.irs.gov, if you are applying for an automatic 30-day extension (not available for Form W-2). Note: the FIRE System site will be unavailable until Tuesday, January 3, 2017, due to planned maintenance.

If you have the 2016 W2/1099 E-File Add-On (released this month), you can use it to electronically file Form 8809, if you are applying for an automatic 30-day extension (not available for Form W-2). The E-File Add-On produces a Form 8809 file formatted to IRS specifications, which can be uploaded via the FIRE system.

Note: There are no automatic extension requests for Form W-2. Requests cannot be filed electronically. Extension requests for filing Forms W-2 with the SSA must be made using paper Form 8809 and signed by the filer/transmitter or a person who is duly authorized to sign a return.

Technical Support Options
As we head into our busy season, remember that our toll-free number, (800) 343-1157, is only one of several ways you can obtain technical assistance. Others include:

Frequently Asked Questions. Click the FAQ button under "Quick Links" on our home page to view a knowledge base containing detailed solutions to many common technical support issues.

Instructional Videos. The Instructional Videos page is available from the Support menu at taxtools.com or from a link in the Help menu of most CFS programs. These brief videos can assist you with downloading and updating software and performing specific tasks in CFS programs.

Online Chat. Click the Chat with Technical Support link on our home page to open a text-based chat session with a technical support representative. The service is available during normal business hours; at other times you will be given the option of e-mailing your question.

Online Tech Support Request. Under the "Internet Options" menu of most of our programs, select "CFS Tech Support Request..." to fill in an online form detailing your problem. Your request will be answered by e-mail or phone within one business day. The Technical Support Request form can also be accessed from the Technical Support page of our web site.

Replacement Social Security Tax Forms Available Online
The following message comes from the Social Security Administration:

Get Replacement Social Security Tax Forms Online with Ease

Preparing for tax season can seem overwhelming. Some forms and paperwork might be difficult to track down. Social Security has made this much easier with annual Benefit Statements.

An SSA-1099 is a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits received from Social Security in the previous year so people know how much Social Security income to report to IRS on their tax return.

For noncitizens who live outside of the United States and received or repaid Social Security benefits last year, we will send form SSA-1042S instead. The forms SSA-1099 and SSA-1042S are not available for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

If your clients currently live in the United States and need a replacement form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, we have a way for them to get an instant replacement quickly and easily. Encourage your clients to go online and request an instant replacement form with a my Social Security account at https://www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. The online replacement form is available beginning February 1, 2017.

Every working person in the U.S. should create a my Social Security account. The secure and personalized features of my Social Security are invaluable in securing a comfortable retirement - for today and tomorrow.

Happy Holidays from CFS!