How to Enter Data Directly onto a Form in TaxAct Desktop and Professional Editions

If you're using TaxAct Desktop or Professional Editions, you can enter data directly into forms using Forms View. Here's how to navigate and input data effectively:

Accessing Forms View:

1. From within your TaxAct return, click Forms in the options bar to open the Forms Explorer (if not already visible).
2. Use the Search Forms field at the top of Forms Explorer to find a specific form, worksheet, or document by typing a form number or keyword. The list will automatically filter based on your input.
3. Once you locate the form:
• Click the form name.
• If the form has already been started, a dropdown will appear—click + Add New to start a new form or select an existing one to open it in Forms View.

Note: Some forms may only be available in certain versions of TaxAct, and a pop-up will inform you if the form cannot be accessed directly.

Entering Data:

1. In Forms View, find the line where you want to enter data.
2. Click the Data Entry Field to type your information.
3. If the field is linked to a supporting form or worksheet, a yellow folder icon will appear:
• Click the yellow folder to open the supporting document.
• If the folder appears greyed-out, no supporting document is available.

Example: Entering Depreciation (Form 4562)

1. In your TaxAct 1040 return, click Forms in the options bar to view Forms Explorer.
2. Locate and click Form 1040, then scroll to Schedule 1, Part I, Line 3 – Business income (or loss). Attach Schedule C.
3. Click the Data Entry Field next to Line 3, then click the manila folder icon.
4. In the window that appears under Schedule C – Profit or Loss from Business, click an existing form or Add Copy, then select Open Form.
5. Scroll to Part II, Line 13 – Depreciation and section 179 expense deduction.
6. Click the Data Entry Field and then click the manila folder icon to open Form 4562 – Depreciation and Amortization.

You cannot enter information directly onto Form 4562.
Instead, click a field, begin typing, and select Open Supporting Form from the pop-up window. Once completed, data will flow automatically to Form 4562 and then to Schedule C.

Troubleshooting:

• If you're unable to locate a specific form, schedule, or worksheet, it may not be supported in the TaxAct product.
• You can download it directly from the Forms, Instructions & Publications.
• If navigating Forms View is difficult, consider using the Q&A Interview Method:
• Click Q&A in the options bar.
• The interview will guide you through questions and automatically place your data in the correct location.

Note: Links mentioned in this guide are automatically updated each year and will direct you to the most recent version available at the time of access.