abctax55
Level 15

I do basically the same process as 'taxgirlie' does.

I have an excel spreadsheet called "control totals"

Source docs are used to enter the info (W-2s, interest, dividends, batch tape amounts for Sch C, E, F, etc).   Those numbers are matched to the numbers on the Lacerte Tax Summary ( sure to wish we could put audit checks on the summary...) and/or the forms are ticked with the green audit check.

My theory is that if the output matches the expected result, then the input must be correct.

I also have an extensive excel spreadsheet to input K-1 info if a client has more than just a couple of simple K-1's (I developed this for a client with over 35 K-1's...).

Lacerte DOES have a screen to input control totals - I've played with it, but don't find it to be as useful as my excel control totals.  YMMV.

It is critical to know what the return is supposed to show before considering it correct.

"*******Tax software is no substitute for a professional tax preparer*******
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