That makes sense to me. Thanks for bearing with me through all the follow-up questions. I still hope they'll come up with a better system in the future, but this gives me a much better handle on where things stand at this point. 

One last follow-up (if you have a minute): Is there any way to have PTO generate a 9325 to give to clients? Any reason a preparer couldn't (or shouldn't) just fill out a 9325 based on the information provided on the e-file confirmation, and give that to clients for their records?

Thanks again - to both of you who responded - for your thoughtful comments and suggestions.