Create tax year Form 1040 file based on existing later year file

[dboundscpa]

Currently, when I have prepared a client's return for year 1 and the client returns for services in year 2, ProSeries will easily and quickly generate the basic file with the client's data for year 2 pre-filled. It already contains much data carried forward as well, which is very helpful. What is NOT addressed is the situation that occurs when the client comes in after the first year of service is performed and needs service done for the year prior to year 1; call it year 0.

I suggest that a method be made available to create a template from the year 1 file for a year 0 file; essentially moving backwards with basic data from the file only providing the basic items that would be most likely to have existed in the previous year - names, addresses, social security numbers, birth dates, and, possibly, information that would generally transfer forward such as W-2, Form 1099, Form 1098, Schedule E, Schedule C, Schedule D, etc., but not with any amounts carrying back as that would not be accurate or meaningful going backwards. Providing this backwards setup versatility would make a great difference in the ability to add service to clients without adding significant additional cost for them. I have had this scenario many times over the years and rarely have a year in which I don't face it at least a couple of times. I would be surprised if most other professional preparers don't have similar experiences.