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Lacerte Remote Entry Processing (REP)

SOLVED•by Intuit•49•Updated July 18, 2023

With Remote Entry Processing (REP), you can use any of the federal or state tax programs on a pay-per-return basis. You must register each client file with Lacerte (through a short transmission) and obtain a return authorization code before you can process or print the tax return.

The client data file isn't transferred to Lacerte during the transmission. We capture the taxpayer's name/business name, FID number (SSN/EIN), and state(s) to use for billing identification purposes only. You'll be billed a processing fee for each return authorized through the REP system.

The Lacerte Preparer License file must have the Unlimited License for each module and/or state, otherwise an REP authorization is required. You can access the licensing information by going to the Help menu in the Lacerte program, selecting About, and clicking the License button.

Before you start

Before authorizing REP charges, make sure the SSN/EIN, client number, taxpayer last name/business name, and states attached are accurate. Making changes to these key fields after REP authorization will incur additional REP charges.
To set up a test client without incurring a REP charge, enter all 9s in the SSN/EIN field. Update the SSN/EIN to convert the client's return.
For Lacerte years prior to 2017, you can obtain an updated prep file that removes the need to pay REP charges for those years. Refer to this article for more information.

Obtaining REP authorization

Method 1: Using the Tools menu

Follow these steps to obtain REP authorization through the Tools menu:

Go to the Clients tab,
Select any clients that need REP Access.
- Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard to select multiple clients at once.
From the Tools menu, select Communications and choose R.E.P. Access from the dropdown list.
Click the Transmit Now button to send a group of returns to Lacerte all at once, or choose Transmit Later to get authorization at a later point in time.
Wait for the program to notify you that the return(s) have been authorized.
- Once you've been notified, you may process, e-file, and print the return(s).

Method 2: Using the F5 function key

Follow these steps to obtain REP authorization using the F5 function key:

Hold down F5 on your keyboard to open the Remote Entry Processing window.
Select the return(s) that you want to obtain REP access for.
Click the Transmit Now button to send a group of returns to Lacerte all at once, or choose Transmit Later to get authorization at a later point in time.
Wait for the program to notify you that the return(s) have been authorized.
- Once you've been notified, you may process, e-file, and print the return(s).

Method 3: Accessing Forms from within the client return

Follow these steps to obtain REP authorization from Forms within the return:

Select the applicable client from the list or open the return.
Go to the Forms tab.
Click the R.E.P. Access button in the toolbar.
Click the Transmit Now button to send a group of returns to Lacerte all at once, or choose Transmit Later to get authorization at a later point in time.
Wait for the program to notify you that the return(s) have been authorized.
- Once you've been notified, you may process, e-file, and print the return(s).

Frequently asked questions

If I mistakenly send a client twice for REP Permission to Process or delete my client file and have to re-enter the information, am I subject to a second charge?

No. All duplicate transactions are automatically identified by the Lacerte REP billing system and should be excluded from your bill. As long as the taxpayer's name, FID number (SSN or EIN), state return designation(s), and client file number haven't changed, you may re-transmit the client and avoid duplicate billings.

Do I get charged twice for a simple change to the taxpayer's name or renaming the client file in the program?

The taxpayer name and client number are used to assist us in identifying different clients for billing purposes. If you adjust either of these items, you must re-acquire REP access to obtain a new authorization code.

However, if the name or the client file number is the only change made to the vital client information used in the creation of the unique REP authorization code (which includes the taxpayer name, client file number, taxpayer FID number, and state return designation), the REP billing system should automatically identify the transaction as a duplicate. Your billing account for Lacerte will be updated, but no additional charge will be applied.

Under most circumstances, any change to the taxpayer's SSN/EIN or the state return designation will result in an additional charge to your REP account. Contact Lacerte customer support for additional support.

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