Convert your client data to Lacerte

Thinking about switching tax preparation software, but concerned about converting your client data? We understand the importance of a smooth transition to you and your business. Our comprehensive and highly rated data conversions are free as part of your Lacerte tax preparation package.

The data conversion process

The data conversion process updates your existing data files to your current Lacerte tax preparation software. These converted files are then used to generate tax organizers and to transfer critical client data to next year's tax program.

Because the converted files are only designed to generate an organizer and transfer data to next year's tax software, the files do not produce a complete current year tax return for filing purposes.

What we convert

We convert the following competitors (click on a competitor name to see its list of converted items):

List of Converted Items	1040	1065	1120	1120S	1041
ATX
Drake
GreatTax
ProSeries
ProSystem fx
TaxWise
TaxWorks
UltraTax CS

Note: We do not convert the following tax information: States, 706, 709, 990, 5500, etc.

Getting started

Our conversion process is organized into 3 easy steps:

1. Submitting your data
2. Tracking the status of your conversion
3. Using your converted data

1. Submitting your data

Prepare your media

We accept only the following forms of backup media:

1. USB Flash Drives
2. Flash Memory Cards
3. CD-R (CD Backup Instructions)
4. DVD +R/-R
5. ZIP Disks

Please do not use any form of file compression when backing up your files. All submitted media will be returned with your completed data conversion.

Backup your client data

This is one of the most important steps in the conversion process. Please follow the backup instructions closely to prevent any delays:

• ATX
• Drake
• GreatTax
• ProSeries
• ProSystem fx
• TaxWise
• TaxWorks
• UltraTax CS

Complete the conversion agreement form

It is important to fill out, print and sign the Lacerte Conversion Agreement Form to prevent delays in the processing of your data conversion.

Please pay special attention to the following lines on the conversion agreement:

1. Begin Renumbering Clients From: Due to the conversion process, client files must be renumbered. We will renumber your client files beginning from 1000, unless you specify a different starting number. Please do not include non-numeric characters as they are not supported by the conversion process.
2. Physical Address: Enter the physical mailing address to which you want us to send your converted data. We ship all completed data conversions via overnight traceable carrier, this must be a physical address. Please do not enter a P.O. Box.
3. Email Address: It is important to provide us with a valid email address, as we use it for sending confirmation emails when we receive your data, questions with your conversion, and when your completed conversion has been shipped to you.
4. # of Disks or CDs Included: Please enter the exact number of media included in your submission.
5. Total # of clients to be converted: Include exact number of clients included in your submission.

Ship us your data

Due to the sensitivity of your data, we strongly recommend using a traceable carrier (e.g. FedEx, UPS, or DHL) for tracking purposes.

Please use secure and padded packaging when shipping your submission to us, because sometimes weak packaging will get damaged during shipping and backup media could be lost.

We recommend using a permanent marker with a felt-tip for writing on CDs, as ball-point pens, stickers or labels could render the discs unreadable.

Send us your finished conversion agreement form and backup media to the following address:

INTUIT INC.
ATTN: DATA CONVERSIONS
5601 HEADQUARTERS DR.
PLANO, TX 75024

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2. Tracking the status of your conversion

Lacerte performs the conversions in-house and sends the converted data files back to you. You should receive your converted clients within 10 business days from the date our Data Conversion team receives your submission. Please note that large numbers of client files may require additional time for conversion.

We understand the importance of your data conversion, so we have provided you with the following tools to track your conversion's progress:

• Confirmation emails: If you provided a valid email address on your Conversion Agreement Form you will receive confirmation emails when your conversion is received and when your converted data is shipped back to you.
• Self-service conversion status tracker shows you at what stage of the conversion process your submission is in.

Need to contact us? If you need assistance or have questions, please contact us on the web or by phone at 1-800-933-9999 (follow the phone prompts for conversion questions).

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3. Using your converted data

Restore your Converted Data

Note: Your converted data will be loaded by default in the following directories:

Tax Type	Directory
Individual	C:\CONV\IDATA
Partnership	C:\CONV\PDATA
Corporation	C:\CONV\CDATA
S Corporation	C:\CONV\SDATA
Fiduciary *	C:\CONV\FDATA
* Not converted for most software vendors.

Restore your converted data in the 2007 Lacerte tax program

1. Open the 2007 Lacerte tax program.
2. For each tax type to which you want to restore data, follow these steps:
   
   1. Click Client on the menu bar, then select Tax Type and select the applicable tax type (e.g. Individual, Partnership, etc.)
   2. Click Client on the menu bar again, then select Restore, and then Browse to the appropriate directory according to the table above (such as C:\CONV\PDATA for Partnership)

Run the Proforma Wizard

Follow these steps to run the Proforma Wizard once you have received the Proforma edition of the program (scheduled to be released in November), which simply transfers your client data from the 2007 to the 2008 Lacerte Tax program:

1. Open the 2007 Lacerte Tax program
2. On the Clients screen, click Tools on the menu bar.
3. Select Transfer Clients (Proforma to 2008).
4. On the Proforma Welcome screen, click Next.
5. Select Transfer all my clients for all my modules at once.
6. Follow the simple instructions on each wizard screen.
7. After finishing the Proforma Wizard, close the 2007 Lacerte Tax program.

Your transferred clients will now appear in the 2008 Lacerte Tax program.

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