Setting Correspondence Options

Configuration options for standard letter templates are set in the return configuration set. The options are applied to all letter types for the selected return configuration set (see the following note regarding several exceptions). Correspondence options can also be set at the return level, overriding the return configuration set options.

Notes:

  • Custom headings and letterheads are the only return configuration set options that affect consent letters. See Consent Letters for more information.
  • Filing instructions do not print with letterhead.
  • Custom font settings are not applied to filing instructions or consent letters. Consent letter font size must be 12 pt or larger per IRS regulations.

  • You must have assigned rights to access return configuration sets.

Return Configuration Set Options

To set standard letter template configuration options for the return configuration set, do the following:

  1. Do one of the following to open the Return Configuration window:
    • Open Dashboard, click Application Links on the navigation panel, and then click Configure > Return configuration sets under Tax .
    • Click Configuration Options,, on the Quick Access Toolbar in Correspondence Manager.
  2. Expand a return configuration set name on the navigation panel.
  3. Expand Correspondence on the navigation panel to display all correspondence options.
  4. Select a correspondence item on the navigation panel. The Correspondence return configuration set windows allow you to select defaults for the following:
    5. Window Options

    Correspondence > Letter Options > Letter Types (tab)

    Selection of letter type preparation.

    Important: A letter type must be selected for preparation in the return configuration set or in a tax return for templates within the letter type to generate.

    Correspondence > Letter Options > Letter Options (tab)

    		 Configuration of headings and complimentary close.

    Correspondence > Letter Options > Letter Options (tab)

    		 Configuration of letter and filing instructions content.

    Correspondence > Letter Options > Letter Options (tab)

    		 Configuration of K-1 letter content.
    Correspondence > Return Specific Options Treatment of grantor, custodial, and beneficiary letter preparation.
    Correspondence > Return Specific Options Suppression of various references in correspondence.
    Correspondence > Stationery Options Selection of letterhead files and custom fonts. See Setting Stationery for a Letter Template for more information.
  5. Click Save to save your changes.
Note: For more detail on setting correspondence options for a return configuration set, refer to the following topics in Tax Help, accessed from the Return Manager Help tab:
  • Managing Return Configuration Set Letters and Labels
  • Managing Return Configuration Set Letter Options
  • Managing Return Configuration Set Return Specific Options
  • Managing Return Configuration Set Stationery Options
  • Managing Return Configuration Set Print Options

You can also click on any return configuration set window to access more information.

Return Options

You can set correspondence options at the return level, overriding the return configuration set options, on the General > Letters and Filing Instructions worksheet.

Special Paragraphs

Select to include special paragraphs in transmittal and cover letters on the General > Letters and Filing Instructions worksheet.

To change the order of special paragraphs in a letter template, save the standard letter template as a custom and rearrange the paragraphs as needed. The reordered paragraphs will be included in the rendered letter provided you have selected the paragraphs in the return and the conditions are met. The order of special paragraphs in a letter template cannot be selected in the return.

Date Overrides

Options to override the system default dates for deadlines and due dates are location on the General > Letters and Filing Instructions worksheet.

Alternate and Standard Filing Instructions

A return configuration set can be set up to apply alternate filing instructions that you can manage in Correspondence Manager. The alternate filing instructions option in the return configuration set is equivalent to the 2 or Custom filing instructions option on the Filing Instructions and Cover Letter form or the Letters and Filing Instructions worksheet.

You can override the return configuration set option to use alternate (custom) filing instructions in a return by selecting 1 or Standard filing instructions on the Filing Instructions and Cover Letter form or the Letters and Filing Instructions worksheet. Standard filing instructions are not edited from an open return. Correspondence Manager does not manage standard filing instructions.

Additionally, the electronic filing options for each return type in the return configuration set include an option, Transmittal/filing instructions paragraph, that selects how to print the transmittal letter and filing instruction paragraph for returns filed electronically.

Consent Letters

The custom headings (Letter Options tab) and letterhead (Stationery Options) information in the return configuration set are applied to consent letters. All other options for consent letters are set in tax returns only and not in the return configuration set.

Consent letter types can be set in returns on the General > Letters and Filing Instructions worksheet.

Consent Letter Type Return Type
Service provider consent to disclose information (one per return) 1040
1065, 1120, 1120S
1041
Custom created consent to use information (multiple return) - accountant prepared paragraphs 1040
1065, 1120, 1120S, 1041
Custom created consent to disclose information (multiple return) - accountant prepared paragraphs 1040
1065, 1120, 1120S, 1041

Important: Consent letters must be 12 pt or larger per IRS regulations.

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