How to fix tax deadline changes in CCH Axcess & ProSystem fx Tax

Update: CCH sent out an update on Monday 3/23/2020 with a correction to the fiduciary section. The fiduciary estimate cannot be changed at this time and needs to be done in Word. The instructions below are updated to match their corrected instructions

I’m throwing this post out into the internet to help fellow tax professionals that work with the CCH Axcess and Prosystem fx Tax programs. They sent out an email with instructions to adjust the due dates in returns until they can update their program with the new dates following the issuance of IRS Notice 2020-18.

The first thing to know is that they have created a website with COVID-19 information that has some helpful resources. You can check it out here: https://taxna.wolterskluwer.com/coronavirus-covid-19

The second thing to know is that finding instructions for specific tasks in their programs can be a little difficult. That’s not intended to be a slam on CCH, it’s just that there’s so much involved with the program that finding the specific answer you’re looking for can be difficult. If you got to this blog post by searching for instructions on updating your program for the change in the due dates related to the COVID-19 tax deadline changes, then this post is the reason why I’m writing it.

Here is their news release that was sent out on March 20, 2020 and it includes the instructions. If you didn’t receive it or accidentally deleted it, then finding the information somewhere else might be a challenge.

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CCH Software News – July 15th Filing Deadline

Dear CCH Customer:

We are monitoring federal and state legislation, as well as administrative procedures implemented by state and federal tax agencies in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.

We will provide updates as information is received. With the announcement that the federal filing deadline will be July 15, 2020, you may change the references in the letters and filing instructions as noted below. States are announcing their plans separately, with several unique responses. Options are available for altering those returns at the state level based on each state’s plan.

Individual

• Return — Federal, state, and city filing deadline overrides are available on General > Letters & Filing Instructions > General Letter (Interview Form 16, Boxes 50-52). To change the date for all taxing authorities, enter 7/15/20 in Payments / Penalties / Estimates > Penalties> Federal Late Payment Penalty and Interest > Date filed if not by due date (Interview Form T-3, Box 34).
• Estimate — References in the letters and filing instructions may be altered in General > Letters and Filing Instructions > Specific Form Due Date (Interview Form 16, Boxes 59 and 60).

Corporation

• Return — Federal, state, and city filing deadline overrides are available on General > Letters & Filing Instructions > Miscellaneous Options and Overrides > Due Date Overrides (Interview Form 9A, Boxes 82-84). To change the date for all taxing authorities, enter 7/15/20 in Payments/Penalties > Penalties > Federal Late Payment Penalty and Interest > Date filed if after due date (Interview Form 1, Box 57).
• Estimates — Enter the date of any affected estimate payment on Payments/Penalties > Estimated And Application of Overpayment > Estimate Overrides (Interview Form T-9).

Fiduciary

• Return – Federal and state filing deadline overrides are available on General > Letters & Filing Instructions > General Letter Information (Interview Form 12, Boxes 50 and 51). To change the date for all taxing authorities, enter 7/15/20 in Payments/Penalties/Estimates > Penalties > Federal Late Payment Penalty and Interest > Date filed if not by due date (Interview Form T-5, Box 33).
• Estimate – References in the letters and filing instructions may be altered using Word. Improved functionality will be available on a future release.

Currently, there is no information available that Partnership, S Corporations and Exempt Organizations are extended. If legislation were passed, entries below will allow you to change filing due dates.

S Corporation

• Return — Federal, state, and city filing deadline overrides are available on General > Letters & Filing Instructions > Miscellaneous Options and Overrides > Due Date Overrides (Interview Form 9A, Boxes 82-84). To change the date for all taxing authorities, enter 7/15/20 in Payments/Penalties > Penalties > Federal Late Payment Penalty and Interest > Date filed if after due date (Interview Form 1, Box 58).
• Estimates — Enter the date of any affected estimate payment on Payments/Penalties > Estimated And Application of Overpayment > Estimate Overrides (Interview Form T-9).

Partnership

• Return — Federal, state, and city filing deadline overrides are available on General > Letters & Filing Instructions > Miscellaneous Options and Overrides > Due Date Overrides (Interview Form 9A, Boxes 82-84). To change the date for all taxing authorities, enter 7/15/20 in General > Basic Data > Date return to be filed if after due date (Interview Form 1, Box 99).

Exempt Organizations

• Return — Federal filing deadline overrides are available on General > Letters and Filing Instructions > General Letter Information > Federal Filing Deadline Overrides (Interview Form 6A, Box 40, 41 and 42). To change the date for all taxing authorities, enter 7/15/20 in Payments/Penalties/Estimates > Penalties > Late Payment Penalty and Interest for 990-PF/990-T > Date filed if not by due date (Interview Form X-5, Box 101/Form X-3, Box 91).
• Estimate — References in the letters and filing instructions may be altered in Payments/Penalties/Estimates > Payments > Estimated Tax Overrides > Code FD1 (990-PF) Code FD2 (990-T) (Interview Form X-8, Boxes 80 and 83).

Changes to electronic filing specifications have not been announced, however, returns will file correctly without further intervention. Direct debit cannot be used for delayed payments due to IRS business rules. Payment vouchers should be used to delay payment to July 15, 2020. Further information will be provided when it becomes available.

Note: Returns that have already been transmitted to the IRS cannot be revised. Payments set for April 15 withdrawal will be withdrawn on April 15. Intervention with the IRS is the only current recourse.

Program reactions on our April 26, 2020, release will be announced at a later date.

Find answers to your questions in our Knowledge Base, and visit the Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting Community forums to connect with professionals like you.

Please feel free to Contact Us online if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, North America

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I’m sure a software update will be released soon that addresses this but until then, you might have to manually change the deadlines in the software in order to get it printed correctly. Hopefully these instructions and sharing them here will help save you time and keep you from having to call their support line.