Complete your
US Federal Income Tax
Form 1040
using my Microsoft Excel®
spreadsheet.

Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • When opening the spreadsheet, I encountered a "File is Damaged" or a "Too Many Cell Formats" error message.  What can I do?

Because I upgraded my computer and because the "Too Many Cell Formats" error was limiting my ability to maintain the spreadsheet, I was forced to upgrade to MS Excel 2010.  This version of MS Excel resolves the "Too Many Cell Formats" problem, but is not always compatible with older versions.  There are two easy solutions available:

-  Download the 11_1040 (Lite).xls file
(Schedules C, E, and SE are removed.)

-  Download an alternate spreadsheet application from one of the following free sites:

http://www.OpenOffice.org

portableapps.com/apps/office/gnumeric_portable

 

  • Can I print the spreadsheet out to submit to the IRS, or do I need to copy these over onto their forms?

The IRS publishes rules about what computer generated sheets need to look like. Although I try to make the sheets look like the real ones, I have made no specific attempt to comply with any IRS rules.  I have not as much as read the rules.  I, myself, have printed the sheets and have sent them in without problem.  However, I cannot say that you will have the same good luck. Now, I use my own spreadsheet to calculate my Federal income tax return and then submit my return electronically using a free filing service like TaxAct.com.

 

  • I've encountered a protected cell.  What is the password to unlock the spreadsheet?

No password is needed.  If a cell is protected, it is because it contains a calculated value. Many times, a manual override cell is provided if you need to override the calculated value.  After a while, you will figure out that the spreadsheet is completely functional without needing to unprotect it.  Please don't ask for the password.

 

  • When I go into the Tax Table in the 1040 instruction book, it says that my tax should be higher that the spreadsheet indicates?

On the Form 1040 sheet, cell AN81, you will find how your tax was calculated.  If it says “Cap Gain TW” or “Sch. D Tax WS”, then you’re a winner.  The spreadsheet saved you money by performing a tax worksheet that you might have otherwise overlooked.  (Please send me some of the difference!!)

 

  • Why can't I find Schedule D-1 in the 2011 version of the spreadsheet?

For 2011 transactions, the IRS no longer uses Schedule D-1.  Form 8949 replaces it.

 

  • Is is okay to paste data in from other spreadsheets, etc.?

Pasting data into this Excel spreadsheet can cause undesirable cell property changes. For example, pasting can cause normally unprotected cells to become protected. Also, pasting can create links to closed or missing spreadsheets.  The small benefit gained by pasting is not worth the large problems it can cause.

If you still really want to paste data, use Paste Special, Values. Doing so will not change cell properties but will not always work when merged cells are involved.

 

  • After pasting data into the spreadsheet from other sources, I find that the cell is now protected and cannot be unprotected without a password.  What can I do now?

To fix a cell that has been inadvertently protected due to pasting, copy (Ctrl-C) another unprotected cell from the spreadsheet and paste it (Ctrl-V) into the damaged cell.

 

  • How can I add an additional Schedule B?

Perform the following:

 

Right-mouse click on the tab labeled “Sch. B”.

Click on “Move or copy…”

Check the box labeled “Create a copy”

Click on “Sch. C” in the “Before sheet” window.

Click “OK”

 

On the Form 1040 tab, enter the following into the override cell for Line 8a (Cell AL39):    =Interest_Inc+'Sch. B (2)'!Interest_Inc

On the Form 1040 tab, enter the following into the override cell for Line 9a (Cell AL41):    =Dividend_Inc+'Sch. B (2)'!Dividend_Inc

 

This same technique may be used to add even more Schedule B forms. 

 

The Cell AL39 equation for the 3rd Sch. B would be:

 =Interest_Inc+'Sch. B (2)'!Interest_Inc+'Sch. B (3)'!Interest_Inc

The Cell AL41 equation for the 3rd Sch. B would be:

 =Dividend_Inc+'Sch. B (2)'!Dividend_Inc+'Sch. B (3)'!Dividend_Inc

 

  • How can I add an additional Schedule C?

Perform the following:

 

1.    Add two additional "Sch. C" sheets.

    o  Right-mouse click on the tab for the sheet labeled "Sch. C"
    o  Select "Move or Copy..."
    o  Check the box labeled "Create a copy"
    o  On the list in the window "Before sheet:", select "Sch. D"

    <Repeat the above steps for second new Sch. C you wish to add.>

 

 2.    Add one additional "Sch. SE" sheet.

    o  Right-mouse click on the tab for the sheet labeled "Sch. SE"
    o  Select "Move or Copy..."
    o  Check the box labeled "Create a copy"
    o  On the list in the window "Before sheet:", select "6251"

 

 3.    Link the "Sch. C" sheets to Form 1040, Line 12

    o  Click on the tab labeled "Form 1040".
    o  In the manual override cell for Line 12 (Cell AL45), enter "=SUM(Business_Profit,'Sch. C (2)'!Business_Profit)"

 

 4.    Link  both "Sch. SE" sheets to Form 1040, Line 27

    o  Click on the tab labeled "Form 1040".
    o  In the manual override cell for Line 27 (Cell AL60), enter "=SUM('Sch. SE'!R62,'Sch. SE'!T108,'Sch. SE (2)'!R62,'Sch. SE (2)'!T108)"

 

 5.    Link  both "Sch. SE" sheets to Form 1040, Line 56

    o  Click on the tab labeled "Form 1040".
    o  In the manual override cell for Line 56 (Cell AL93), enter "=SUM('Sch. SE'!W59,'Sch. SE'!W106,'Sch. SE (2)'!W59,'Sch. SE (2)'!W106)”

 

 6.    Link  sheet "Sch. C (2)" to sheet "Sch. SE (2)", Line 2

    o  Click on the tab labeled "Sch. SE (2)"
    o  In the manual override cell for the Short Schedule SE (2), Line 2 (Cell AA48), enter "='Sch. C (2)'!Business_Profit"
    o  In the manual override cell for the Long Schedule SE (2), Line 2 (Cell AA83), enter "='Sch. C (2)'!Business_Profit"

 

  • I love this spreadsheet.  What can I do to increase the chances that it will be available next year, too?

  • Be a tester.  Take the spreadsheet for a test drive.  Compare the words on the spreadsheet to the actual IRS forms and enter in data to test every condition.  Report any problems to:  taxcalculator@mchsi.com
     

  • Send money!  While the spreadsheet is truly a labor of love, receiving money for it feeds my ego.  It keeps me wanting to do it again and again.  (Since 1997!)

This spreadsheet is free.  
However, if you would like to show your appreciation,
you may make a donation by clicking the following link to PayPal and
sending money to 'taxcalculator@mchsi.com'.

paypal_logo.gif (902 bytes)

Address:
Glenn Reeves
(Tax Calculator)
1 Burlingwood Ct.
Burlington, KS  66839-2418

Note 1:  I will report all donations as income.
Note 2:  I will contribute 10% of any and all donations to my local church!
Thanks!!!