Prepare amended returns for electronic filing
Do the following to prepare an electronic Form 5500 or 5500-SF amended return.
note
- If you're preparing a 5500-EZ amended return, you'll need to paper file; electronic filing isn't available for this form.
- You don't need to attach a copy of the original return to the amended return.
- Create a copy of the return before you enter the amended information so that you have the original return available as well. To create a copy of the return, open the client’s return, selectFile,Save As, enter a new client ID, then selectSave.
- When UltraTax CS creates electronic files for amended returns, the application automatically deletes any untransmitted electronic files for a client.
- If you use a 3rd-party application vendor to transmit 5500 returns, UltraTax CS places the electronic file for the amended return in the location you specified in theSetup,User Preferences,File Locationstab.
- If you use a 3rd-party application vendor as your transmitter, UltraTax CS creates the electronic file for the amended return without checking for errors when you print the return. The 3rd-party application vendor checks for errors in these returns.
- Open the 5500 screen in theGeneralfolder.
- Mark theAmended returncheckbox in the General Information section.noteWhen you mark this checkbox, UltraTax CS marks theAn amended return/reportcheckbox on Form 5500, Page 1, line B; Form 5500-SF, Page 1, line B, or Form 5500-EZ, Page 1, line A, as applicable.
- Enter the client's tax data. Make sure to follow the guidelines for entering data.
- If you prepared the original return with UltraTax CS, the Return Acknowledgement Number will automatically populate when you mark theAmended returncheckbox. If the original return wasn't prepared with UltraTax CS, enter the Return Acknowledgement Identification Number assigned by the Department of Labor (DOL) in theOriginal return acknowledgment ID numberfield.noteIf you don't enter the Return Acknowledgement Identification Number in this field, UltraTax CS generates aReturn has been marked as amended. The original return acknowledgment ID number …federal diagnostic message when you try to create the electronic file.
- SelectView, thenDiagnosticsto review the diagnostic messages in theFederal Diagnosticswindow. Select any item displayed in the window to open the corresponding screen to address the diagnostic message. Verify that you've cleared the Critical and ELF Critical diagnostic messages and reviewed the FYI diagnostic messages, then close theFederal Diagnosticswindow.
- Thomson Reuters can send the client an email notification on your behalf when the federal and state returns and extensions are accepted. Select this option in the client's return before you create the electronic file.
- By default, the government collation includes only the forms required to submit to the taxing authority when you file an electronic return. To change this collation, selectSetup, then5500 Benefit Plans. SelectTax Returnto modify the print collation for all 5500 returns. We strongly recommend using the default collation. This won't affect which forms are included in the electronic file.
- SelectFilethenPrint Returns, or select

- Mark theGovernment copyand theCreate electronic filecheckboxes.note
- To create the electronic file for the return or check the return for electronic filing errors without printing forms, mark only theGovernment copyandCreate electronic filecheckboxes.
- SelectCheck E-Fileto check for errors without creating the electronic file.
- SelectE-Fileto check for errors and create the electronic file.
- If you use a 3rd-party application vendor to transmit returns, mark theCreate 3rd party Defilecheckbox to create the electronic file. The 3rd-party vendor is responsible for checking for errors.
- To create electronic files for multiple clients at the same time, selectClients, then the clients.
- SelectPreviewto view the amended return on screen, or selectCheck E-File,Print, orE-File. When you selectPreview,Print,Check E-File, orE-File, UltraTax CS checks for errors in the electronic file.noteYou'll need to selectPrintorE-Filein thePrint Returnswindow to create the electronic file. If you selectPrint Previewon the toolbar, orPreviewin thePrint Returnswindow, UltraTax CS doesn't generate the electronic file.