UltraTax error codes: e-file, database validation and startup fixes

Where do I look up UltraTax errors?

Look up UltraTax errors on the Thomson Reuters Help and Support site, where e-file errors are filed by return type (1040, 1120, 990 and others) and titled with the code, for example FW2-012 e-file error. Program errors such as UltraTax CS has stopped working sit in a separate Errors section. Tax Software Desk is independent and is not affiliated with Thomson Reuters.

Before searching, decide whether UltraTax CS found the problem or the taxing authority rejected the return. Thomson Reuters treats these separately: program-detected errors appear on the E-File Error Report, which you print with Print Report, while rejects arrive with the acknowledgment and its reject code.

UltraTax efile error codes: how to clear them

UltraTax efile error codes are cleared the same way whatever the code: correct the data on the input screen, recreate the electronic file and send it again. Thomson Reuters is explicit that UltraTax CS will not create the electronic file until every error is fixed.

1. Print the E-File Error Report and note each code and the form it names.
2. Open the input screen for that form and correct or complete the field.
3. Recalculate, then recreate the electronic file.
4. Transmit again and watch for the new acknowledgment.

What is UltraTax error FW2-012?

UltraTax error code FW2-012 means a W-2 Box 12 line has a code without an amount, or an amount without a code. The IRS rule says that if EmployersUseCd or EmployersUseAmt has a value, the other must too. Check every Box 12 letter and number against the paper W-2, delete any line that has a code but no amount, and paper-file if the entries are correct and the error persists.

IND-183-01: spouse IP PIN

IND-183-01 means the IRS shows the spouse has an Identity Protection PIN and the one on the return is missing or wrong. Enter the six-digit spouse IP PIN in the Electronic Filing folder, IDAuth tab, IP PIN section, then recreate and resend. If the client cannot find it, they can retrieve it through the IRS Get an IP PIN tool; our IP PIN in TurboTax page explains the same rule from the consumer side.

What is an UltraTax database validation error?

An UltraTax database validation error is an IRS Master File rejection: the identifying data on the return does not match what the IRS has on record. Thomson Reuters lists EIN, name control, tax year end and entity type as the fields to check first.

• Name control: UltraTax CS calculates it automatically, but for partnerships, trusts and corporations the IRS record may use a different name. Verify the name on the input screen and override the name control if the IRS record differs.
• Tax year end: a calendar-year return rejects if the IRS has the entity on a fiscal year, such as June 30.
• EIN and entity type: confirm against the IRS assignment letter, not a prior return that may itself be wrong.

Schema errors are a different category: the file does not match the IRS format. Thomson Reuters groups them as shown below.

State rules follow the same pattern. New York Rule 04074 schema validation failure, for example, is often caused by a missing firm EIN at Setup > System Configuration > Firm tab, partner addresses over 30 characters or containing special characters, or the word Various used as a date on Forms IT-398 or IT-399.

Why won't UltraTax open?

UltraTax won't open for reasons that split cleanly by scope, so Thomson Reuters starts with four tests: open it from another workstation, under another Windows profile, in a prior-year version, and note any error text. If it fails everywhere, the cause is on the server; if it fails for one user, it is that user's profile or preferences.

1. Close all CS Professional Suite and Microsoft Office programs and confirm CS Connect Background Services are not running.
2. On the server, open Computer Management, Shared Folders, Open Files, close files that reference CS Professional Suite, and reboot the server if they will not close.
3. Rename the homepage files utYYhome.con, UTYYHome.HST and UTYYHome.MHT in X:\WinCSI\UTYYSys.
4. For a single user, rename that user's preference file (_yUSUMSC.[user]) in X:\WinCSI\UTyySys and clear their %temp% folder.
5. Run setup.exe as administrator from X:\WinCSI\UTyy\Desktop, with antivirus exclusions for CS programs in place.

Related professional software guides

The IRS rule codes above mean the same thing in any program, so the Drake and TaxWise guides can help when a reject is unclear. See Drake Software error codes, TaxWise error codes and the professional tax software hub.