10545: Using ABCvoice - FAQs

Q: On the ABCV screen, do I have to make an entry in order for the taxpayer’s return information to be available on ABCvoice?

A: Yes, in order for information to be sent to Versicom, the taxpayer (or both taxpayers in a joint return) must sign both the Consent to Use and the Consent to Disclosure documents, and that fact must be indicated on the screen.

Q: On the ABCV screen, do I have to select text or email? What if the taxpayer wants to use the phone number to ABCvoice or go out to the website address provided?

A: If the taxpayer wants to be notified by a text message or an email, you must select that option on the ABCV screen. If the software administrator requires a contact method to be selected and the taxpayer does not wish to be contacted via email or text message, select Do Not Contact. If Do Not Contact is selected, the taxpayer may still utilize the return status notification telephone hotline and website by consenting to the disclosure of their tax return information.

Q: When are the Consent to Disclosure and Consent to Use forms printed?

A: The forms are generated when applicable if the software administrator has selected the ABCvoice option and Generate consent forms with tax return (in the Return Status Notification Programs area at Setup > Options > Administrative Options). The forms are also available as ABCVDISC.PG and ABCV_USE.PG in Tools > Blank Forms.

Q: How do I automatically mark a Consent box to indicate a consent form has been completed on all returns?

A: There is not a way to mark a Consent box on all returns automatically. The consent will have to be indicated on each return as some taxpayers may not choose to complete a consent form; however, a macro can be set up to mark the Consent box on certain screens. A macro is a way to make the process of repetitive data entry easier by setting a string of data to a keyboard shortcut. For more information on setting up macros, go to Setup > Macros and click Help.

Q: How can I make sure preparers review a certain field in every return before filing the return?

A: There is a procedure called “flagging” that allows the administrator to choose the fields the preparer must look at on each return or screen. These fields can be marked - or “flagged” - whenever a new return is created. When a field is set up to be flagged upon creation of a return, the preparer must mark or edit or remove the flag from that field or an EF Message will be generated, indicating there are unverified fields that need attention (see "Flagging And Clearing Flagged Fields" in Related Links at the bottom of this page).

Q: How do I flag fields so the preparers will know to check those fields prior to filing the return?

A: The steps for flagging a field are as follows:

1. Go to Setup > Options > Administrative Options.
2. Select Use customized flagged fields on all returns.
3. Click the Flag button.
4. Select 1040-Individual.
5. Access the desired screen. To flag a field on the ABCvoice screen, click ABCV from the Miscellaneous tab
6. Right-click the desired fields and choose the appropriate item from the right-click menu. To flag the Signed (send taxpayer information to ABCvoice) field on each return, select Flag For Review When Return Is Created.
7. Exit back to the Administrative Options screen and click OK to save the settings.