After EF > Transmit/Receive runs and acknowledgments have been processed, checks become available to print.


Select EF > Check Print to print checks. Initially you must set up a check range; you are presented with that opportunity the first time you have checks to print.


Printing a Test Check


Before printing checks, test your printing procedure to ensure that checks are printed correctly. One test check for each bank is loaded into Drake Tax; when you test-print a check, the program uses the test check matching the bank that is set up for “Firm 1” in Setup > Firm(s).


  1. Ensure that paper for printing has been loaded into the printer. (Drake Tax recommends using a blank sheet of paper.)
  2. From the Home window, select EF > Check Print. If no checks are ready, a message prompts you to reprint any previous checks. Click Yes.
  3. At the bottom of the Reprint Checks dialog box, click Test.
  4. Click Print in the Print dialog box.


Test check printing works only for banks that print checks through Drake Tax, not those that print checks through the bank’s website.

IMPORTANT: It is recommended that test checks are printed on plain paper, not actual check stock. If you do test print on an actual check stock, your bank will need to advise you of the proper procedures to dispose of or retain the voided check. You must also ensure that the next batch begins its printing with the correct check number.

 

Printing Checks


Before you print checks:

  • Be aware that you cannot print checks until you have received the appropriate IRS and bank acknowledgments.
  • Make sure the computer for EF transmissions has the correct date.
  • Make sure the check number on the computer matches the check number on the next available physical check.

IMPORTANT: Do not transmit returns from more than one computer unless the program is on a dedicated server (not peer-to-peer server). Transmitting and receiving from more than one computer can affect your ability to print checks correctly.


To print checks follow the steps below:

    1. Select EF > Check Print. 
    2. The Select Checks dialog box opens. 
    3. Choose Select All or select individual checks to print. 
    4. Click Continue to open the Setup Check Range dialog box. Select your bank from the Bank name drop list, then enter the starting and ending check numbers. Mark the box if your printer prints the checks in reverse order. Click OK to open the Check Print Options dialog box.
    5. The "Check Print Options" dialog box opens. Initially you must set up a check range; you are presented with that opportunity the first time you print checks. Options are:
      • Print this check on #[check number displays here] – Choose this option to print the check on the displayed check number
      • Delete this Client's check – Deletes the check from the system. The check will not be displayed for printing again
      • Skip this Client's check for now (print later) – Excludes the check from the current print job.
      • Print ALL selected checks starting on # – Prints all previously selected checks starting at the displayed check number.
    1. Click Continue after selecting one of the four items discussed above. 
    2. The Print Checks dialog box opens, select the desired printer and click Print.


Immediately after the checks are printed, your system should initiate the process to transmit the check register to Drake Tax.  


Note: 

If the check is not aligned, adjust the alignment by selecting Setup > Printing and Device Setup > Printers. The Print Setup dialog box is displayed. To access the alignment settings, press F8 or click the Edit Print Settings tab. 



Reprinting Checks


To reprint a check:

  1. From the Home window, select EF > Check Print.
    • If no new checks are ready for printing, you are prompted to reprint checks.
    • If new checks are ready, the Select Checks dialog box is displayed. Click Reprint Checks.
  1. Type an SSN and press Enter. The Reprint Checks dialog box displays any previous taxpayer and check information.
  2. Click Print. You are asked if you have the prior check in your possession. Click Yes and the program automatically voids the prior check number.
  3. In the Check Print Options dialog box, select your options and click Continue.
  4. Select your printer in the Print Selections dialog box and click Print.

Important: You must write "VOID" on the face of a check that is no longer valid, even though the program automatically voids the old check number in the system when reprinting a new check. Contact your bank for specific information as to disposal of the old check.


Reprinting Problems


The message, "Not Allowed – Too Late" appears. 

    1. Click OK to clear this message.
    2. Press F5 – the text should change to Do you have prior check in hand?  Yes or No?  The prior check must be physically in your office to reprint the check. If you do have the check, select Yes.
    3. Print Selections window is displayed.
    4. If the check has already cleared, there is a date in the Clear Date field corresponding to the check. You cannot reprint that check. Please contact Drake Software Support.