Lewis Software Associates, LLC

FAQ for 941Express 2012

Question : What changes exist in the 941Express 2012 version?

Answer : For Tax Year 2011, all returns used the new 10.4% rate as specified by the IRS. This will continue into 2012 as the Payroll Tax Holiday is expected to continue during this calendar year. If there is some last minute change, we will have to update the 2012 version at that time to reflect pending legislation. The 940 return adds roughtly 18 credit reduction states for TY2011 also which will be supported in the new version. All other returns will use the old rate of 12.4%.

Question : Can I use an old version of 941Express 2011, or 2012 to file my Q1 2011 return?

Answer : No, this will not work because the 941Express 2011 software does not have the Payroll Tax Holiday continuing into 2012. The 2012 version will correct this situation once it becomes available in January 2012. Update your software to our (4.10.x) version once it becomes available.

Latest Version of 941Express Software

(Note: Right-Click the link and select Save Target As if your system won't download the software after a left-click)

Question : I have installed 941Express 2012, but I can't find my data. How do I get the old information into the new version?

Answer : The 941Express 2012 version will automatically try to migrate your information from the 2011 version if it exists on your machine in the default location. If it does not succeed, you can always use the Migrate function under the File menu to locate the information yourself and move it to the new version. If neither of these options work for you, contact our office via e-mail for support. This can sometimes require that we login to your machine to complete the migration.

Question : Why am I getting a Runtime Error on Windows 7?

Answer : The system security on Windows 7 is much more stringent than what existed on Vista and XP. In order to eliminate Runtime Errors on Vista, install the software in a directory where you have rights to write to the filesystem. Our recommendation is to run the installation and when it asks for a location to install, choose the following path:

c:\users\<Your User Name>\Programs

The Programs directory may not exist, but you can create it right within the dialog before choosing the ultimate destination. This path will allow 941Express to work unencumbered and has eliminated Runtime Errors from many of our customers. If you do this and are still getting the error, contact our office for more information.

Question : When I print 941's using 941Express 2012, the pages are blank?

Answer : This can occur if you don't have the updated Print template for 2012. Use Update Print Forms in the software which should resolve the issue.

Question : While Transmitting, I am receiving the following message: "Server not responding or Connection Timed out?.

Answer : This occurs if 941Express is unable to gain access our Web Site using our FTP transfer option. Many corporations have firewalls set up that prohibit communications on specific internet ports. 941Express needs to comunicate using a Passive FTP connection on port 21. A passive connection is when all communications is initiated from the customer's machine. If the firewall in your corporation allows traffic out on that port, then 941Express will transfer data correctly. Often firewall programs such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee cause 941Express to recieve this message. You should configure these programs to allow 941Express to send data out over the internet. Try using our HTTPS option instead of FTP which could resolve the issue.

Question : While transmitting, I am receiving the following message: "The Server name or address could not be resolved"?

Answer : This occurs if 941Express is unable to perform a domain lookup to our ftp server. We use the domain name service in order to identify the name of the server where your data is to be transferred. If you are receiving this message, it is because our software cannot find a domain lookup service to resolve the name ftp.lswonline.com. A quick test is to open a command prompt window on the problem machine and run the following command :

ping ftp.lswonline.com

If you receive responses, then the machine is able to resolve the name. If not, you need to resolve this in order to complete your transmission.

Question : I have a new computer and I would like to move the 941Express Software to the new machine.

Answer : 941Express can be moved easily from one machine to another. If you are using 941Express 2011, copy the main directory from the following location:

Windows XP or earlier : c:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Lewis Software Associates LLC\941Express 2011

Windows 7 : c:\Users\<username>\Application Data\Roaming\Lewis Software Associates LLC\941Express 2011

Copy this entire folder to the same location on the new machine if you are not upgrading. If you are upgrading to Windows 7 from XP, copy to the Windows 7 location listed above.

Next install the update to the same location on the new machine. This procedure will allow you to have access to all previous returns on your new machine.

Question : My Schedule B does not equal my tax liability on line 10 of the 941. Why is this necessary?

Answer : The values on the Schedule B are the detailed accounting of your tax liability. If your Schedule B does not equal your liability, then it is likely because the amount on the form reflect the deposits and not the liability. The deposit amounts only should be put on Line 13 of the 941 form. The IRS will reject any return where the Schedule B liability is different than the value on line 10 of the 941 form.

Question : My Monthly Liability amounts do not equal my tax liability on line 10 of the 941. Why is this necessary?

Answer : The values in the Monthly Liability section are the detailed monthly accounting of your tax liability. If your monthly amounts do not equal your liability, then it is likely because the amount on the form reflect the deposits and not the liability. The deposit amounts only should be put on Line 13 of the 941 form. The IRS will reject any return where the Monthly liability is different than the value on line 10 of the 941 form.

Question : My total FUTA tax does not equal the Total Tax Liability in Part 3 of my 940 Form. Why is this necessary?

Answer : The values in Part 3 of the 940 form are detailed accounting of your liability, not your payments. If your quarterly figures do not equal the actual tax liability, the IRS will reject the return. The only place on this return for your desposits are on Line 8. This quarterly liability figures only need to be completed if the amount of tax is greater than $500.00.

Question : While transmitting my return, I receive a certificate error before the transmission is complete. Was my return received?

Answer : The certificate errors occurs on some machines, and only deals with our payment page. If you receive this error, your return was received, however you did not receive the payment page for sending your transmission fee. Refer to the confirmation e-mail and make your transmission fee payment using the link in that message.

Question : I have a PIN from the EFTPS system. Can I use it for e-filing payroll returns?

Answer : Unfortunately, the PIN for EFTPS is only 4 digits and the IRS requires a specific 10 digit PIN to e-file payroll returns. Refer to other information on the site on how to submit your PIN registration.

Answer : Yes, you can use a PTIN with 941Express. If you have multiple users in an office, it can still be done by using a special environment variable. Contact our office for more details.