Duplicate Client Number
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Created a new client in 2008 that matched an existing 2007 client number. Did the 2008 return for the new client.
Apparently, (but not 100% certain) proformaed existing 2007 client to 2008. The new 2008 client's file is now no where to be found. I have no proof of filing the return -- nothing.
Can this happen, where you proforma a return and it replaces a 2008 return, with no warning??? Or was there a warning and I wasn't on the ball to see it?
Answer
Yes,there was a warning. When pro forma'ing from 07 to 08, there was a message that the client already existed in 08, do you want to proceed? Yes, Yes to all, and no.
When you said yes, anything previously in 08 was permanently removed and the proforma replaced it.
Why not use your back up to restore the lost file-after you rename the existing client to prevent the same sort of error.
Answer
Looks like they would alter the program to prevent this, Not a very good situation
Answer
Also, if you use a combination of the last name and first initial, or something of that sort, instead of generic numbers like "1230" or "1240" or "1250" then maybe you'll be less likely to overwrite an old client whose name is John Smith, with a new client's file when the new client's name is Jeffrey Jones.
If you tried out several different scenarios on John Smith, however, you'll have to be careful to name them Smith-J, and Smith2, and Smith3, and SmithDiv and SmithInt and Smit1116, or whatever, to avoid overwriting one of Smith's versions, with another of Smith's versions.
Comment
I use my initials and then the last 4 digits of the clients SSN or tax ID for my client number.
It is one in about 5,000 that I'd have a conflict.
The old client was late in doing his 2007 return, so I was late in transferring over to 2008 and too ignorant to realize I had a huge problem when Lacerte told me the client already existed in 2008.
My bad.
I will now have to be more careful transferring clients over after the massive transfer around the first of the year.
Comment
What's a back-up?