Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator

Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator™

Quick Start Guide

Getting Started ... 3

About the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator... 3

Minimum System Requirements... 3

Installing the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator... 4

Opening the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator ... 5

Closing the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator ... 6

Updating the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator... 7

Working with Data Files... 8

Creating a new data file ... 8

Opening an existing data file ... 9

Working with Clients... 10

Creating a new client ... 10

Selecting an existing client ... 12

Working with Scenarios... 13

Creating a new scenario ... 13

Entering assumption details... 14

Viewing scenario results ... 15

Saving your current assumptions data... 16

Saving your current assumptions data to a new client and/or scenario ... 17

Viewing an existing scenario ... 18

Printing and Exporting Results... 19

Viewing a print-preview version of the current tab ... 19

Printing the current tab ... 19

Viewing a print-preview version of an entire scenario... 20

Printing an entire scenario ... 21

Exporting the current tab ... 22

Exporting an entire scenario ... 22

Working with the Client Manager... 23

Adding clients and scenarios using the Client Manager ... 23

Deleting clients and scenarios using the Client Manager ... 26

Updating clients and scenarios using the Client Manager ... 28

Working with the Tax Rate Evaluator ... 30

Displaying the Tax Rate Evaluator... 30

Using the Tax Rate Evaluator... 31

Setting Options ... 32

Customizing the interface ... 32

Working with the Quick Access Toolbar ... 32

Setting Preferences ... 34

Viewing Practice Aids ... 35

Getting Help... 36

Viewing the Quick Start Guide... 36

Contacting Customer Support ... 36

Getting Started

Welcome to the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator™.

About the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator

Beginning on January 1, 2010, all taxpayers will be eligible to convert to a Roth IRA due to the repeal of the $100,000 modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) rule and filing status limitations. Furthermore, the income from 2010 conversions will be recognized on the client’s 2011 and 2012 income tax returns.

This change signals an unprecedented opportunity for tax practitioners. For the first time since the 1998 introduction of the Roth IRA, the playing field will open up and the restrictions once limiting Roth IRA conversions to taxpayers with MAGIs under

$100,000 will be lifted.

Clients who were previously ineligible to convert will begin looking to their trusted advisors to counsel them regarding the potential benefits of a Roth IRA conversion, making the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator a valuable tool.

The Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator provides sophisticated Roth analysis software in a user-friendly format that you can use to create the optimal Roth conversion scenario for your clients.

To view even more detailed text about the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator:

 Click the Application button and select About Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator from the menu that is displayed.

The “About” dialog box is displayed.

Minimum System Requirements The Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator requires a PC with the following minimum system requirements:

 Windows® XP with SP1 or later

 Internet Explorer 7.0 or later

 .NET Framework 2.0 or later

 At least 1 GB RAM

Installing the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator To install the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator:

 Click the installation link that was supplied to you.

 Type your user ID and password in the spaces provided, and then click the Sign- In button.

 Read the license agreement, and then click in the checkbox next to I Agree to the License Agreement.

 Click the Install button.

The system verifies the application requirements and then displays the “Application Install” dialog box.

 Click the Install button.

The Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator is downloaded. Please be patient, as the download process may take time depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

After the download is complete, the new version of the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator is installed and opened.

Windows Vista® and Windows® 7 users

If you have User Access Control (UAC) turned on, you will be prompted to enter the authorization code that is provided during the installation of the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator.

Note: The authorization code is displayed on the “Install” page after you click in the

checkbox next to I Agree to the License Agreement. When the authorization code is

displayed, simply copy it and paste it into the appropriate field when prompted.

Opening the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator To open the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator:

 Double-click the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator desktop icon.

Or,

 Click the Start menu, select Programs, point to Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator, and then click Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator.

Your registration information is validated, and the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator is opened.

Note: The first time you open the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator, a data file called

RothData.xml is created in your “My Documents” folder. The exact location of that initial

data file is displayed at the bottom of the main Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator window.

Closing the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator To close the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator:

 Click the Exit button.

The Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator is closed.

Note: If you have any unsaved work, the system will prompt you to save any unsaved assumptions data. You can:

 Click the Save button to save the current assumptions data to the currently selected client and scenario. (Note: If no client or scenario has been selected for your current entries, the “Save As Scenario” dialog box is displayed.)

 Click the Save As button to save the current assumptions data to a new client and/or scenario.

 Click the Don’t Save button to close the application without saving your work.

Or,

 Click Cancel to leave the application open and return to your work.

Updating the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator

The Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator is continually updated to provide you with the most up-to-date conversion tool.

There are two types of updates: Optional and Required.

Optional Update – If you decide not to install an “optional” update, you can still open the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator.

Required Update – If you decide not to install a “required” update, you cannot open the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator until you install the “required” update.

To update the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator:

Each time you open the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator (while connected to the Internet), the system checks to see if a new version of the application is available.

If a new version is available, a message is displayed letting you know the new version is ready to be installed.

 Click the Yes button.

The system verifies the application requirements, and the new version of the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator is downloaded. Please be patient, as the download process may take time depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

After the download is complete, the new version of the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator is installed and opened.

TIP! If for some reason you decide not to install an update, each subsequent time you

open the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator, you are once again given the opportunity to

install the update.

Working with Data Files

The Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator uses data files to store the clients and scenarios you create within the application.

Note: The first time you open the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator, a data file called RothData.xml is created in your “My Documents” folder. The exact location of that initial data file is displayed at the bottom of the application window.

Creating a new data file When you create a new data file, it becomes the “active” data file. In other words, the current data file is closed when you create a new data file.

Note: If you haven’t already saved your work on any scenarios in the current data file, you will be prompted to do so.

To create a new data file:

 Click the New Data File button.

The “New File” dialog box is displayed.

 Browse to the location of the data file.

TIP! Although the first data file that is created when you install the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator is located in the “My Documents” folder, you can create a customized location locally for your data files.

 Type a name for the data file in the “File name” field, and then click the Open button.

The data file you just created is opened and is now the “active” data file. You can begin

Opening an existing data file

With the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator, it’s easy to switch from one data file to another and manage multiple clients and their associated scenarios.

Note: If you haven’t already saved your work on any scenarios in the current data file, you will be prompted to do so.

To open an existing data file:

 Click the Open Data File button.

The “Open File” dialog box is displayed.

 Browse to the location of the data file you want to open.

 Select the data file you want to open, and then click the Open button.

The data file you selected is opened and is now the “active” data file.

Working with Clients

With the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator, you can create multiple clients.

Creating a new client With the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator, you can create multiple clients within each data file.

To create a new client (without an associated scenario):

 Click the New Client button. (Note: If you haven’t already saved your work on any scenarios in the current data file, you will be prompted to do so.)

The “New Client / Scenario” dialog box is displayed.

 Type the name of the new client in the “New Client Name” field.

 Type a description for the new client in the “Description” field.

 Click in the checkbox next to Do not create a new Scenario.

 Click OK.

The new client is added to the current data file and becomes the currently selected client.

There may be times when you want to create a new client and a new scenario at the

same time.

To create a new client and a new scenario at the same time:

 Click the New Client button.

Note: If you haven’t already saved your work on any scenarios in the current data file, you will be prompted to do so.

The “New Client / Scenario” dialog box is displayed.

 Type the name of the new client in the “New Client Name” field.

 Type a description for the new client in the “Description” field.

 Make sure the checkbox next to Do not create a new Scenario is cleared.

 Type the name of the new scenario in the “New Scenario Name” field.

 Type a description for the new scenario in the “Description” field.

 Click OK.

The new client is added to the current data file and becomes the currently selected

client, while the new scenario is now the currently selected scenario.

Selecting an existing client

While creating scenarios, it is easy to quickly select an existing client within the active data file.

To select an existing client:

 Click the Client drop-down menu and select one of the clients listed.

The client you selected becomes the active client, and any scenarios you may have created for that particular client are selectable from the “Scenario” drop-down menu.

Note: If you have any unsaved work, the system will prompt you to save any unsaved assumptions data. You can:

 Click the Save button to save the current assumptions data to the currently selected client and scenario. (Note: If no client or scenario has been selected for your current entries, the “Save As Scenario” dialog box is displayed.)

 Click the Save As button to save the current assumptions data to a new client and/or scenario.

 Click the Don’t Save button to switch to the newly selected client without saving your current data.

Or,

 Click Cancel to return to your work.

Working with Scenarios

With the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator, you can create multiple scenarios for a selected client.

Creating a new scenario With the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator, you can create multiple scenarios for each client within the current data file.

To create a new scenario:

 Click the New Scenario button.

If you have unsaved data on the “Assumptions” tab, you are prompted to save the current scenario, even if you have yet to formally create an associated scenario to go along with your entries.

The “New Client / Scenario” dialog box is displayed.

 Type the name of the new scenario in the “New Scenario Name” field.

 Type a description for the new scenario in the “Description” field.

 Click OK.

The new scenario is created for the currently selected client and becomes the active

scenario for the client.

Entering assumption details You can enter assumption details and view results, even if you have not yet created a client and associated scenario.

To enter assumption details:

 Click the Assumptions tab.

 Enter the assumption details for the currently selected scenario.

The “Assumptions” tab is divided into the following sections:

General Enter the current year and IRA owner’s age in the spaces provided.

Assets Enter the client’s asset information (including details of the client’s current IRA) in the spaces provided.

Income and Cash Flow Enter the client’s other income details, after-tax cash flow needs, and percentage of annual income increase in the spaces provided.

Tax Enter the client’s income tax, capital gains tax, and estate tax details in the spaces provided. Note: You may wish to use the Tax Rate Evaluator (see page 30) for assistance with this information.

Roth IRA Conversion Click in the checkbox next to each additional “Option” you want to include as a part of the results for the current scenario.

Note: You also need to enter the corresponding details for each additional “Option” you select.

Viewing scenario results With the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator, there are a number of ways in which you can view your scenario results.

To view scenario results:

 After you have entered all of the assumption details, simply click the tab of the report you want to view.

The following tabs are displayed by default:

Summary Charts

Option 1 (Assets)

Option 1 (Tax and Cash Flow)

Note: The number of report tabs varies based on the number of Roth IRA Conversion options you selected when entering your assumption details.

For example, if you clicked in the checkbox next to Option 2, Option 3, Option 4, Option

5, or Option 6 (and supplied the necessary information), there will be “Assets” and “Tax

Cash Flow” tabs displayed for each additional “Option” you selected.

Saving your current assumptions data

You can save the assumptions data you have entered at any time.

To save your current assumptions data:

 Click the Save Data File button.

If both a client and scenario are already selected, the assumption data is saved to the current client and scenario.

Or,

If either a client or a scenario is not selected or you have yet to create a client and scenario (in other words, you just opened the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator for the first time), the “Save As Scenario” dialog box is displayed.

 If you have already created clients, click the drop-down menu and select an existing client, or click the Create New Client button to create a new client to which to save the data.

(Note: You can create a new scenario at the same time you create a new client.)

 If you have already created scenarios, click the drop-down menu and select an existing scenario, or click the Create New Scenario button to create a new scenario to which to save the data.

(Note: A client must be created and selected before you can create a new scenario.)

 Click OK when you are finished making your selections.

Note: The client and scenario you selected, and to which the data will be saved, is

shown at the bottom of the “Save As Scenario” dialog box.

Saving your current assumptions data to a new client and/or scenario You can also save the assumptions data you have entered to a new client and/or

scenario.

Note: To make a copy of an existing data file, you need to copy the actual data file as you would any other file on your PC using Windows® Explorer. You cannot use the

“Save As” option to save the data as a new data file.

To save your current assumptions data as a new client and/or scenario:

 Click the Save As button.

The “Save As Scenario” dialog box is displayed.

 If you have already created clients, click the drop-down menu and select an existing client, or click the Create New Client button to create a new client to which to save the data.

(Note: You can create a new scenario at the same time you create a new client.)

 If you have already created scenarios, click the drop-down menu and select an existing scenario, or click the Create New Scenario button to create a new scenario to which to save the data.

(Note: A client must be created and selected before you can create a new scenario.)

 Click OK when you are finished making your selections.

Note: The client and scenario you selected, and to which the data will be saved, is shown at the bottom of the “Save As Scenario” dialog box.

The assumptions data is saved to the client and scenario you selected

Viewing an existing scenario While working with a client, it is easy to select from any of the existing scenarios you may have already created for a client (and view the results).

To select an existing scenario:

 Click the Scenario drop-down menu and select one of the scenarios listed.

The scenario you selected becomes the active scenario for the currently selected client.

Note: If you have any unsaved work, the system will prompt you to save any unsaved assumptions data. You can:

 Click the Save button to save the current assumptions data to the currently selected client and scenario. (Note: If no client or scenario has been selected for your current entries, the “Save As Scenario” dialog box is displayed.)

 Click the Save As button to save the current assumptions data to a new client and/or scenario.

 Click the Don’t Save button to switch to the newly selected scenario without saving your current data.

Or,

 Click Cancel to return to your work.

Printing and Exporting Results

With the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator, you can print your results or export them as an Excel file.

Viewing a print-preview version of the current tab

You can easily view a print-preview version of the currently selected tab in the scenario on which you are working.

To view a print-preview version of the current tab:

 With the tab you want to view selected, click the Print Preview button and select Current Tab.

A print-preview version of the currently selected tab is displayed in a new window.

TIP! You can view print-preview versions of the “results” tabs, but remember that you can also view a print-preview version of the “Assumptions” tab as well.

Printing the current tab You can easily print a copy of the currently selected tab in the scenario on which you are working.

To print the current tab:

 With the tab you want to print selected, click the Print button and select Current Tab.

The “Print” dialog box is displayed.

 Select your print options, and then click OK.

The current tab is printed.

TIP! You can also print the currently selected tab while viewing the “print-preview”

version. Simply click the Print button in the upper, left-hand corner of the “Print preview”

window.

Viewing a print-preview version of an entire scenario

You can also view a print-preview version of an entire scenario, selecting exactly which portions of the scenario you want to view.

Note: When you view a print-preview version of an entire scenario, you can choose to include the assumptions used to generate the results of the scenario along with a cover page.

To view a print-preview version of an entire scenario:

 With the scenario you want to view open, click the Print Preview button and select Scenario.

The “Print/Print Preview Scenario Item Selection” dialog box is displayed.

 Click in the checkboxes next to the items you want to include in the print-preview version of the scenario (clear any checkboxes you do not want to include).

Note: If you want to set your selections as the “default” selections, click the Save as Default button. Each subsequent time you view a print-preview version of a scenario, your “default” selections will already be set.

 Click OK.

A print-preview version of the scenario is displayed in a new window.

Printing an entire scenario You can also print a copy of an entire scenario, selecting exactly which portions of the scenario you want to print.

Note: When you print an entire scenario, you can choose to include the assumptions used to generate the results of the scenario along with a cover page.

To print an entire scenario:

 With the scenario you want to print open, click the Print button and select Scenario.

The “Print/Print Preview Scenario Item Selection” dialog box is displayed.

 Click in the checkboxes next to the items you want to include in the printed version of the scenario (clear any checkboxes you do not want to include).

Note: If you want to set your selections as the “default” selections, click the Save as Default button. Each subsequent time you print a scenario, your “default” selections will already be set.

 Click OK.

The “Print” dialog box is displayed.

 Select your print options, and then click OK.

The scenario is printed.

TIP! You can also print a scenario while viewing the “print-preview” version. Simply click

the Print button in the upper, left-hand corner of the “Print preview” window.

Exporting the current tab You can export the currently selected tab as an Excel spreadsheet (.xls) file.

To export the current tab:

 With the tab you want to export selected, click the Excel Format button and select Current Tab.

The “Export to Excel Format” dialog box is displayed.

 Browse to the location to which you want to save the file, type the name of the exported file in the “File name” field, and then click the Save button.

The information in the current tab is exported as an Excel spreadsheet (.xls) file and is saved in the location you specified.

Exporting an entire scenario You can export an entire scenario as an Excel spreadsheet (.xls) file.

To export an entire scenario:

 With the scenario you want to export open, click the Excel Format button and select Scenario.

The “Export to Excel Format” dialog box is displayed.

 Browse to the location to which you want to save the file, type the name of the exported file in the “File name” field, and then click the Save button.

The information in the scenario is exported as an Excel spreadsheet (.xls) file and is

saved in the location you specified.

Working with the Client Manager

You can use the Client Manager to help you manage the clients and scenarios you have created. You can use the Client Manager to add a new client or scenario, delete an existing client or scenario, or update the name and description of existing clients and scenarios.

Adding clients and scenarios using the Client Manager To add a new client using the Client Manager:

 Click the Client Manager button.

The “Client Manager” dialog box is displayed.

 Click the Add button located in the “Client Information” section.

The “New Client / Scenario” dialog box is displayed.

 Type the name of the new client in the “New Client Name” field.

 Type a description for the new client in the “Description” field.

 Click in the checkbox next to Do not create a new Scenario.

 Click OK.

The “New Client / Scenario” dialog box is closed, and the new client is added to the list of clients shown on the “Clients” drop-down menu on the “Client Manager” dialog box.

 Click OK to save your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

Note: Your changes do not take effect until you click OK. Click the Cancel button to

“undo” all of your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

To add a new scenario using the Client Manager:

 Click the Client Manager button.

The “Client Manager” dialog box is displayed.

 Click the Add button located in the “Scenario Information” section.

The “New Client / Scenario” dialog box is displayed.

 Type the name of the new scenario in the “New Scenario Name” field.

 Type a description for the new scenario in the “Description” field.

 Click OK.

The new scenario is added to the current data file and is added to the list of scenarios shown on the “Scenarios” drop-down menu on the “Client Manager” dialog box.

 Click OK to save your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

Note: Your changes do not take effect until you click OK. Click the Cancel button to

“undo” all of your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

To add both a new client and scenario at the same time using the Client Manager:

The “Client Manager” dialog box is displayed.

 Click the Add button located in the “Client Information” section.

The “New Client / Scenario” dialog box is displayed.

 Type the name of the new client in the “New Client Name” field.

 Type a description for the new client in the “Description” field.

 Make sure the checkbox next to Do not create a new Scenario is cleared.

 Type the name of the new scenario in the “New Scenario Name” field.

 Type a description for the new scenario in the “Description” field.

 Click OK.

The “New Client / Scenario” dialog box is closed, and the new client and scenario are added to the list of clients and scenarios shown on the “Clients” and “Scenarios” drop- down menus on the “Client Manager” dialog box.

 Click OK to save your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

Note: Your changes do not take effect until you click OK. Click the Cancel button to

“undo” all of your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

Deleting clients and scenarios using the Client Manager To delete an existing client:

 Click the Client Manager button.

The “Client Manager” dialog box is displayed.

 Click the Clients drop-down menu and select the client you want to delete.

 Click the Delete button located in the “Client Information” section.

 Click Yes to confirm the removal of the selected client.

The selected client is removed from the list of clients shown on the “Clients” drop-down menu on the “Client Manager” dialog box.

 Click OK to save your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

Note: Your changes do not take effect until you click OK. Click the Cancel button to

“undo” all of your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

To delete an existing scenario:

 Click the Client Manager button.

The “Client Manager” dialog box is displayed.

 Click the Scenarios drop-down menu and select the scenario you want to delete.

 Click the Delete button located in the “Scenario Information” section.

 Click Yes to confirm the removal of the selected scenario.

The selected scenario is removed from the list of scenarios shown on the “Scenarios”

drop-down menu on the “Client Manager” dialog box.

 Click OK to save your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

Note: Your changes do not take effect until you click OK. Click the Cancel button to

“undo” all of your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

Updating clients and scenarios using the Client Manager To update the name and/or description of an existing client:

 Click the Client Manager button.

The “Client Manager” dialog box is displayed.

 Click the Clients drop-down menu and select the client you want to update.

 Type a new name and/or description for the client you selected, and then click the Update button located in the “Client Information” section.

The information for the selected client is updated.

 Click OK to save your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

Note: Your changes do not take effect until you click OK. Click the Cancel button to

“undo” all of your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

To update the name and/or description of an existing scenario:

 Click the Client Manager button.

The “Client Manager” dialog box is displayed.

 Click the Scenarios drop-down menu and select the scenario you want to update.

 Type a new name and/or description for the scenario you selected, and then click the Update button located in the “Scenario Information” section.

The information for the selected scenario is updated.

 Click OK to save your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

Note: Your changes do not take effect until you click OK. Click the Cancel button to

“undo” all of your changes and close the “Client Manager” dialog box.

Working with the Tax Rate Evaluator

Displaying the Tax Rate Evaluator The Tax Rate Evaluator is a helpful tool that lets you quickly compare various income and deduction information “before” and “after” the Roth IRA conversion.

To display the Tax Rate Evaluator:

 Click the Tax Rate Evaluator button.

The Tax Rate Evaluator is displayed as an additional tab.

To hide the Tax Rate Evaluator:

 Click the Tax Rate Evaluator button again.

The “Tax Rate Evaluator” tab is hidden.

Using the Tax Rate Evaluator Using the Tax Rate Evaluator is as easy as using any standard calculator.

To use the Tax Rate Evaluator:

 With the “Tax Rate Evaluator” tab displayed and selected, simply fill in the information requested in the various sections: General, Income Assumptions, and Deductions.

 Click the Calculate button.

Your results are displayed to the right of the area in which you made your entries.

Setting Options

Customizing the interface You can customize the look of the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator by selecting from various “skins” (which customize the color-scheme of the interface).

To customize the interface:

 Click the Styles button and select a skin from the list that is displayed.

The interface is changed to the color style you selected.

Working with the Quick Access Toolbar

The Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator (like Microsoft® Office 2007), contains the ability to customize the interface using the Quick Access Toolbar.

You can also move the Quick Access Toolbar below the “Ribbon” (which in the case of the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator is the “Menu” tab).

To add a menu item to the Quick Access Toolbar:

 Right-click on the menu item you want to add to the Quick Access Toolbar and select Add to Quick Access Toolbar.

The item is added to the Quick Access Toolbar.

To remove a menu item from the Quick Access Toolbar:

 Right-click on the menu item you want to remove from the Quick Access Toolbar and select Remove from Quick Access Toolbar. (Note: You can right-click the item on the menu or on the Quick Access Toolbar to remove it.)

The item is removed from the Quick Access Toolbar.

To move the Quick Access Toolbar below the Menu tab (Ribbon):

 Click the drop-down menu icon located on the title bar and select Show Quick Access Toolbar Below the Ribbon.

The Quick Access Toolbar is moved below the “Menu” tab.

To move the Quick Access Toolbar back above the Menu tab (Ribbon):

 Click the drop-down menu icon located on the title bar and select Show Quick Access Toolbar Above the Ribbon.

The Quick Access Toolbar is moved above the “Menu” tab.

To minimize the Menu tab (Ribbon):

 Double-click the Menu tab (or right-click the Menu tab and select Minimize the Ribbon).

The “Menu” tab is minimized.

TIP! You can access items on the “Menu” tab while it is minimized by clicking the Menu tab and selecting an item from the expanded menu.

To maximize the Menu tab (Ribbon):

 While minimized, double-click the Menu tab (or right-click the Menu tab and select Minimize the Ribbon).

The “Menu” tab is maximized.

Setting Preferences You can customize various preference settings in the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator.

To set your preferences:

 Click the Preferences button.

The “Preferences” dialog box is displayed.

 Make any necessary changes to the preference settings (as detailed below).

 Click OK to save your changes and close the “Preferences” dialog box.

The “Preferences” dialog box contains two sections: Cover Page Information and Behavior.

Cover Page Information

 Enter the information you want included on the cover pages for your scenarios.

Behavior

 Make sure the checkbox next to Select the most recent Client and Scenario when the program starts is selected if you want the most recent client and scenario on which you were working reopened the next time you open the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator.

 Make sure the checkbox next to Select the first Client and Scenario when a file is open is selected if you want the first client and scenario selected when a file is opened.

 Make sure the checkbox next to Prompt for new Client and Scenario names.

Do not use default names is selected if you do not want the system to suggest default client and scenario names.

 Make sure the checkbox next to Prompt to save Scenarios when new or

modified. Do not save automatically is selected if you want to be prompted to

save scenarios when you create a new one or edit an existing one but do not

want them saved automatically.

Viewing Practice Aids

The Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator includes valuable Practice Aids materials, such as related documents, a tutorial, a video, and much more. (Note: You need to be

connected to CCH’s IntelliConnect™ to view the Practice Aids.) To view the Practice Aids:

 Click the IntelliConnect tab.

 Type your user ID and password in the spaces provided.

 Click the Log In button.

You are logged into IntelliConnect, and the “Product Description” page is displayed within the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator on the “IntelliConnect” tab. To view a Practice Aid, simply click the title of the item you want to view.

You can return to your work within the Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator at any time simply by clicking the “Assumptions” tab.

TIP! Be sure to click the “+” icon next to the other Practice Aid sections to expand the

sections and view the documents contained within each section.

Getting Help

Viewing the Quick Start Guide To view the Quick Start Guide:

 Click the Application button and select Quick Start Guide from the menu that is displayed.

The Quick Start Guide is displayed in a new browser window.

Contacting Customer Support To view Customer Support information:

 Click the Application button and select Customer Support Information from the menu that is displayed.

The “Customer Support Information” dialog box is displayed.