1120 Estimates and Extensions DIF/KAT Import: Instructions

Click here to download a PDF copy of this guide.

Click here for the link to the ZIP file with DIF/Kat Files.

Use the files contained in the ZIP file, Estext17.DIF and Estext17.KAT, to import State Estimate and Extension information into the Common State > Extensions and Estimates screen. Once entered, this information will flow into each state.

Using the DIF Template

Once you have created a data source file in Excel (or any other spreadsheet software), add any formulas or formatting you prefer. Then you must use DIF Import to exchange data.

  1. Standardize your spreadsheet format (layout) so that it can be used for other returns.
  2. Before saving the file as a DIF file, make certain any date information is formatted in the MM/DD/YYYY format (such as 03/22/2021). Otherwise, when you import the information, you will receive invalid date messages.
  3. Save a version of the spreadsheet as a DIF (Data Interchange Format) file. If using Excel, select File > Save As, and select DIF (Data Exchange Format) (*.DIF) from the Save As Type drop-down list.

Importing the Data into the Tax Application

Use the Import DIF dialog box to import the data in the source file into the tax application.

Please confirm that the .DIF/.KAT file selected is the correct return type for your import.

  1. Standardize your spreadsheet format (layout) so that it can be used for other clients.
  2. Save a version of the spreadsheet as a DIF (Data Interchange Format) file.
  3. On the top menu, click Tools > Import. The Import DIF dialog box appears.
  4. In the DIF Import File section, click Browse for File to locate the source DIF file.
  5. In the DIF Template File section, click Browse for File to locate the .KAT file. All DIF template files must have a .KAT extension.
  6. Click Import.

 

 

 

Import/Export/1120_estimates_extensions.htm/TY2021

Last Modified: 11/05/2020

Last System Build: 10/18/2022

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