Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the software on a network?

You can use the program on a network, but two users cannot work on the same file concurrently.

Why are my files not showing up when I go to import or open them?

Starting with Windows Vista, programs are not supposed to write any information to files within the Program Files folder. This practice was also discouraged in Windows 2000 and XP, but most user accounts on those systems had administrator privilege so the programs that did it still worked.

Windows Vista is designed so that user accounts do not need administrator privilege. This is safer because it limits the damage that can be caused by viruses and other forms of malware. Consequently, the data files should be moved to a new location.

How do I move my data?

Start the Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\Maryland YYYY Property Tax or DC YYYY Property Tax. Move all of the files you find here EXCEPT THOSE LISTED BELOW to Documents\MDYYYY Personal Property or DCYYY Personal Property:

Do not move any applications: corporat.exe, individ.exe, extens.exe, update.exe

Do not move compiled HTML help files ending in .chm

Do not move files ending in .urs or .log

If you have a Windows Vista computer, navigate to C:\Users\your-username\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Maryland Property Tax or DC Property Tax. If this folder exists, move any files it contains to the Documents\MDYYYY Personal Property or DCYYYY Personal Property folder.

Start your PPT software. Go to "Preferences" then "Default Directories". Change the default location of your files to the Documents\MDYYYY Personal Property or DCYYYY Personal Property folder. Verify that the software can find your files.

Can I use my printer if it isn't an HP LaserJet or compatible?

In most cases, you can use any Windows-supported printer with a properly installed printer driver.   We tested the program successfully with bubble jets, ink jets, and laser printers from various manufacturers.

Is online help available?

The program offers a standard Windows online help system.  Online help contains specific instructions for completing Sections I, II, and III of the Maryland Corporate Personal Property Tax Return as well as important reminders from the State of Maryland.  Additionally, you can add your own notes to the help screens.

Use the Help menu to view help topics, display the help index, or search the help system for a particular topic.   You can also access context-sensitive help by pressing F1 in any field.  

How do I change the form letter or the billing letter?

We provided a standardized form letter with instructions regarding the proper mailing of the completed Form 1.  However, if you want to change the form letter or billing letter, go to the File menu and click Setup.  Choose the appropriate tab, modify the text, and then click on the Exit/Save tab.  The system saves your changes for use in subsequent preparations.

How do I use the calculator?

Click on the calculator button.  You can use your numeric keypad with Num Lock on or simply use your mouse.

Why do I sometimes see overlapping pages appear on the screen?

You are running out of memory.  Save your work immediately and exit the program.  Close any other running applications and restart the program.  If the problem continues, then restart Windows.

Why did nothing happen when I pressed the Cancel button during printing?

The Cancel button takes affect after the current page finishes printing.

Why doesn't the first page of Form 1 print correctly?

Form 1 contains notes in the margins that are rotated sideways.  The rotated text may not print correctly if:

• You do not have the correct printer driver for your printer
• Your printer driver is not configured properly
• Your printer driver is not the most current version

We addressed this problem by including a check box in the setup program to turn off the rotation of the notes.  When you check this box, the system prints the notes that appear on the left and right of page 1 vertically instead of rotated.  The form will still meet the criteria of the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

What is a printer driver?

Printer drivers allow Windows to support many different printers.  To do this efficiently, all Windows programs create generic print output.  Printer drivers then act as "interpretors;" they translate the generic output into specific information individual printers can understand.   Some printer drivers produce a translation very quickly; others are very slow.