C Frequently Asked Questions

This appendix contains the following topics:

The following are frequently asked questions and their answers.

C.1 Data Integrity

Data Integrity Description
My Tax History Integrity report displays Error 9999. What could be causing this error? The program found an error that is not in the user defined code list 07/IX. Verify that list 07/IX exists. If the list exists, verify that you have completed the Automatic Software Instructions (ASIs) that enter this year's additions in that table.
I tried to run the W-2 integrity report from the DREAM Writer list, but it does not produce a report. What am I doing wrong? Run this report from the Audit Reports menu selection on the Year-End Processing menu, not from the DREAM Writer list.

C.2 Printing Forms

Printing Forms Description
No commas are included in the dollar amounts that print on my W-2 forms. Is this correct? Even if the data item is set to K, the program is hard-coded to not print commas on the W-2 forms.
I want to run the W-2 Print in alphabetic sequence. Can I do this? Yes. Change the data sequence of the W-2 screen program (P067701 or P067702) so that it sequences alphabetically.
I printed forms with a print date, but five were misaligned. How can I reprint just these five? From the W-2 Inquiry screen, locate the specific W-2 and then choose Print (F21) to print an individual W-2.

C.3 Printing Information in Boxes 12 and 13

Printing Information in Boxes 12 and 13 Description
Is there any way to print a longer description on 401(k) for Box 12? No. The IRS requires that only the A through W codes be printed. The back of the W-2 describes what these codes mean for the employee.
How can I get the retirement plan box marked on the W-2? On the Dates, Eligibility and EEO screen, enter Y in the Pension Code field.

C.4 Special Handling

Special Handling Description
Why is the special handling information not appearing on my forms? Verify that you do not have dashes in the Federal A Corporate Tax ID, the Taxation Summary History table (F06136), or the Payroll Month PDBA Summary History table (F06146). If you do, remove all punctuation, and rerun both the Taxation History and Transaction History integrity reports.
Why does my system not add special handling amounts to state wages? If the DBA has F in its Tax Exempt window and no states are in the State/Local W-2 Additions window, the DBA does not add to state wages. Add the code *F to the Tax Exempt window, or specify states in the State/Local W-2 Additions window. Then run the workfile build again.
I have non-taxing states for which F records have been created. How can I prevent these from printing on the W-2 forms? Delete those records from the F06136 table, and run a full workfile build.

C.5 Third-Party Sick Pay

Third-Party Sick Pay Description
I have employees whose records were not converted into the software this year because they were on long-term disability. I now have to enter their third-party sick pay for W-2 reporting. How do I do this kind of entry? Add the employee records to the Employee Master table (F060116) and then enter the appropriate data on the Third Party Sick screen.

C.6 User Defined Codes

User Defined Codes Description
Why can I not change the Description 2 field on the 07/SC list? The values in this field are IRS-defined codes that do not match the GeoCodes that are used by the payroll tax calculation system made by Vertex.

C.7 Voiding a Check

Voiding a Check Description
How can I void a 2019 check before processing W-2 forms for 2019 if it is already 2020? To reflect the correct information on the W-2, use a 2020 pay period ending date and check date to process the check.

C.8 Workfile Build

Workfile Build Description
When I try to run the workfile build from the DREAM Writer list, the process aborts. Nothing on the job log indicates why. Run the workfile build from the Year-End Processing menu, not the DREAM Writer list.
My organization consists of two companies. I do not want to process both companies in the same workfile build. Do I need to run them separately? Yes. From the Build W-2/1099 Workfiles screen, choose Additional Parameters - Home Company (F5) to select each company.
Is the control number on the W-2 assigned automatically? Does the system assign a new control number each time that I rebuild the workfile? Yes. It is retrieved from the Next Numbers for system 07.
The amounts that print in Box 1 of my W-2 forms are double what my employees' federal wages should be. What am I doing wrong? Taxable wages automatically print in wage boxes on the W-2, so you should not add them in again.
I want to print my W-2 forms in state order. Can I do this? Yes. When you build the workfile, request one state and one locality per W-2.

C.9 Year-End Rollover

Year-End Rollover Description
I am having problems getting the available vacation beginning balances to roll over into the new year record. What am I doing wrong? The rollover table might not be attached to this DBA. For more information, see Entering Rollover Information for DBAs in the United States Payroll Year-End Processing Guide.
I ran the year-end rollover and now I need to issue an adjustment check for 2019. After I process the check, should I run the rollover again? Perhaps. If you are making adjustments to DBAs, you might need to run the rollover again (selecting just that employee) or you can manually adjust history.
If an employee has two history records for the same DBA (only the company is different), will both records roll over into 2019 with a prior year balance? Only the record for the employee's current home company is rolled over. This record contains combined beginning balance and prior year totals.
If I run the year-end rollover after a payroll for 2019, will the amounts be cleared out? No. The rollover just replaces the totals for the prior year and beginning balance, the number of periods, and the remaining balance.
Does a PDBA have to be an accrual to roll over? No. It can be a pay type, deduction, benefit, or accrual. You can specify which PDBAs to roll over in the data selection of the rollover version. For more information, see Entering Rollover Information for DBAs