Franchise Tax Board

Paperless Schedules K-1 (565 or 568) TestWare Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is K-1 TestWare?
  2. What is the K-1 Verify program?
  3. What is the K-1 Convert program?
  4. How does the K-1 TestWare work?
  5. What is the benefit of using K-1 TestWare?
  6. If I use the K-1 TestWare, do I still need to submit a test file to FTB?
  7. How many records can K-1 Verify edit?
  8. For what taxable years is K-1 TestWare available?
  9. Can I use the K-1 TestWare programs to verify calculations?
  10. Can I maintain the partnership and limited liability company Schedule K-1 data in a spreadsheet format?
  11. What are acceptable delimiters?
  12. Will K-1 Convert validate field information?
  13. To submit error free files, can I use only K-1 Convert?
  1. What is K-1 TestWare?

    K-1 TestWare includes two programs, K-1 Verify and K-1 Convert that you use to produce error free Schedule K-1 (565 or 568) files.

  2. What is the K-1 Verify program?

    K-1 Verify edits header, detail, and trailer records to ensure the fields are the correct length and position we require. See FTB Pub. 1062 for record layout information.

  3. What is the K-1 Convert program?

    K-1 Convert converts your file(s) from a delimited format to a standard fixed length format, that K-1 Verify requires. You don't need to use K-1 Convert if you're already using a fixed length format. Just use K-1 Verify to edit your field data.

  4. How does the K-1 TestWare work?

    Here's how easy it is to use:

    • Download K-1 TestWare into your PC.
    • Open File manager / Explorer.
    • Open the "readme" file for instructions.
    • Drag and drop your K-1 file onto K-1 Convert.exe or K-1 Verify.exe. The results are viewable in moments.
    • Read the report on your screen or print it.

    We include complete instructions in the "readme" file that downloads as part of the K-1 TestWare.

  5. What is the benefit of using K-1 TestWare?

    It saves you time. Using the K-1 TestWare ensures your files will pass our mainframe edit the first time, eliminating the back and forth process that occurs when you are required to resubmit rejected files.

  6. If I use the K-1 TestWare, do I still need to submit a test file to FTB?

    No. When your files pass the K-1 Verify edit program, they will also pass our magnetic media mainframe edit program.

  7. How many records can K-1 Verify edit?

    There is no limit. K-1 Verify displays all the errors for the records in your file.

  8. For what taxable years is K-1 TestWare available?

    K-1 TestWare is available for taxable years 2006 and 2007.

  9. Can I use the K-1 TestWare programs to verify calculations?

    No. The K-1 TestWare programs include data integrity edits only; they do not perform calculations of any kind.

  10. Can I maintain the partnership or limited liability company Schedule K-1 data in a spreadsheet format?

    Yes. Use K-1 Convert to convert your spreadsheet files from a delimited format to the format K-1 Verify requires. Then you can use K-1 Verify.

  11. What are acceptable delimiters?

    Comma, tab, and most punctuation. End each record with a new line control character.

  12. Will K-1 Convert validate field information?

    No. K-1 Convert only converts your files to the fixed length format K-1 Verify requires. You must validate field information by using K-1 Verify. Of course if you're already using a fixed length format, you won't need to use K-1 Convert first.

  13. To submit error free files, can I use only K-1 Convert?

    No. You must test your files using K-1 Verify. It's the K-1 Verify program that actually does the pre-edit check, allowing you to send error-free files. Only use K-1 Convert if you need to convert your files to a standard fixed length format.