Understanding Error 3F 42
Error 3F 42 arises when there's a conflict in how the identification issuing location is entered on the 3Fund bank application. The application requires you to specify either the state or the country that issued the identification document, depending on the type of ID presented. Entering information in both fields triggers the error.
The key is to understand which field (state or country) is appropriate based on the ID type.
The Root Cause: Conflicting Information
The Taxwise system is designed to validate the information you input, and Error 3F 42 is triggered when the system detects that both the "state" and "country" fields are populated for a single identification document. This usually happens because users incorrectly assume "US" should be entered in the country field even when a US-issued ID is provided.
Step-by-Step Solution
Follow these steps to resolve Error 3F 42 and ensure accurate completion of the 3Fund bank application:
Navigate to the 3Fund Bank Application: Access the relevant client's file within Taxwise and open the 3Fund bank application form.
Locate the Identification Section: Find the section where you entered the client's identification information (typically on Page 1 of the application).
Identify the ID Type: Determine the type of identification document the client provided (e.g., US Driver's License, US Passport, Foreign Passport, etc.).
Apply the Correct Data Entry Rule:
For U.S.-Issued IDs (US Driver's License, US State ID, Tribal ID, US Military ID):
Enter only the two-letter abbreviation for the state that issued the ID in the "State" field.
Ensure the "Country" field is BLANK. If "US" or any other entry exists in the country field, delete it.
For Foreign or Non-State IDs (US Passport, Foreign Driver's License, Foreign Passport, Mexican Consular Card, Green Card, Alien ID, Work Visa):
Enter only the country that issued the ID in the "Country" field.
Ensure the "State" field is BLANK.
Review and Correct: Carefully review the identification section to confirm that you've entered either the state or the country, but not both, based on the ID type.
Save and Re-validate: To confirm that Error 3F 42 has been resolved, save the corrected form and re-validate the return within Taxwise.
Examples to Illustrate
Scenario 1: Client provides a California Driver's License.
Correct Entry: State = "CA", Country = [Leave Blank]
Scenario 2: Client provides a Mexican Passport.
Correct Entry: State = [Leave Blank], Country = "Mexico"
Best Practices to Avoid Error 3F 42
Educate your staff: Ensure all tax preparers are thoroughly trained on the proper procedures for completing the 3Fund bank application, with specific emphasis on the ID entry rules.
Double-check entries: Implement a quality control step where a second preparer reviews the completed application before submission.