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Drake Software User’s ManualE-filing a ReturnA “D” ack occurs if a submitted return is a duplicate of a previously filed return orDCN. Check the EF database to see if the return has been transmitted more than once.If the return has been accepted during a prior transmission, there is no need to re-transmit._NOTE“D” acks could be caused by transmitting from multiple computersfrom a peer-to-peer network (no dedicated server), or if DCNs arenot sufficiently staggered. (See “Staggering DCNs,” following.)StaggeringDCNsEach computer assigns a Document Control Number (DCN) to every calculatedreturn. Every return created after the first return is assigned a DCN in sequential order,starting with 01001 (01001, 01002, 01003, etc.). If an office is not networked and usesmultiple workstations for data entry, each workstation must adjust its DCN counter.IMPORTANTStagger the starting DCNs before creating 2008 returns.To stagger the DCNs, complete the following steps on each workstation:1. From the Home window, go to Setup > Firm(s).2. Double-click the firm, or select it and click Edit Firm. The bottom half of FirmSetup becomes active.3. Change the DCN Serial Number (Figure 7-4). Drake suggests choosing startingDCNs that are at least 2,000 numbers apart.Figure 7-4: DCN Serial Number field in Firm Setup4. Click Save to save changes or click Cancel to exit without saving changes.Depending on the amount chosen to stagger the numbers, each workstation now producesDCNs based on a different starting number. For example, if you chose to staggerby 2,000 with the first computer starting at 01000, the second computer would start at03000, the third at 05000, and so on. In this case, each computer can process 2,000returns before duplicating a DCN.IMPORTANTBe careful if changing DCNs after tax season begins and returnshave already been transmitted. If DCN staggering is doneimproperly, returns might be processed with duplicate DCNs,causing e-filing rejections.Changing aDCNWhen a return receives an IRS rejection because the same DCN was assigned to morethan one taxpayer, the DCN must be changed before you can re-transmit the return.Tax Year 2008 187