Variance Options

Updated: 2024-10-08

Variance options allow you to customize when review messages appear when comparing the data in snapshots with the data in a tax return. Read the Snapshots and Variance help topic to learn more.

Adjust Thresholds and Fields that Trigger Variance

You can adjust the thresholds for triggering variance as well as the types of fields that can have variance:

1. To open Options from the Start screen, click Options in the blue bar on the left side. If you have a file open, go to the File menu, then click Options.
2. On the left side of the dialog box, expand the T1/TP1 (or any other module) section, then click on Variance to set the same options for all years. Or, expand Variance and click on a year to set different options for each year.
3. Set a minimum dollar amount or percentage that triggers variance messages.
4. Check the boxes to Include unused forms, text fields, or fields without line numbers.
5. Variance is detected on All fields by default, but you can choose to restrict it to Edit fields or Calculated fields instead.

Set Threshold for Calculation Change Messages

Under module options, you can set the dollar threshold that triggers calculation change messages:

1. To open Options from the Start screen, click Options in the blue bar on the left side. If you have a file open, go to the File menu, then click Options.
2. On the left side of the dialog box, expand the T1/TP1 (or any other module) section, then click on Variance to set the same options for all years. Or, expand Variance and click on a year to set different options for each year.
3. Change the value in the Calculation changes section.