Using MS-Word for data entry on pre-printed forms

[Suresh Menon]

Its Tax time and I am filling out the IRS 1040`s and I downloaded the 1040
PDF. Now I am up to the task I almost hate. Manually filling in the forms.
Either I can write legibly (requires a lot of patience) or I can use my old
typewriter (Of course I can purchase the Tax Software, but assume I don`t
want to spend). Well this applies to filling out any forms - like applying
for a State/Fed job - I need to fill out the 7 to 9 page form after printing
the PDF.
What I was thinking is a way to get these PDF files as a background in
MS-Word and filling the forms by aligning my information (It may sound
tedious - but I can get used to that). Finally I can print just my answers on
the preprinted PDF without printing the background. It would look perfect if
the aligning is done right.
Is this possible?
Thanks for your time.

 

[Charles Kenyon]

If you have purchased a scanner recently, chances are it has software for
filling out forms.

Word is not designed for this. While you _can_ do it, you will be spending
an inordinate amount of time setting the form up.
--
Charles Kenyon

Word New User FAQ & Web Directory: http://addbalance.com/word

Intermediate User's Guide to Microsoft Word (supplemented version of
Microsoft's Legal Users' Guide) http://addbalance.com/usersguide

See also the MVP FAQ: http://www.mvps.org/word which is awesome!
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from my ignorance and your wisdom.

 

[Daiya Mitchell]

The IRS produces forms that you can type into with Adobe Reader, and print
out, I'm pretty sure (haven't tested lately, but I think they name them
"fillable"). You just can't stop in the middle and save, so I generally do
a draft version on paper, then type it in.

*Word not needed.* Scuse me, I just tested and can confirm. They are still
fillable forms, just click and type, and this time I got a message that the
IRS had used features that does allow people to save and re-continue (this
is in Adobe Reader 6.0.2 on a Mac).

This is about the one kind that makes me think kindly of the IRS. Gotta tell
you, it's been this way for years. My handwriting is also a hassle.