Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional and Web Fill-In Forms

What is the difference between a traditional and a web fill-in form?

What are the software requirements for downloading traditional and web fill-in forms?

How do I find out which version of Adobe Acrobat Reader that I use?

When I click on a "traditional" or "web fill-in" link, the page goes blank. How can I obtain the form?

Why is the form displaying incorrectly on my screen (boxes are blacked out, small squares appear where text should be, etc.)?

The form displays fine on my screen. However, when printed, the form does not match what is on the screen (for instance; words run together, unexpected characters appear, etc.). Is there something wrong with the form?

Why can't I save the data I entered on web fill-in forms?

How can I download a PDF file directly to my hard drive and bypass the Acrobat Reader plug-in that normally displays the form in my web browser window?

I do not have a printer. How can I obtain forms?

Can I submit a copy of a form I received off the web? May I fax the form instead of mailing it?

What is the difference between a traditional and a web fill-in form?

To complete the traditional form, you must first print the form and then write or type the required information on the form. Web fill-in forms are completed by using your computer to enter the required information and print the completed form.

What are the software requirements for downloading traditional and web fill-in forms?

Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5 or higher is needed to download the forms. This free software can be obtained from Adobe's web site at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.

How do I find out which version of Adobe Acrobat Reader that I use?

Locate the Acrobat Reader program on your machine and open the program (you probably have an icon on your desktop for Acrobat Reader that you can double-click). Click on the "Help" menu item at the top of Acrobat Reader window. Select "About Acrobat Reader" from the menu options. A window will appear that displays the version (ex: Acrobat 5.1.0).

When I click on a "traditional" or "web fill-in" link, the page goes blank. How can I obtain the form?

This can usually be resolved by downloading the latest version of Adobe Reader. If you already have the latest version, you may want to attempt to reinstall it. If you still cannot download the form, using your mouse, right-click on the link for the form needed. Select "Save Target As" (if you are using a Netscape browser select "Save Link As" or "Save Link Target As" depending on the version you have). Save the form and then open it from that location.

Why is the form displaying incorrectly on my screen (boxes are blacked out, small squares appear where text should be, etc.)?

If the form doesn't display properly, download the latest version of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

The form displays fine on my screen. However, when printed, the form does not match what is on the screen (for instance; words run together, unexpected characters appear, etc.). Is there something wrong with the form?

It is not a problem with the form, but is most likely a printer issue. See Adobe's printer troubleshooting page.

Why can't I save the data I entered on web fill-in forms?

The Adobe Acrobat Reader software does not allow you to save your completed web fill-in form to disk. Forms designed with a particular software in conjunction with Reader will allow this process to happen, but due to our software limitations, we cannot provide this service.

How can I download a PDF file directly to my hard drive?

Right-click on the link for the form needed. Select "Save Target As" (if you are using a Netscape browser select "Save Link As" or "Save Link Target As" depending on the version you have). Save the form and then open it from that location.

I do not have a printer. How can I obtain forms?

Order forms online or call the forms line toll-free at 1-877-252-3052. Also check our list of electronic services to see if the form you need can be filed electronically.

Can I submit a copy of a form I received from the web? May I fax the form instead of mailing it?

The Department uses scanning equipment to process tax returns. Copies are not accepted because even minor skewing caused by copy machines result in the form not scanning properly. For the same reason, faxed forms cannot be scanned.