Why can't I add decimals in Acrobat?

[tonjun]

I'm trying to put down numbers for a tax return, but I can only use whole numbers. What gives?

Why can't I put down anything such as $100.59? Why does this have to the all whole numbers?

[Test Screen Name]

Check the rules of your tax office. The UK tax office wants only whole pounds, for example. The form you are using might be trying to protect you from putting info that would lead to the return being rejected...

[tonjun]

Hi, I don't think this would apply to me in Canada.

But I guess I should call tax Canada.

[jane-e]

Hi

The U.S. tax office also wants only whole dollars. The answer to your question, though, is because the creator of the form chose Zero for the number of decimal places. If the form is locked for editing, then the properties cannot be changed.

~ Jane

 

[tonjun]

Where do I find 'text field properties'?

The closest thing to that I found was 'preference'.

[Bernd Alheit]

You can't change the format of fields in Acrobat Reader.

[tonjun]

Well that sucks.

Is there a program I can use like pdf to send my tax return electronically?

I was thinking about getting Acrobat Pro, but what would be the point?

[jane-e]

Hi

You asked in the Acrobat forum, so we thought you were using Acrobat. In the free Reader, go to File > Properties > Security. Is it locked for editing? If it is, then Pro won't help.

In the Pro version, the way that you edit fields is to select the Forms tool and open Properties for the text field. See my earlier screen shot.

The first question to ask in your particular case, though, is why do you think you need the cents on your tax form? Since the creator of the form formatted the field not to include them, then I have to think that they don't want them. I have to confess that it took a few years for my accountant to beat this concept into my head, but you might ask Canada's new Charlie the Chatbot if this is worth pursuing before you spend too much time on it.

~ Jane

[tonjun]

I guess if your accountant is inisting using whole numbers is the correct way that would be alright.

I will call tax Canada about this.

I just think that being exact would make sense, but I guess I'll find out soon.

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

"I just think that being exact would make sense"

I agree wholeheartedly! My accountant does not and tells me every year that the IRS wants whole dollars only.

Cheers,

Jane

[tonjun]

Wow. I guess CRA also does accept whole numbers as well.

Cool with me I guess.

Thanks for your help Jane.

[jane-e]

You're welcome, Tonjun. 

~ Jane