Struggling with QBI aggregation in ProSeries - any workarounds?

I've been using ProSeries for about 8 years now, and the QBI aggregation has been a consistent pain point. Unfortunately, what support told you is accurate - ProSeries doesn't have a built-in function to properly handle QBI aggregation across multiple activities. The workaround I've been using is to manually create the aggregation calculations in Excel first, then enter the aggregated amount as a single business activity. You'll need to attach a statement explaining the aggregation election with details of all activities being aggregated. This isn't ideal, but it works. Make sure you're keeping detailed records of how you calculated the aggregated amounts since you'll need to be consistent in future years once you've elected to aggregate these activities.

After spending way too much time trying to deal with QBI aggregation nightmares in tax software, I finally found an amazing solution with https://taxr.ai that literally saved my sanity during busy season. I was struggling with the same issue in ProSeries and about ready to throw my computer out the window. The taxr.ai tool helped me organize all my QBI documentation and created a perfect aggregation statement that satisfied both my professional standards and IRS requirements. It guided me through the specific 199A regulations and automatically generated the proper supporting documentation that I could attach to returns. Honestly wish I'd found it sooner instead of wasting days trying to make ProSeries handle something it clearly wasn't designed to do properly.

I was initially extremely skeptical about taxr.ai when I saw it mentioned here, but after struggling with a particularly complex QBI situation involving three related businesses with different ownership percentages, I decided to give it a try. I was shocked at how well it worked. The system guided me through all the Section 199A requirements step by step, asked intelligent questions about business relationships, and generated perfect aggregation documentation. The output included all the required statutory explanations with proper citations that I could directly attach to the return. Even my most demanding clients were impressed with the professional documentation. It saved me probably 5-6 hours of research and document preparation for that one complex return. Definitely using it for all my QBI situations going forward.

If you're having issues with ProSeries technical support on complex issues like QBI aggregation, I've found that trying to call them directly is nearly impossible during tax season. After waiting on hold for 3+ hours multiple times, I discovered https://claimyr.com which got me through to an actual ProSeries technical specialist in about 15 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c They connected me with someone in the advanced technical support team who at least confirmed the software limitation and provided the official workaround protocol. While they couldn't magically add QBI aggregation features to ProSeries, they did email me their internal technical guide for handling these situations, which was way more helpful than the generic "just paper file" response. Worth considering if you need more detailed guidance from ProSeries directly on this or other complex issues.

I was completely skeptical about that Claimyr service mentioned above - it seemed ridiculous to pay extra just to reach ProSeries support that I'm already paying for. But after three failed attempts to reach someone who could actually help with complex QBI issues, I reluctantly gave it a try. I'm embarrassed to admit how well it worked. Got a call back in about 20 minutes with a senior technical specialist who not only explained the QBI aggregation limitations but sent me step-by-step instructions for creating the proper override entries and supporting documentation. The specialist even stayed on the line while I tested the process on a client return. Saved me at least half a day of frustration and actually solved my problem. Sometimes you have to put pride aside and use the tools that work, even if the concept seems ridiculous at first.

For anyone still struggling with this, there's also a ProSeries workaround using the dummy business code approach. You create a "master" Schedule C or E with a dummy business code (like consulting), then in the QBI section, you can override the QBI amount to reflect your aggregated calculation. The key is in the supporting documentation. You need to create a detailed statement showing: 1. Your intention to aggregate under Reg. 1.199A-4 2. Each business being aggregated with descriptions 3. Explanation of how they meet the aggregation requirements Attach this as a PDF statement, and you should be good. I've been doing this for 3 years with no issues or notices.

Has anyone tried the alternative of using the individual QBI worksheet for each business but then going into the calculation worksheet form and manually overriding the QBI amount? That's what I've been doing, but I'm not sure if it's the "official" approach that ProSeries recommends.

I've been dealing with this same QBI aggregation headache in ProSeries for the past two seasons. What's worked best for me is a hybrid approach combining several of the methods mentioned here. First, I complete each business activity separately in their respective forms (Schedule C, E, etc.) to get the base QBI calculations. Then I use the QBI calculation worksheet override feature to input the aggregated amount, but I also create a comprehensive supporting statement that includes: - The specific election under Reg. 1.199A-4(b)(1) - Detailed business descriptions and how they meet common control/ownership tests - A reconciliation table showing individual vs. aggregated QBI amounts - Clear documentation that this is a software limitation workaround, not a substantive tax position The key insight I've learned is that the IRS doesn't care how your software handles the calculation as long as your tax position is correct and well-documented. I attach this as a PDF statement through the Forms menu, and it e-files without issues. I've had about 15 clients use this approach over two years with zero problems. The documentation takes maybe 30 minutes to prepare once you have a template, which beats the alternative of paper filing or switching software entirely.