The timing of year-end tasks is described here:  https://support.na.sage.com/selfservice/viewdocument.do?noCount=true&externalId=21690&sliceId=1&noCount=true&isLoadPublishedVer=&docType=kc&docTypeID=DT_Article&stateId=60366&cmd=displayKC&dialogID=60364&ViewedDocsListHelper=com.kanisa.apps.common.BaseViewedDocsListHelperImpl

You have to install vs. 22.x before you process W-2's and 1099's.  So you should be able to close the year with vs. 20.x and then sometime in January install vs. 22.x to beat the deadline for W-2's and 1099's. 

However, we've never waited until January because if something goes wrong, the pressure of the deadlines would be worse than the disruption in December. It is your choice.  Hope this helps. 

I didn't see the updated 11/4 version of this, and I thought this part was left over from last year:

"Q: Do I need to install the year-end version before I print government forms for the year-end reporting?
A: You will need to upgrade to the 20.5 year-end release before printing the W-2.

You must download and update your taxes before printing checks for the new year on all versions."

Given the new datestamp, it looks like we're safe to stay on 20.5 with updates. That's VERY good news!

I think it is a mix of old and new instructions.  What I think it should say is that you need to update to vs. 22.x before you print your W-2's.  However, you can close the payroll year, and any other applications with vs. 20.x.  The update to vs. 22.x in December is mainly about government reporting requirements and so that is why you need it before you print W-2's and 1099's.  

It literally says you must upgrade to year-end 20.5 before printing W-2 - that's NOT 22.x. Thank you for the article link!

Yes, but it's dated October something.  I think it will change to vs. 22.x sometime in December once they know tax form requirements.  I've been using this software since 2000 and every year we've had to install an update because of the tax form changes.  If you look at: https://cdn.na.sage.com/Docs/en/customer/300cre/open/YEProcGovtFormsGuide-US.pdf it might help.  In one place (pg 12) they tell you to install the year-end update before you close the PR year.  In the table they say you need to install the year-end update before you print your forms.  It's always been you need to install it before you print the forms. 

Just follow up on the Timing of Year End Tasks to be sure you haven't been misled. 

Yes, but it's dated October something.  I think it will change to vs. 22.x sometime in December once they know tax form requirements.  I've been using this software since 2000 and every year we've had to install an update because of the tax form changes.  If you look at: https://cdn.na.sage.com/Docs/en/customer/300cre/open/YEProcGovtFormsGuide-US.pdf it might help.  In one place (pg 12) they tell you to install the year-end update before you close the PR year.  In the table they say you need to install the year-end update before you print your forms.  It's always been you need to install it before you print the forms. 

Just follow up on the Timing of Year End Tasks to be sure you haven't been misled. 

Then you surely remember when 14.x and 15.x were supported for year end, and 15.x and 16.x. This is highly disappointing that guidance from 10/27/22 changed on 11/15/22. 

Kind of sad an accounting software company can't keep their books straight!

Actually, this is not sad, it is VERY poor customer service.