Suggestions for new software for next season

[Janitor Bob]

I have used ATX for longer than I can remember (1999 maybe). I only prepare about 200 returns each year as a part-time seasonal business out of my home. Many years ago, I purchased cheaper versions of ATX (1040 or 1040 Office) as anything more robust was just not cost effective. I am an accountant at a manufacturing company as my full time job. Seven years ago, my employer started using ATX MAX as their software....so I was able to go in with them. After this season, they have officially decided to NOT renew with ATX next year....in fact they are not going to purchase a software package at all because most of the returns I now prepare are sales and use tax returns for various states that can be done on-line from the state web sites at no charge. Our Corp return has and will continue to be done by an outside firm for various reasons.

This has me exploring options....and this season is making me more likely than ever to "jump ship".

I only need 1040, 4 states (OH, IN, CA, ND), and ability to e-file at least 200 Fed and 200 State returns....So IF I remain with ATX, I will just go with 1040 or 1040 Office instead of MAX

Are there other packages out there from other companies that are similar in content and price to ATX 1040 or 1040 Office?

Any recommendations?

[taxxcpa]

Drake and TaxAct are two that I've used. TaxAct for 1040s used to only cost $99 for the professional version, but I ended up with Drake for the last several years after leaving ATX since TaxAct did not have the Texas Franchise tax.

Drake updates much quicker than ATX did, and you can set it to update automatically.

Another feature that I recommend for ex-ATX users is to use the "forms-based" entry mode since, especially at first, you will have some difficulty in locating the right input screen.

You can get answers to most questions by posting them on the Drake forum, but if you can't, you get excellent service when you call Customer support.

Drake includes all state income tax forms. The only form I ever used with ATX that Drake didn't have was the California Sales tax forms.

With Drake, you also get an excellent payroll program with which you can e-file Forms 940, 941, 1099MISC, and W-2 forms.

The payroll program is called a "Client Write-up" program, but using it for bookkeeping is like making every entry as a general journal entry, so I use Peachtree for accounting.

After tax season ends, I believe Drake will still give you a free copy of its 2012 program to try it out.

[MN dhawk]

I'm not asking for a refund yet but I want to know my options.

I just spent an hour with a downloaded Drake 2011 full program and after getting over the initial entry confusion (it isn't like ATX) I found it to be quick and able. I managed to input 3 returns that included depreciation, foreign tax credit and AMT within about an hour and get to the same tax for both federal & MN as ATX calculated.

I also looked at Taxwise 2011 online sample but states were not available. ProSeries too will let you have the 2011 program.

Try them, see if anything fits.

[Guest Taxed]

I have been looking to jump ship as well. I found this link that was helpful for comparison. But as always demo it before giving out credit card info!

http://www.natptax.com/MemberCenter/MyMemberResources/Documents/Software%20Survey%20Results.pdf

[Jack from Ohio]

Jack from Ohio is making a prediction... "All those that jump ship for tax year 2012 will wish they had stayed by the end of the tax filing year.

[JohnH]

I'm probably going to be a test case for your prediction.

Incidentally, I wonder if CCH shares your confidence. I spoke with someone today who is evaluating software vendors and he told me they offered him a steep discount (roughly 33%)

[Jack from Ohio]

I have been waiting for this software rework for 4 years.

It is 2013. It is a high tech computerized world. High tech computers and software are NOT like buying a lawn mower. Tax laws, internet safety requirements, the massive number of different programs and "stuff" that people have on their computers, Anti-Virus and Internet Security Suites are all part of our everyday business lives and add complexities that change almost quarterly and it will be this way from now on.

If you are not computer tech savvy, you need to hire someone to help you either as needed, part time or full time to take care of all these things. Those who stay up to date and on top of things will be driving the bus, while the rest ride in the back.

Everything changes, and the sooner we embrace that fact and stop whining about it the better.

Rant over!!!!

[joanmcq]

Does anyone remember when ATX and Norton didn't play together at all? I had to disable Norton everytime I sent an efile or downloaded updates.

And then had the fun of scrubbing Norton off my system to put on a compatable antivirus. Ugh. Norton doesn't let go of a computer easily!