Discussion:I want to buy Tax software TAXACT for professionals - any opinion please
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Kumarpushpinder (talk|edits) said: | 13 December 2005 |
| Hi Everyone I am new to the area and this is my first year as tax preparer. I have searched online that TAX ACT is least expensive and i have used its standard edition for just knowledge. i have never used any other software and do not know anything about other softwares. Please Suggest me regarding this which software will be best for starter professional.
Thanks PK | |
| 14 December 2005 | |
| TaxAct will give you the best bang for the buck... the only thing I couldn't do with it last year (on over 300 personal returns) was a 1031 exchange, but from the 2005 preview addition I see they have added that! | |
| 14 December 2005 | |
| Personally, having used both, I like TaxAct much better. | |
| 15 December 2005 | |
| PK
I have been preparing taxes for over 10 years. Professionally I have always used ProSeries. I'm not sure but I think TaxAct is put out by H&R Block. If this is their product...I wouldn't go anywhere near it. If you are doing relively simple returns with no efile, Turbo Tax has always been my choice. Just remember that whatever program you use...it doesn't have all the knowledge of a trained preparer. You must know the tax law in order to avoid errors. Just because the program accepts the information doesn't mean it is correct. I'm sure you have seen the complaints about ProSeries but all in all they are minor. Mostly stuff that we pros would like for our convenience. I have also found the people at ProSeries to be extremely helpful and they really do listen when we ask for changes in the program from year to year. If you are just building a client base ProSeries will tell you how many returns you will need to do to make their unlimited options cost effective. If you don't have that many clients consider Pay per Return. You get the full professional program to work with (which allows you to do any complexity of return) and you only pay for the returns you prepare and file electronically. It worked for me in the beginning of my career. Remember-you get what you pay for! | |
| 15 December 2005 | |
| Anuenue if your not sure you should find out before making claims. "TaxCut" is now marketed by H&R Block and I would agree it is not a good choice. However, TaxAct is by 2nd Story Computing and is a very capable program for a fraction of the cost of many other "professional" products. I have used many and will stand by TaxAct any day of the week! | |
Lsmith32935 (talk|edits) said: | 15 December 2005 |
| I too, have used taxcut and prefer it over turbotax, although it is good as well. For a professional package, I would think about ProSeries or Drake. | |
| 15 December 2005 | |
| Aharry:
Sorry to get your dander up but I did say "if this is their product" which you confirmed they do have their "stamp" on it...Anuenue | |
Gregg Gillaspy, CPA, CFP (talk|edits) said: | 2005-12-16 |
| Our firm has used Lacerte over the last 8 years, and it is definitely your higher end package. Before that, we used ProSeries. Since price is high on your consideration list I would tell you to check out the ProSeries Basic edition.
Once you start with a package and get to know it, most bean counters become creatures of habit and don't want change software. Therefore, don't necesarily shop on price alone. One thing to consider is your future. What do you anticipate your practice growing to in regards to number of clients, complexity, number of preparers, etc.? | |
| 17 December 2005 | |
| No Anuenue, you said you thought TaxACT (from 2nd Story) was TaxCUT from H&R BLock... they are not the same product and are not related in any way. I agreed that if TaxCUT was the product we were discussing (WHICH IT IS NOT) your opinion would be vaild, however since we are not and never were discusing H&R Block's TaxCUT you should not have clouded the issue by interjecting it into this thread. | |
| 17 December 2005 | |
| Never tried TAXACT. Have used LACERTE for the last 17 years and have loved it. It costs more than most of the other programs. I got what I paid for. | |
| 18 December 2005 | |
| I know that discussions about different tax software programs can sometimes be highly charged and emotional, but some of the posts on this discussion have bordered on personal attack. Let's remember that we're here to help each other and focus the discussions on the facts and refrain from negative personal comments. I think we can all learn from each other here, and I'd hate for anyone to not feel welcome on TaxAlmanac, including those who have participated in this discussion as well as those who have been silently following it.
Thank you, Tim Doyle, TaxAlmanac Moderator | |
| 18 December 2005 | |
| Tim, I agree and was not trying to get personal. I just feel misinformation is far worse than no information. | |
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