Discussion:Tax Act Software

It had some good features. Cons It does not have Michigan Cities It does not transfer all info from federal to state return

If you used the software what did you think of it?

Personally I didn't enjoy using it- I thought the workflow was poor and a lot of time is spent clicking through screens that seem unecessary. I think if you are just starting out and need lots of guidance then this is a good program.

I will be looking at Proseries and Taxwise for the 2010 season

Pete

I got samples of the software from all the major manufacturers last year and I didn't find anything I liked better, especially considering the price. Being a part time shop, I had to have something affordable and nothing else came close. Until I run upon something that I need to do that it will not let me, I will probably continue to use it.

Personally, the fact that it doesn't include Michigan Cities in it a big plus and yet another sing you should flee the State! :D

Michael

I like the interview part that makes it easy for my assistance to go thru the return. I review her work using the return screen. Did you use depreciation? or rental property SchE?

I also didn't like that you go through the error check at the end, but then there is another error check that comes up before e-filing. The second error check often caught items that the first missed.

Yes it is cheap but you get what you pay for. The pay per return option in Proseries looks enticing.

You might want to check out TRX tax alliance. They resell TaxWise software and for $299, you get a superior package that includes partnerships, individual and corporate returns PLUS unlimited efiles on the individuals. The $299 software is limited by the fact you can't handle efiles of corporate or partnership returns. If you really need that, they have an upgraded version.

The primary difference is that if you need technical support, you must deal with TRX reps. That has never really been a problem for me because I can figure out solutions to most any problem with these software programs.

TRX did offer ATX but they have sold out of their alloted offerings. I was told they are negotiating with Drake to offer their software but I'm guessing that fell through.

TaxWise took a little getting used to but was fine after about 10 returns. Some things must be looked at very clearly but it guides you to potential mistakes and areas you need to include information so that's good. The one area I hated at first was it's e-file system. It's a little goofy how it works in giving you response reports but once I got used to it, it's all good. Actually the efiling itself is quicker than most other programs.