Discussion:Thinking of Switching from Pro Series to Lacerte
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| I've now prepared 3 moderately easy returns on my Lacerte demo software. I like some features, but dislike (or am unfamiliar with) other features. One of the returns I did has Sch A unamortized points in Pro Series. I was surprised to find nothing in Lacerte to allow me to have Lacerte calculate that each year for me. Do I need to maintain a points amortization schedule outside of Lacerte or is there something I am missing?}} | I've now prepared 3 moderately easy returns on my Lacerte demo software. I like some features, but dislike (or am unfamiliar with) other features. One of the returns I did has Sch A unamortized points in Pro Series. I was surprised to find nothing in Lacerte to allow me to have Lacerte calculate that each year for me. Do I need to maintain a points amortization schedule outside of Lacerte or is there something I am missing?}} | ||
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| + | {{ForumReplyPost|UserID=OR Taxman|Date=21 November 2008|Text=JDugan, for points in LaCerte, I think what you are looking for is that you can enter the points into the depreciation schedule and then direct the amortization to Sch A. There are selections on the depreciation entry screen to do this. The amortization then appears on Sch A, Line 12.}} | ||
Revision as of 19:06, 21 November 2008
Discussion Forum Index --> Tax Questions --> Thinking of Switching from Pro Series to Lacerte
| 20 November 2008 | |
| I've been using Pro Series for about 15 years now, so I don't approach switching tax software lightly. I am interested in hearing from any preparers who have recently made this same switch. What did you like/hate? What features will I be giving up in Pro Series? How quickly did you make the changeover (i.e., how steep is the learning curve)? What are all the things I should be thinking of (but can't think of right now)? Having made the changeover, would you do it again? What were your primary reasons for wanting to change? Thanks. | |
Southparkcpa (talk|edits) said: | 21 November 2008 |
| JD
Out of curiosity, what is it you are seeking? I, Like you have used pro series for a LONG time. I have used Lacerte as well and it is better BUT... I have decided to stay as Pro Series does everything I need basically. It could be better on multi state but I do 300 plus returns of mostly higher end and it sort of "does it's job". I wish it linked to excel and imported excel sheets like Ultra tax and I would like to see better depreciation options but we don't get everything. Curious to hear your view point. | |
| 21 November 2008 | |
| I have used Lacerte for 20 years. However, I am disgusted with them at the moment.
Lacerte is not supporting the 64-bit Vista operating system. Unless you have older machines, you may not be able to switch to Lacerte. I just bought a new computer that will not run Lacerte. Oh, it will run 2007 and 2008 -- but they say that the math calculations may not be correct. On their website, they do say they don't support the Vista 64-bit operating system. I think Lacerte could have sent their users an email explaning that their software would not run on Vista 64-bit. Many tax preparers buy new computers in the late summer and fall to be ready for the tax season. Tbey send me email for lots of unimportant things but not something as important as their software does not run on Vista-64. I am now trying to buy another new computer with Vista 32-bit or get a machine configured with Windows XP. | |
| 21 November 2008 | |
| I think my primary objection to Pro Series is that all of its output is forms based. Rather than having 5 statements or worksheets printed on one page supporting 5 items in the return, Pro Series will have 1 statement spanning 5 pages supporting 1 item in the return. The silliest example I can give is when you enter the detail for charitable contributions and you enter more than 10 lines, the end result is a forms based Charitable Contributions Summary that has 10 lines, the 10th line reading "See Additional Cash Contributions Summary". So you have a schedule supporting a schedule.
I find myself being able to prepare returns quickly in Pro Series if I can start and complete the return in a brief period of time. But when I get a more complex return that is 80 or 90% complete in tax season and the remaining 10% cannot be completed until August, Sept or October, reviewing what is in the return is a pain. That is especially true with multiple K-1's, PAL's, etc. I've now prepared 3 moderately easy returns on my Lacerte demo software. I like some features, but dislike (or am unfamiliar with) other features. One of the returns I did has Sch A unamortized points in Pro Series. I was surprised to find nothing in Lacerte to allow me to have Lacerte calculate that each year for me. Do I need to maintain a points amortization schedule outside of Lacerte or is there something I am missing? | |
| 21 November 2008 | |
| JDugan, for points in LaCerte, I think what you are looking for is that you can enter the points into the depreciation schedule and then direct the amortization to Sch A. There are selections on the depreciation entry screen to do this. The amortization then appears on Sch A, Line 12. | |
