Advanced Micro Solutions — 1099-Etc A-T-F Payroll

From the Sept. 2010 Review of Payroll Systems

The 1099-Etc program and After-the-Fact/Live Payroll module from Advanced Micro Solutions (AMS) is, as its name implies, an after-the-fact payroll processing system designed for either professional accountants or business entities. The system also includes live payroll processing capabilities with direct deposit, but is generally geared toward managing in-house payrolls, multiple-payrolls for smaller entities, or quarterly and annual compliance reporting and payments. For this review, AMS’s A-T-F Payroll module fits the “Practitioner/Multiple Employer” type of payroll program, which means that tax and accounting professionals using the program manage all of the data-entry functions related to payroll and accruals management, including EFT setup, forms processing, forms mailings, checks, unemployment reporting and all other issues. It can also fit as a Direct Client Use system, with business owners able to use the program to manage payroll for multiple entities.

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

1099-Etc’s main interface provides simple navigation within a small window that offers links and icon menus for accessing core system areas for managing business entities, employees and reporting functions, along with system security and maintenance utilities. Add-on modules, which include A-T-F Payroll, laser forms generation, e-filing options and a forms package, are also available from the system’s main work screen. Basic system functions, such as adding and working with clients and their data, is intuitive, and copy functions allow the use of existing companies as templates to speed setup tasks. Tabbed screens are used for most employee information functions, grouping information into general, payroll parameters, status, optional information and a Memo section. While the system is not necessarily designed specifically for accounting professionals, it is geared toward managing payroll reporting and, with the payroll module, live processing for multiple business entities. Unlimited payroll processing and support for all pay frequencies is included with the program, although batch processing functions are not available for running multiple payrolls for multiple entities simultaneously.

The 1099-Etc system and payroll add-on can be networked and used by any number of firm staff on a single-user license, with the ability to manage up to 1,999 business entities with up to 9,999 total active and inactive employees/contractors each. While the system is capable of handling larger businesses, its “best fit” for live payroll is a practice serving 20 to 30 small businesses of up to 20 employees. For after-the-fact functions, it can fit the needs of practices managing both small as well as larger entities. The CD-based program is offered through a standard license, with the ability to add extra modules, as needed.

Reporting for employees with multiple states can be managed efficiently, and payroll tax tables and paper-based compliance reporting is included in the base program for federal and all 50 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. Electronic filing is offered as an add-on module. It also includes tax tables for New York City and Yonkers, and users can enter tax data for other localities as necessary. 1099-Etc supports salaried and hourly workers and tipped staff, and tracking of information using customizable fields. It also handles basic accruals management and tracks deductions. Direct deposit is available via ACH transactions or a third-party vendor, allowing up to four deposit accounts per employee. 4

REPORTING & MONITORING