Review of TaxWorks - 2011
TaxWorks provides good in-program assistance, with abundant right-click menu options for accessing directions, program Help and other resources, including online training videos, reference manuals, tutorials by entity type, and the vendor’s online support center, which has additional training videos and features including an online knowledgebase and access to the TaxWorks Institute. Live webinars are also available. More formal training options, including CPE-eligible in-person seminars, are available for an additional cost, but users can also connect with and learn from TaxWorks representatives at many tradeshows.
All company staff are U.S.-based, and free live and web-based support is included with all versions of the program. Tax season support hours are weekdays 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Mountain Time), Saturdays 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays in January and February from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The program can be set to automatically download updates or users can install them from the support website. The program is not offered in a web-based or hosted format, although hosting may be available from third-party application service providers. 4.5
Executive Summary & Pricing
TaxWorks is a great package for small firms with high-volume 1040s and an occasional need for business entities. The package includes good data import from outside accounting packages, provides a good collection of firm tools for document management, asset management and planning. The vendor also offers good support. All versions of the program can be networked and used by any number of preparers in the same office at no additional cost. Pricing is competitive, with the system starting at $1,595 for a 1040-only system with one state, unlimited e-filing included. A system combining all states, the primary entities (1040, 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120S), the tax planner and unlimited e-filing is $2,595. A per-return model is also available.
2011 Overall Rating 4.25
