CCH Small Firm Services —TaxWise Client Write-Up & ATX Client Write-Up

From the Nov. 2008 Review of Client Write-Up Systems

Both ATX and TaxWise, now operated by CCH through its Small Firm Services (SFS) division, are well-known for their comprehensive tax suites geared toward small to mid-sized tax-focused offices. In addition to accounting program options that now include payroll, trial balance, fixed asset management and a Client Checkbook tool, CCH SFS also offers a Client Write-Up system designed for ATX and TaxWise users, providing GL, trial balance, reconciliation, after-the-fact payroll, AP, AR and financial statement generation functions. The system costs $420 as a stand-alone that integrates with the user’s tax suite, with $336 renewals. An $89 training program is required for the initial licensing of the program. A bundled package that includes Client Write-Up and a live payroll system with all state tax tables is available for $825.

LEARNING CURVE & EASE OF USE - 4.5 Stars
Although branding and name elements are dependent upon which system is being used, the ATX and TaxWise Client Write-Up systems differ only in their integration with the two tax compliance programs, providing a well-designed interface that opens to the most recently used client files and offers primarily text link access to primary features such as checkwriting and reconciliation functions, posting journal entries, and generating financial statements. The main screen also provides pull-down menus across the top for additional access to various lists, after-the-fact payroll functions, data-entry activities, several summary Quick Look tools, reports and utilities.

Within the journal entry task window, Client Write-Up provides a spreadsheet view of the journal, with tabbed access to account setup functions, the check register, batch posting, review of financials and the ability to set recurring entries. Selection lists are available for choosing the source journal and period. Icons for research and a calculator are also offered. Navigation and data entry can be entirely keyboard based (heads down), with the system utilizing a centralized entry point for payroll and check data input. Client Write-Up also offers a Day Sheet Journal entry option for daily sales and cash deposits. Two entry formats are available for entering check information — the check register or single check format screen. Through the optional Client Checkbook add-on, professionals can allow clients to enter their own transaction information; add vendors, clients and employees; or perform other tasks, with the data directly importable into the write-up system. Additional import functions are also offered (see Integration/Import/Export section). CCH has recently added credit card reconciliation functions to the programs, as well.

Transaction amounts can be set to automatically distribute to appropriate GL accounts, with the system examining data in several ways, including journal and check entries, financial statements and in Charts of Accounts. Users can set up multi-year budgets. The built-in after-the-fact payroll functions automatically record employee and vendor information for reporting purposes, and include the ability to offer direct deposit. It also provides forms for federal, state and municipal compliance, including W-2s and 1099s.

REPORTING & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 4 Stars
In addition to customizable full financial sets, Client Write-Up offers a broad selection of additional reports, ranging from trial balance and GL, charts of accounts, journal registers, cash activity, budget reports, payroll options, and compliance output, with GAAP-compliant template-based formatting that can be tailored to specific client or institution needs, including customized placement of all elements. The program also offers Spanish language reporting for financial statements and charts of accounts.