2011 Review of FormMagic, Inc. — Tax-Mate 1099

FormMagic, Inc. — Tax-Mate 1099
888-746-0440
www.FormMagic.com 

From the Oct. 2011 Review of W-2 & 1099 Compliance Systems.

Best Fit: Accounting firms with large client bases, with varied import/integration needs.

Strengths:

• Strong multi-client management tools.
• Multi-user level security.
• Multiple data entry options.
• Built-in diagnostics.

Potential Limitations:

• Limited local forms.
• Lacks client billing/invoicing center.

The Tax-Mate 1099 system from FormMagic offers print and electronic filing of year-end information returns and forms, including W-2s and all 1099s, with the ability to mask recipient SSN/TIN numbers. The program is available for both Mac OS and Windows. It prints to plain or preprinted paper with excellent batch printing options, and has data import and label creation functions. Tax-Mate 1099 is available in four versions. This review focuses on the most comprehensive Advisor version. FormMagic also offers systems designed for 1042 compliance, medical reimbursement management and SEC reporting.

Basic System Functions  (4.75 Stars)

The different versions of Tax-Mate are designed toward different types of users, with the basic print-only option suited for small businesses, and the advanced Advisor system providing a full-service option for tax and accounting firms managing compliance for multiple clients. It can support any number of EIN payers with unlimited form recipients, and can be used by any number of concurrent staff, although no file lock-out options are included, and system security features enable only top-level password protection.

The full Tax-Mate system can be downloaded and installed in a few minutes. Company data setup is very simple, and the comfortable interface providing an on-screen user guide that steps new or infrequent users through common tasks. The home screen displays links to all forms supported by the program, along with the total number of recipients for each of the forms for the currently selected client. A list of payers is also present, along with basic company information. Selecting a form type brings up the most recently completed recipient or a new blank data-entry screen for the form, with a tabbed interface that divides data entry into payer information, recipient data, amounts and a form view. Payer data is automatically populated, and amounts are automatically routed to the relevant W-3 or 1096, if necessary.

An exceptional alternate view is available that shows a spreadsheet view of all forms of a particular type, for all clients or a single payer, with data shown for all fields and totals running across the bottom of the screen. This allows users to quickly see totals for 1099-MISC box three, for instance, or any other field. The system also includes good built-in search functions, as well as simplified printing functions. It is available for installation on computers running Windows, Mac OS and Windows servers, but is not offered as a SaaS or hosted model.

Reporting  (4.25 Stars)

Tax-Mate has built-in links to the IRS Fire and SSA BSA electronic filing systems, enabling unlimited e-filing or returns and multi-state capabilities. The Advisor version of the system includes support for all 1099 and 1098 forms, in addition to W-2, W-2G, 5498, and printable forms W-3 and 1096, which aren’t submitted when e-filing, but can be used as a summary report. Multi-state W-2 recipients are also supported using the federal e-filing piggyback system, but individual state and local forms are not included. Forms can be previewed on screen prior to printing, and users can specifically select which form copies to generate. Tax-Mate includes a diagnostics system that verifies TINs and checks for errors in FICA withholding and other areas.