2012 Review of Thomson Reuters — GoSystem Tax RS

Thomson Reuters — GoSystem Tax RS
CS.ThomsonReuters.com
800-968-8900

From the May 2012 review of "advanced workflow" professional tax compliance programs.

BEST FIT
Firms requiring calculation power for complex business entity structures and support for entities processing multiple K-1s.

STRENGTHS

• Ability to handle the most complex tax return structures
• Wholly web-based solution that is accessible from nearly anywhere
• Nice features to aid new users in learning proper data entry and navigation

POTENTIAL LIMITATIONS

• Only accessible through Internet Explorer browser and not accessible via smartphone or tablet, or the Apple MacOS operating system.
• Data entry interface is more complicated than competitors

GoSystem Tax RS is the backbone of the Thomson Reuters Enterprise Suite product lineup which includes solutions to help large firms streamline their tax and accounting workflow. GoSystem Tax RS has strong calculation power built in to handle returns of nearly any complexity, business structure or number of shareholders and partners. Though marketed to larger firms, GoSystem Tax RS is a web-based product and is fully scalable to meet the needs of most small and mid-sized firms.

CORE PRODUCT FUNCTIONS/FEATURES - 5 Stars

GoSystem Tax RS is a complete tax preparation solution and can handle most complex calculations, including large corporation consolidations and tax equalization. GoSystem Tax RS is available only as a web-based solution. Due to the reliance on ActiveX technology, GoSystem Tax RS is only accessible through Internet Explorer version 7 or greater. No other browser is currently supported, so this is primarily a limitation for Apple Mac users.

Upon signing into the service, users may filter returns by return type, location, group, preparer and a number of other filters. Users may also grant multiple users access to the file prior to opening the return. Once a file is open, the bulk of navigation is done through a folder tree structure on the left side of the screen. Navigation and data entry is generally straightforward, but new users may feel the need to go through training courses to help speed up the learning process.

GoSystem Tax RS has the built-in capability to process all federal, state and local return filings. Enhancements have been made to the electronic filing modules and all return filings are now on the Modernized e-File platform with the IRS. Legacy electronic filing functions are still available for those that need them.

New for the current year release are improvements in the letter and filing instruction capabilities and print interface. Letters and filing instructions are now fully customizable and templates may be made and shared across the firm. Custom logos and graphics may be added as well as any optional paragraph narratives. The print interface now supports dual monitors and allows print preview refresh within the organizer. Additional scanned documents may also be incorporated with the return prior to printing a final copy.

GoSystem Tax RS provides a variety of help and diagnostic tools for users. In the forms view, users may double click on any field to navigate to the underlying data entry and calculations fields. Diagnostics are directly linked to underlying data as well allowing for quick navigation for any necessary data modifications.

Help is accessible from a drop down menu within each return as well as through the login home screen. Help is displayed as a traditional indexed solution and keyword searches may also be performed. New users may find the QuickTrack and QuickForm options of use while learning the software. These options provide buttons for users to click on that navigate them to the appropriate data entry screens. New users may also benefit from the master tutorial case studies. These case studies provide users a fact pattern and allow them to generate a return as they learn how to properly navigate and use GoSystem Tax RS.

INTEGRATION - 5 Stars