2013 Review of Intuit Tax Import for Lacerte and ProSeries

As a part of the digital workpaper process, Tax Import extracts client data from most common IRS forms, as well as from consolidated brokerage statements, including stock sales. This data can then be imported into a client’s return in Lacerte or ProSeries. As noted previously, the Direct Download feature allows for secure downloading of client information directly from two dozen financial institutions, with client authorization.

To help ensure data accuracy, the system includes a Pre-Import Review function that lets users verify and edit the data scanned in during OCR processing. A side-by-side screen shows the data alongside the scanned source document. The Pre-Import Review also lets the user select the specific form and issuer from proforma information from the prior year if the program is unable to match it up automatically, eliminating the possibility of duplicates being created in the program. Additionally, within both the Lacerte and ProSeries tax systems, input fields show imported text in green, making it easy to spot and verify.

Integration: 4.5 Stars

Tax Import only offers direct integration with Lacerte and ProSeries, and their respective document management systems. The Direct Download financial institution feature is also well integrated, and allows users to securely e-mail clients directly from the tax program in order to request secure authorization.

Help/Support/Training: 4.25 Stars

Since Tax Import is directly built into the tax programs, help functions are accessed through those systems. Intuit’s online Resource Center includes FAQs, how-tos, short videos, user documentation and an online user community. Live support is included with the tax programs.

Summary & Pricing

Tax Import provides good PDF workpaper generation and has the fasted reported turn-around times for completed documents. The Direct Download feature also has good potential for saving firms time, by speeding up the time it takes to get client documents.

Pricing is based on the number of client returns the system is used for. For Lacerte users, pricing for up to 25 returns is $199 (about $8 per return). Up to 50 returns is $399; 150 returns is $999; and an unlimited use license is $1,499. For ProSeries users, pricing is: $149 for 25 returns; $299 for 50 returns; $499 for 100 returns and $999 for unlimited returns.

2013 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars