2013 Review of IDMS, Inc. – Account Ability Tax Form Preparation

Account Ability by IDMS is a year-end compliance and ATF payroll solution. The software supports multiple clients and the most commonly processed forms, as well as importing from Excel or other formatted text files and TIN matching. Users can file forms electronically and either self-print on plain or pre-printed forms or outsource printing through the vendor’s printing and mailing services.

Basic System Functions – 4.75 Stars
Account Ability is an on-premise solution that can be installed on workstations or network servers with support for unlimited users. Users can sort through clients, view active forms associated with each client and create notes for each client. FICA wages and withholding amounts are automatically calculated on the W-2 forms and data entry is automatically replicated in the appropriate fields on subsequent forms.

Users can import spreadsheets and text files, file electronically with the IRS and SSA and verify TINs before printing and submitting. Account Ability can also generate several error reports and password-protect exported PDFs. In addition, the solution will process corrected returns and verify clients’ USPS address.

Reporting – 4.75 Stars
Account Ability supports unlimited clients with unlimited recipients. Users can e-file with the IRS and SSA for all 1098 and 1099 forms, W-2, W-2G, 3921, 3922, 5498, 941, 943 and 944 forms. The solution also supports compliance for Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas Islands. Users can generate state and local wage and withholding reports, client activity reports and register listing.

Reports can be generated for forms with missing TINs, federal and state exceptions and TIN matching errors. Social security numbers can also be truncated on returns. Users can enable password protection at the client level and save forms as PDFs. Forms can also be printed on plain paper or pre-printed forms. Account Ability also supports printing continuous forms on dot matrix printers and IDMS offers print and mailing services. Users can select which forms are sent to which clients.

Import/Export Capabilities – 4.5 Stars
Data from Excel and text files can be imported directly into Account Ability. Users can also import the previous year’s data into the program. Account Ability also exports data to Excel, mail-merge applications and PDFs. Account Ability doesn’t have any integrated billing and invoicing capabilities.

Help/Support – 5 Stars
Users of Account Ability have several help options, including a built-in guide, several user manuals and links to several IDMS support pages and IRS forms. An interactive html document provides comprehensive help topics. In addition, Account Ability offers 24/7 email support, remote desktop support and toll-free live telephone support during normal business hours. Software updates can be downloaded from the website.

Summary & Pricing
Account Ability electronic year-end filing for multiple businesses, as well as comprehensive printing and mailing services. Licensing for Account Ability starts at $219.95, and each concurrent user license costs $35.

Best Fit: Firms managing year-end compliance and ATF payroll for multiple mid- to large-sized businesses

What’s New:

Recording of passwords and PINs
Ability to create notes from any screen
“Windows Calculator” integrated Account Ability
Ability to lock client returns
Ability to mark clients as inactive
Updated forms 1099-B, 1099-K and 1098-C

Strengths:

Complete print and mail services available
Comprehensive reports
Built-in document management feature

Potential Limitations:

Built-in billing and invoicing features not available

2013 Overall Rating: 4.75 Stars