Advanced Micro Solutions - 1099-Etc

1099-Etc is a tax and information return compliance package from Advanced Micro Solutions that supports all versions of form 1099, forms W-2, W-2C, W-2G, and also prepares 940, 941, 943, 940EZ, W-3, W-3C, 1042, 1096, 1098, 5498, 5498-MSA, and most state quarterly forms through a payroll feature.

The base W-2/1099 program costs $65 and is available with several add-on modules, including an ATF payroll program and a magnetic filing option for $95 each, as well as a laser generation module for $65 and an additional forms package for $35.

Usability/Navigation – 4.5 Stars
All of the modules within 1099-Etc are accessible from a common interface that is less than screen-sized at common resolution, and is not re-sizable. This felt a little peculiar at first, but did not hamper usability of the program. The interface uses a very basic layout with pull-down menus across the top for accessing modules, working with payer/client information, selecting forms and other options. The bulk of the default screen shows the current payer, directory, printer and active form information. When within a client’s data, which is stored in individual directories for each payer, users enter basic information via generic data-entry fields. The program can support up to 1,999 payers. More detailed data entry is performed on exact duplicates of the actual form, with payer data automatically populated on the form, but can be edited on the form if desired.

Movement between form lines can be performed using the mouse or Tab and Enter keys. The Tab key moves sequential from top-left to bottom-right (like a book), while the Enter key moves to the next “logical” field. The form screens include pull-down menus across the top for printing, utilities, transferring data to related forms (such as from W-2 to W-3) and other system functions, while the bottom of the screen includes functions specific to that record, including calculating fields, selecting a different payee, or adding new ones. Options for reallocating taxes and FICA withholding are also available. The program can also check field data and warn of possible problems. 1099-Etc includes the ability to set up templates, which can be used to automatically complete form lines for common data shared by payers or employees, such as city/state.

The program allows printing on pre-printed forms, as well as printing to blank paper with the addition of the laser generation module. 1099-Etc can print forms individually or in batch, and also includes client letters, recipient list reports and mailing labels.

Reporting & Import/Export Capabilities – 4.5 Stars
1099-Etc is able to import text files from worksheets and traditional text formats, and can import data from Quicken and QuickBooks. Because the various modules operate using the same client directories and interface, it seam- lessly shares client and payee data between the payroll function and W-2/1099 application. The program can export to text files, and it can produce a one-line summary report, worksheet reports and hash totals of SSNs and TINs.

Support for Paperless Transmission – 4 Stars
1099-Etc’s Magnetic Media Filing option produces files for filing 1099 and W-2 forms with the SSA and IRS, guiding users through data entry and then transmission of the information via diskette or electronic upload. Also included is a new feature to electronically file forms with the SSA/IRS, but it does not yet support filing to states. The E-Filer system is a pay-per-return system that can also be used as a service bureau, with the option to outsource the printing and mailing of recipient forms.

Help/Training – 4 Stars
Included in 1099-Etc is a strong Help utility that provides menu-, context- and line-specific assistance during data entry. While built around traditional Windows help systems, it also uses screen shots in the utility, which makes understanding the help a little easier. The company offers a searchable online FAQ, downloadable product updates, an online help community via eHelp.com and e-mail-based assistance.

Relative Value – 4.5 Stars
When you add up the modules that you’ll almost definitely need, 1099-Etc still stays on the inexpensive side. With the base module and magnetic media and laser printing options, the cost is about $225. The program offers good functionality with excellent form-based data entry and generally easy navigation. The program is best suited toward small firms or small companies for use in-house.

2004 OVERALL RATING: 4.5

For this review section, we scored
the reviewed products on the following:

Usability/Navigation, which covers ease-of-use; number of clients and form recipients; primary navigation tools; and general operation of the program, including data entry.

Reporting & Import/Export Capabilities focuses on managerial tasks, printing functions and data transfer between the program
and spreadsheets and other applications
such as payroll and AP modules.

Support for Paperless Transmission. With increasing state and federal requirements for magnetic or electronic transmission of W-2s and 1099s, as well as the cost and timesaving benefits of minimizing printing, we considered the capabilities of these programs to perform paperless transmission of year-end returns.

Help/Training looks at built-in help utilities such as right-click menus and tutorials,
external help tools such as online
support centers and functionality,
as well as productivity tools and
training options.

Relative Value provides the reviewer’s subjective opinion of what the user gets for the price. There is some variance in the pricing of the programs in this review, but it is not very wide. Value, of course, is not exclusively related to cost. However, sometimes the best deal is not the cheapest, and sometimes the most expensive option does not provide the best function.

The Overall Rating represents a comprehensive view of how a product scored in the above
categories, and is the average of
those scores rounded to the nearest
half-star.