Review of W-2/1099 Software — 2005

Okay, now I know these companies talk a good game when it comes to importing
data from other accounting packages, ASCII text
files and spreadsheets. But is all that buzz really true? Well, I am here to
tell you that for many of the purveyors reviewed here, importing capabilities
and routines have been raised to the form of science and art.

So to whom does a stand-alone package appeal? Actually, the truth is that
a lot more practitioners and companies are attracted to them than you would
think. Why? For many good reasons. Software companies, whether they sell write-up
or a low- to high-end integrated accounting package, don’t support the
wealth of forms that are offered in the software reviewed here. Nor do our integrated
packages support automatic file checking for errors in those soon-to-be-uploaded
electronic files. Oh woe is he/she who has files rejected by IRS Martinsburg;
oh how we dread those returned submissions (files or diskettes) containing W-2
forms sent to SSA.

Personally, I mark my calendar at the end of January … to do everything
later. Sure, we have some “straggler” clients who don’t follow
(or heed) the “generally, should be filed by January 31” mantra.
But to be honest, it’s more than that. You see, I can’t exactly
remember which web site I have to file which file with, don’t know where
my PIN code or passwords are from last year, don’t recall which box has
copies of last year’s filings or manuals, and can’t remember when
my PIN codes expire. I do know that since I am filing all documents electronically,
I have some extra time in which to file — end of March or first week of
April. Heck, it’s all just a little overwhelming.

For many practitioners and companies, these “stand-alone, non-integrated”
programs that produce annual information compliance software are a true godsend.
It’s a marriage made beyond heaven. You see, many accountants are using
“orphaned” software. Just what is “orphaned software?”
Quite simply, it is software that is no longer supported by the company that
produced it (for any number of reasons) or it is software that is supported
but for which the user has made the decision to forego updates. The oft-heard
euphemism is this: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Yet with no
support within these native programs for annual information reports, these programs
are indeed broken. Broken, that is, were it not for the contingent of stand-alone
products that are faithfully made available to our would-be orphaned users.

Thus, we come full circle. The W-2/1099 programs reviewed here serve many
masters, needs and purposes. Let’s take a look, shall we? As stated, readers
will be impressed by the sheer power of many of the reviewed programs.
I know I certainly was.