Income Tax
2016 Review of Tenenz Laser Link
Laser-Link, from Tenenz, is an affordably priced year-end form processing and compliance solution. The product is designed as a stand-alone solution, and offers easy year-end compliance for accountants.
Oct. 23, 2016
Laser Link
Tenenz
Best Fit: Laser Link is an affordable compliance software product available on CD or in a more robust version for accountants that need to process year-end forms.
Product Strengths:
- Available in two versions – Laser Link (up to 25 free e-filings) and Laser Link XL, which offers unlimited free e-filings
- Affordable for firms of any size
- Product is easy to install and utilize
Potential Limitations:
- Very limited integration options available
Laser-Link, from Tenenz, is an affordably priced year-end form processing and compliance solution. The product is designed as a stand-alone solution, and offers easy year-end compliance for accountants.
From the 2016 review of W-2 and 1099 preparation and filing systems.
Basic System Functions – 4.5 Stars
Laser Link and Laser Link XL are easy to install, with the product typically installed on a local workstation, though it can be used in a network environment as well though not networkable. Laser Link supports forms such as W-2, W-2G, W-9, 1099 (MISC, DIV, R, INT, S, PATR), ACA (1094, 1095) and much more. E-filable forms include: 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-C, 1099-R, 1099-S, 1098, 1098-T and W-2. Laser Link XL is a more robust version of Laser Link and offers unlimited free e-filing capability.
Data entry in the product is easy, with data entry screens mirroring the form that is being processed. Data from previous years will automatically roll over into the most current version of the product, eliminating the need for additional data entry. Both products can support an unlimited number of companies, as well as unlimited employees and recipients.
Laser Link automatically scans all W-2’s for errors, and the included setup wizard helps guide new users through the system setup process. For additional security, Social Security numbers are partially masked on all 1099 recipient copies
Reporting – 4.5 Stars
Laser Link and Laser Link XL allow users to preview all processed forms on screen prior to printing. Mentioned earlier, both products support all common year-end compliance forms including W-2, 1099 MISC., 1099 R, 1099 INT, 1099 DIV, 1098, 1099S, 1098T, 1099B, 1099 PATR. 5498, W2-G, W3, 1096, and ACA forms 1094 and 1095. The product will print on both blank paper and pre-printed forms, and users can easily access system reports such as W-2 and 1099 Control Totals by Payer Type, with users able to export all reports to a PDF file if desired.
Both products contain the ability to electronically file all compliance forms, with 25 free form filings included in Laser Link, and unlimited filing available in Laser Link XL. There are also numerous resources provided by Tenenz for product users which include a file utility that offers access to both IRS and Social Security Administration website for easy file uploads.
Integration/Import/Export – 4 Stars
Laser Link offers data rollover capability, so data from previous years can be accessed in order to avoid duplicate data entry. A template is also included in the product that provides assistance in importing files from Microsoft Excel. The product can also import data from text files, but does not offer integration capability for third-party accounting applications.
Help/Support – 4.25 Stars
Laser Link offers users solid help functionality throughout the product. Users also have access to a Quick-Start guide that provides details on setup, system navigation, and data entry options. System updates are automatically downloaded and installed when the software is opened. System support is available online or by calling the toll-free number provided. The 2016 version of the product will not be available until October for purchase.
Summary & System Pricing
Laser Link is now available in two versions; the original Laser Link that handles up to free 25 e-filings, or Laser Link XL, which offers unlimited free e-filing capability and is better suited for larger firms with more forms to file. Laser Link is priced at $65.99, and Laser Link XL is $199.00. Neither product will be available for shipping until October of 2016. Tenenz also offers a variety of related forms for sale on their website that can be purchased along with the software.
2016 Overall Rating: 4.25 Stars