Latest Articles

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October 10, 2014 

2014 Review of Drake Tax Planner

While most other tax software systems offer tax planning as a separate module, Drake has included Tax Planner as a free add-on to its main tax system, Drake Tax. Basic System Functions: 4 Stars Drake Tax is designed for individuals as well as small and medium sized businesses. As such, it may not meet all...…

Bill Kennedy

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October 10, 2014 

2014 Review of W-2 and 1099 Preparation Programs

By Steven Phelan, CPA.CITP As we approach the end of the year, many tasks are still ahead of accounting professionals. There are year-end tax planning situations to address, year-end accounting issues required to finalize financial statements and, of course, year-end reporting compliance for W-2s and 1099s. Although the rules have largely remained the same over...…

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October 10, 2014 

2014 Review of CCH ProSystem fx Planning

The ProSystem fx Suite from CCH offers integrated applications for tax and accounting firms. While CCH also has cloud-based solutions known as CCH Axcess, for now Planning is only a network or locally installed program which can import tax data from either ProSystem fx Tax or CCH Axcess Tax. However, plans can be created manually...…

Bill Kennedy

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October 10, 2014 

How Does the Marketplace Fairness Act Affect Use Taxes?

While almost everyone has heard of sales tax, many business owners are unaware that most states have a “use tax.” State laws treat sales and use tax as two separate taxes, but in reality they act in concert to complement each other.

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October 10, 2014 

2014 Review of Intuit EasyAcct Write-Up

EasyACCT Write-Up is an Intuit branded solution designed as a full-service write-up and payroll system. Though this solution extends beyond the typical year-end compliance reporting needs, the price point is such that many accounting professionals may benefit from the other features. Intuit also offers EasyACCT Write-Up as a scaled down W-2 and 1099 reporting only...…

Steven M. Phelan

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October 10, 2014 

2014 Review of American Riviera Software Corp – Magtax

Magtax is a year-end form compliance solution provided by American Riviera Software. Magtax is offered in two editions: Standard and Professional. Both offer similar functions, but this review will focus on the Professional edition. Basic System Functions – 4.75 Stars Magtax Professional comes with a five user license and provides for an unlimited number of...…

Steven M. Phelan

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October 10, 2014 

2014 Review of Tenenz – Laser Link

Laser Link is an easy to use year-end compliance reporting solution. Built around forms data entry screens, the system is easy to navigate and use. New for the current release is compatibility with Windows 8/8.1. Basic System Functions – 4.5 Stars Laser Link is a locally installed solution but is also capable for use in...…

Steven M. Phelan

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October 10, 2014 

2014 Review of Spokane Computer – MAG-FILER

MAG-FILER is a year-end tax compliance solution used to process W-2 and 1099 forms through paper and electronic filing. The software solution is an all-inclusive design without multiple modules to purchase or consider. Basic System Functions – 4.5 Stars MAG-FILER installs as a local machine program or on a network with multiple users. During the...…

Steven M. Phelan

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October 10, 2014 

2014 Review of EG Systems – W-2/1099 Filer

W-2/1099 Filer is a year-end form compliance software solution. New for the current release is an enhancement to the on-screen, prior year data view and additions to state electronic filing compliance. Basic System Functions – 4.75 Stars W-2/1099 Filer is installed on local machines, but can also be used in a multi-user, network environment for...…

Steven M. Phelan

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October 10, 2014 

2014 Review of Advanced Micro Solutions – 1099-Etc.

1099-Etc is a payroll software solution designed to prepare a variety of period-end, year-end and related state payroll forms. With available add-on modules, 1099-Etc supports after-the-fact and live payroll, electronic filing and other payroll related functions. Basic System Functions – 4.75 Stars 1099-Etc is a modular system that can be installed locally on machines, through...…

Steven M. Phelan