Despite calls for Tax Code reform and simplification, the continuing onslaught of tax-related legislation means that the system will only grow more complex.
Hundreds of tax provisions have been added or modified in the past year, with the promise of more to come. Recently enacted legislation contains confusing limitations, phase-ins, phase-outs, expirations and extensions. As accountants know, this means a growing number of taxpayers will be turning to them for advice.
Meanwhile, preparer registration and e-filing mandates should help the profession as the number of illegitimate and fly-by-night preparers dwindles.
That changing regulatory landscape will prompt tax software publishers to continually hone and refine their offerings. As a result, the summer months present an opportunity for preparers to examine new software that might be a better fit for the next tax season, as nearly all major vendors are currently offering previews and tryouts.
The following manufacturers are featuring special summer tryouts and discounts.
CCH, A WOLTERS KLUWER BUSINESS
(800) 739-9998 / http://cchgroup.com
ProSystem fx Office Suite
Evaluation software is available for tryout for ProSystem fx Office products, including ProSystem fx Tax, Engagement, Practice, Fixed Assets, Trial Balance, and Planning. Order by visiting the Web site or calling the toll-free number.
CCH SMALL FIRM SERVICES
ATX
(800) 681-1751 / www.atxinc.com
Call for a free evaluation kit, including a demo CD with more than 10,000 federal, state and local tax forms and W-2/1099 and payroll reporting forms. The new Total Tax and Accounting package includes research, client write-up with payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable, a fixed asset manager and a document manager. The Scan&Fill program lets you export scanned client data directly to tax returns.
TaxWise
(800) 417-0286 / www.taxwise.com
Free evaluation kit supplies a demo version of Forms 1040, 1120, 1120S, 165, 1041, 706, 709 and 990, and state modules. TaxWise also offers promotional pricing for new users, early renewal discounts and discounts for multiple offices. The new suite of accounting products includes client write-up with payroll, and Scan&Fill.
DRAKE SOFTWARE
(866) 670-8478 / www.drakesoftware.com
Drake Software
Complete package includes individual, business, partnerships, corporations, e-file, bank, and all state software programs at no extra cost. Also included are: client write-up with MICR check encoding, online tax research tools, real-time Web reporting, appointment scheduler, preparer Web sites, document manager, and tax planner. For free demo, call toll-free number or visit Web site.
FILEYOURTAXES.COM
(805) 644-9398 / www.protaxpro.com
ProTaxPro
Free online software available for first-year users. Appropriate for tax professionals and service bureaus with flat or multi-level market structures. Includes e-filing and bank products. Sign up to use live software for free at www.protaxpro.com.
Greatland
(800) 968-1099 / www.greattaxpro.com
Great Tax
Great Tax tax preparation software is designed for individual and business tax preparers, with diverse packages and an intuitive interface. It offers quick conversions, an online e-file center, and more. Free demo, a working version of the 2009 Great Tax Software, is available at the Web site, or by calling the toll-free number.
HOWARDSOFT
(858) 454-0121 / www.howardsoft.com
Tax Preparer
A working program CD is available for free. Check the Web site for further promotions.
INTUIT
Lacerte Tax
(800) 765-7777 / www.lacertesoftware.com
Lacerte Tax Software is built to maximize productivity and streamline the most critical work for the year-round, multiple-person accounting firm. Free evaluation software is available at the Web site.
ProLine Tax Online
(888) 236-9501 / www.proline taxonline.com
ProLine Tax Online is a browser-based, cloud computing tax solution designed to provide an anytime/anywhere solution to tax pros. Free use of the application until you need to file or print is available on the Web site.
ProSeries Professional Edition
(800) 934-1040 / www.proseries.com
Built for professionals with a range of individual and/or business clients, ProSeries Professional provides fast and reliable preparation across a comprehensive set of tax forms and schedules. Request free 2009 evaluation software at the Web site.
ProSeries Basic Edition
Designed for entry-level and beginning tax preparers who primarily provide preparation of 1040 and individual state returns. Free evaluation software available at Web site.
ORANGE DOOR INC.
(650) 952-1773
www.orangedoorinc.com/contact.html
Orange Tax Suite Pro
Designed for the small-to-midsized firm with a completely hosted tax solution. Sign up on the Web site for a free demo account.
PETZ ENTERPRISES
(800) 345-4337 / www.petzent.com
CrossLink
Free demos available on CD or by downloading from Web site. Early renewal discounts available.
2ND STORY SOFTWARE
(800) 573-4287 / www.taxact.com
TaxAct
TaxAct Preparer's Edition includes features such as client organizers, calculators and analysis reports. Customers can download TaxAct 2009 Preparer's software for free.
TAXSIMPLE INC.
(800) 989-8955 www.taxsimple.com
TaxSimple
TaxSimple offers a free full working version of the 2009 tax year CD, including state and federal 1040s with over 2,000 forms, schedules and worksheets, and electronic filing for all 50 states, and programs for Forms 1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, 706, 709 and 990. A demo of the software is available on their Web site. A variety of special pricing and discounts for first-time users, early renewals and conversion discounts are available.
TAXWORKS
(800) 230-2322 www.taxworks.com
TaxWorks
Free demos on CD for federal and state Forms 1040, 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120S, 706, 709, 990 and 5500. Package includes free e-filing. Discounts for early renewals and for new users on selected packages.
THOMSON REUTERS
(800) 968-8900
http://cs.thomsonreuters.com
GoSystem Tax RS
The free 30-day Test Drive is available online and includes all features of this advanced tax compliance software. The Test Drive allows access for 100 users and enables you to produce 25 returns for all tax types and states.
UltraTax CS
The UltraTax CS trial package offers the complete 2009 UltraTax CS system at no charge for evaluation purposes. Early renewals are offered a discount, and specially priced new-user packages and a special new-user transition program are available. Also available via the Web site is a registration form for live webinars, a multi-media demo, and a series of informative product videos to assist with evaluation.
