Is TaxWise Good?

[Super Mom]

I'm a small preparer and have used ATX for years and like it good. TRX told me they were offering ATX this year for much less than CCH was charging me, so I was going to go with them. I didn't call in time and they are sold out of their ATX patents, so now I'm looking at possibly going with their Taxwise software. I will save about $300.00 to compensate for this year's learning curve and they say all of my ATX will rollover. My concern is whether this is good software, I have been very pleased with my ATX software and trust it to be thorough. I don't believe in relying completely on the software, we need to know how to do the returns on paper, but to be honest, in the heat of tax season, I need something that will check my returns and alert me of possible errors. The rep assured me that it is very good software and is used by the IRS--I don't know if that's good or not. Anyone out there have experience with this software? If so, I'd very much appreciate your time!

[geekgirldany]

I've been using Taxwise for over 10 years if not more. It is a very good forms based software. My renewal was going to be $1,300. This year though I have switched. The program to me had many bugs this year. Their support is not very good either. It eas a hard decision to change to Drake but I believe I have made the right decision.

I am also a small preparer around 150 customers. If you like ATX and have never had a problem with them, then the extra $300 might be worth it. I am not sure how Taxwise compares to ATX.

[AZ-Tax]

Leary of any tax software stating data from current tax software will transfer over

I would be very Leary of any tax software stating data from your current software will transfer over to the their software.

[ChEAr$]

Au contraire,

I would be very Leary of any tax software stating data from your current software will transfer over to the their software.

mon frere.

Such a bridge routine is standard for software providers, and forms a plus in persuading
people to make the switch.

[RLymanC]

Check TRX

they are a service center and furnish you with TaxWise (UTS) software and provide support for $300.00.

UTS TaxWise software is a good form based program and very user friendly.

[taxxcpa]

Conversion programs

I would be very Leary of any tax software stating data from your current software will transfer over to the their software.

They have conversion programs which will convert MOST of the information, but there are things that do not convert correctly. You will need to check depreciation and amortization conversions carefully.

Some things may not convert, but won't matter such as converting social security income for the year since next year will have different figures anyway.
Names, addresses, SSNs, Schedule C names and locations, etc. will probably convert OK. and the same kinds of forms that were on ATX will probably appear on the converted version in the new software.

[MLINDER42]

Taxwise

Do over 2200 returns in 2 locations with taxwise software very easy to use.Train about five new people every year in about one week with no problems.Converted about 200 returns from Pro Series with no problems.Customer service was terrible last year due to the buy out of Inttelitax and the learning curve for all the new preparers. They say it should be better this year.

[Lion]

Irs

TaxWise's largest customer is the IRS, and you know the simple returns that the IRS will do for free, low income, few forms/schedules. So, if that's your clientele and the type of clients you expect to attract in the future, give TaxWise a try. If you expect more complex returns, you might want to keep evaluating other software.

[oceanlovin'ea]

Taxwise????

I too got taken by TRX Alliance this year. I called and was told that I could try out both programs and pick the one I liked best. They even sent me a copy of ATX but the install code wouldn't work because they sold their allotment before I bought.

Now I am stuck with Taxwise. I have been sitting here trying to do a return in Taxwise and have going nuts. I have been using TaxslayerPro for about 8 years now. I really didn't have a problem with the program or the suport. Both are fine. But if I could save $500 a year on software, that would be great. I am a small home-based business.

So I am not used to a form based program and I don't think I like it. But I am trying it out. How did you learn the program? I wish there was a tutorial with the program that would walk you through a return.

Any one have any suggestions on learning this program?

Linda

[Possi]

you can call...

I too got taken by TRX Alliance this year. I called and was told that I could try out both programs and pick the one I liked best. They even sent me a copy of ATX but the install code wouldn't work because they sold their allotment before I bought.

Now I am stuck with Taxwise. I have been sitting here trying to do a return in Taxwise and have going nuts. I have been using TaxslayerPro for about 8 years now. I really didn't have a problem with the program or the suport. Both are fine. But if I could save $500 a year on software, that would be great. I am a small home-based business.

So I am not used to a form based program and I don't think I like it. But I am trying it out. How did you learn the program? I wish there was a tutorial with the program that would walk you through a return.

Any one have any suggestions on learning this program?

Linda

Linda, you can call me if you are still struggling. I have time tonight. 757-502-8289
~donna

[GRich0656]

I use Drake for my tax practice, which is like Tax Slayer in some ways. I also did taxes this past year for the VITA program, and they used Taxwise. If you will open the return in the interview mode, it will take you through a series of question and then put the forms it thinks you need in the list on the left of the form you are working on.

Just remember that in Taxwise, you think you can enter the data on the line where it goes, but the program makes you enter it on a link, which carries it to the line you are trying to imput. To me, it is a bit cumbersome compared to Drake, but I'm sure that those who do a lot of taxes with it know all the shortcuts and work arounds that I do not.

[Possi]

Taxwise for 10 yrs

I was glad to see in a prior note, that the customer service will be better next year. This year was not good for customer service, and the few little bugs in the system coupled with lousy service just about drove me to drink. (Turns out I drove myself to drink... there's a great little Mexican restaurant... oh, but I digress...)

This message board picked up the slack for their poor service this year. Thank Goodness. And I'm sure next year will be better.

I must qualify that by saying that ALL the other years with Taxwise were exceptionally good.

I thought about changing and tried Taxslayer and Drake, but I expect to do over 400 next year, and I work alone. I can't afford to be stumbling around a new program. I am really fast on Taxwise and it's paying off now that I'm established.

[Possi]

Right click =)

I use Drake for my tax practice, which is like Tax Slayer in some ways. I also did taxes this past year for the VITA program, and they used Taxwise. If you will open the return in the interview mode, it will take you through a series of question and then put the forms it thinks you need in the list on the left of the form you are working on.

Just remember that in Taxwise, you think you can enter the data on the line where it goes, but the program makes you enter it on a link, which carries it to the line you are trying to imput. To me, it is a bit cumbersome compared to Drake, but I'm sure that those who do a lot of taxes with it know all the shortcuts and work arounds that I do not.

The "trick" to Taxwise is to right click and link to worksheets from the line you are trying to use. I guess I've been using it so long, it comes easily. Just another reason not to change. They have me where they want me......

[Super Mom]

Thanks!

The "trick" to Taxwise is to right click and link to worksheets from the line you are trying to use. I guess I've been using it so long, it comes easily. Just another reason not to change. They have me where they want me......

Thanks I'll use this 'trick" and probably go with this software, going to try the demo first.

[Super Mom]

They have conversion programs which will convert MOST of the information, but there are things that do not convert correctly. You will need to check depreciation and amortization conversions carefully.

Some things may not convert, but won't matter such as converting social security income for the year since next year will have different figures anyway.
Names, addresses, SSNs, Schedule C names and locations, etc. will probably convert OK. and the same kinds of forms that were on ATX will probably appear on the converted version in the new software.

Thanks, if I decide to go with Taxwise, I'll be sure to make a note to check my depreciation and amortization--THANKS I wouldn't have known to check that and unless I noticed, who knows the problems it would cause!!!!!