Tax Exact Pro - Round #2

[MAJ]

Okay - As stated the downloaded software is a work in progress.
The software will remain Tax Exact Pro - There's another high end software coming down the road as well. I'll keep that to a separate post.

In the mean time. Tax Exact Pro will transition over time from its current Java based application to a .NET 4.x version. A release will be available on or about July 1st which will contain the updated forms and features scheduled for release with the product. Over the next year or two additional features will be added. I am in talks with the Product Manager and will see what else I can discover..

I think a good part of the value of course is in the cost. For the smaller offices like myself it's valuable. It it contains some good quality features and management abilities it further adds value.

[MilTaxEA]

Out of curiosity, how do you know so much about TaxExact Pro? I downloaded the demo and read about it on their site, but I'm not seeing all the details that you are talking about.

[MAJ]

Cards on the Table?

As my post above states, and, as a TRX customer for the past few years I have made a few phone calls.. In these ventures I was introduced to the product manager for the new product. Shyness is not my weakness. As an IT Professional and Tax Preparer I can relate to both sides of the business (Programming and Tax Preparation). That said, we've struck up a few conversations. I do not work for them in any way - I'm just a guy who likes to know what's going on around me - so I ask questions so I can make better informed decisions. I hope!! 8-)

Out of curiosity, how do you know so much about TaxExact Pro? I downloaded the demo and read about it on their site, but I'm not seeing all the details that you are talking about.

[Roberts]

I purchased Tax Exact Pro several years ago to see what it was about. They said they offered a reasonably priced product and I bought it on a whim to test out. It was useless. The software had serious problems even installing on my computer, updates failed to load and even though they PROMISED to provide support to all 50 states, they failed to provide ANYTHING for the state where I work. They ignored my emails and phone calls for weeks and when I got through finally they refused to refund me the money I paid. If you promise a product, fail to deliver and then refuse to refund, that's stealing.

I've used their TW and then Works product the last 2 years and have already paid for next year. I didn't realize they were involved with Tax Exact so that's likely the last dollar they will ever receive from me.

[MAJ]

TaxExact Pro

I will do my due dilegence on finding out the details. I do believe TaxExact Pro stopped selling in 2006 (guessing from current download). I do NOT believe they are the same people. They purchased two things (From what i was told). The Business Management software last year or the year before and then the RIGHTS to Tax Exact Pro this year.

I will be dropping off here and sending an email to the product manager for some details on the origin of Tax Exact Pro. I'll also do some Google'ing...

I, no more than anyone else can afford bad times with my clients. What I find positive about this is that they have been very responsive to me and at one point one of the owners got on the phone with me and spoke with me. We had a nice talk for more than 20 minutes and discussed topics from the Tax Products to Technology (my field).

I had expressed concerns that they were yet again switching to ANOTHER Vendor to 3rd party and i was NOT happy with their tech support this year (Cards on the table). I pointed out some of my concerns from a software and support point of view. I was then asked if I would talk to someone else - and was called by their product manager for Tax Exact Pro and we discussed additional items.

It's their desire to be responsive. I had thrown out some suggestions from what "I" would like to see in various areas. We bantered some more. By the time we were done I not only had a MUCH better feeling, but I also renewed. Did they win? I don't think so - I am banking on - I DID!

They will be releasing a new demo version which will be close to the end product around July 1st. This will have all the new forms and many of the features that will be available.

I too used to use TaxAct before TRX. While decently priced it cost $500 for e-file alone. By the time i was done I was paying $700 for the software. Again. Decent by many standards. For $299 I have been able to grow my business. I can install on multiple computers (TaxAct did not offer that at the time - they do now). I too used Parsons prior to TaxAct. I also used TaxCut before that - and who knows what else.

However, the very first tax program on a computer that I used was in 1980 on an Apple //e. I wrote it in Basic - Just the main form and scheduule A. NJ as well in basic form. Much more complicated these days (ok - so I'm not 15 1/2). But I've been around the corner a few times and think I can hold my own most days. Today not so sure.. Rough week so far....

Robert... I have a good feeling here. While I am the optimist at heart - I think they are trying to move in the right direction. I'm putting my name here on this board and supporting the product - pretty brave since I haven't used anything but the demo they have.

I think we can use this as an opportunity to craft a product to OUR liking. If people put their heads together and drive the product based on customer demand how could we NOT be happy (as long as it works of course). I'd rather invest a few hundred than $1,500.

Worst case - We use the RedGear product again. But I don't think that will happen. Again, I have a good feeling about this. They are looking to use .Net 4.x whcih is a step in the right direction. They arel looking to merge the BM product together which will improve the product in other ways.

Let's be positive. Let's evaluate the July release and provide construcitive (not destructive) criticism and like TaxBook, help an American Based Company (and coders - yes - I will confirm) to achieve what the Big Boys don't. American Pride! I don't know 100% for sure - but most coding these days is farmed out. I could be wrong with Drake.

Like I said - Cards on the Table - That's how I try to play my life - Simple yet honest. I've gotten smacked a few times - I'm not screwing anyone (but myself I'm sure) - Some clients have brought me headaches and while I didn't rape them financially it has always paid off with referrals. But - Like Superman - I refuse to see the bad. in people. I will not let it swallow me up. I will push back - I was a scrawny little kid that got pushed around. Now, Not so much and I've learned to use the gifts provided me (1/10th of a brain and a positive attitude and the power of my MOUTH and FINGERS to fight for US ALL).

That's me - I am a STRONG believer in the PAY IT FORWARD mentality. The world as a whole needs a better class of people. Cause some of them should be in a bottomless pit!

That's what I said and I'm sticking to it!! I'll shut up now... Almost learned when to do that too! Not quite.

I purchased Tax Exact Pro several years ago to see what it was about. They said they offered a reasonably priced product and I bought it on a whim to test out. It was useless. The software had serious problems even installing on my computer, updates failed to load and even though they PROMISED to provide support to all 50 states, they failed to provide ANYTHING for the state where I work. They ignored my emails and phone calls for weeks and when I got through finally they refused to refund me the money I paid. If you promise a product, fail to deliver and then refuse to refund, that's stealing.

I've used their TW and then Works product the last 2 years and have already paid for next year. I didn't realize they were involved with Tax Exact so that's likely the last dollar they will ever receive from me.

[Roberts]

If you paid a roofer to install a new roof on your house and they stole your money, would you pay them again if the guy on the phone said they were under new ownership and management or would you look elsewhere? That's my situation with TaxExact. I don't know what TRX did to acquire the product but if they are willing to take on such a horrible product, they take on the reputation and history that comes along with it. If you work with scum, don't be shocked if people see you as scum.

If you are satisfied with TRX and their product, congratulations and good luck.

I am still signed up with TRX for next year and will use the TaxWorks product they resell. As long as they don't try and push me to TaxExact, I'll probably continue to work with them but I'm very leery of our future together.

[MAJ]

Well put....

I do understand your point very well.....
We don't know each other and just yesterday I was totally burned by my own willingness to see the good in people. But I refuse to let one thing wear me down on all avenues. I noticed that while growing up the not so cute girls blossomed into great looking women. And some of the Great Looking girls balloned into not so great looking women. So, as the saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover!! Especially if it's at a different publisher!!

Robert - the one thing you can do is trial the software when the new product comes out in July. You'd be a great candidate to trial it because you already hate it!! So... If it creates interest with you - then, MAYBE their is hope. Maybe the new owners want to succeed! Why would they want to fail? Where is your TRX product and overall satisfaction now?

I am sure there are reasons why they purchased the product when SO FEW PEOPLE used it (their words). I'm sure it has to do with the hoops you have to go through with the IRS to obtain developer rights and other items. I don't have the details on all of that but I'm sure there's some reason.

If not, no harm - no foul. But - If you hated Sears and loved K-Mart would you stop shopping at K-Mart because they bought Sears?

Good luck...

[Davc]

If not, no harm - no foul. But - If you hated Sears and loved K-Mart would you stop shopping at K-Mart because they bought Sears?

No. I stopped shopping at K-Mart when they quit carrying the twin's favorite litter. However, they received their just deserts. K-Mart was in Chapter 11 two weeks later!

[BOB W]

All this talk about software drives me crazy. When you buy cheap software you run the risk of having a bad tax season. If your practice is under a 100 clients I guess you have no choice but to search for a low end program and you will have spare time getting around those problems.

This is one profession where a computer and tax program puts you in business. It is such a LOW investment compared to other businesses. Why would buying a low end program seem so important to many of you? It doesn't make sense.

Either you are investing in your profession or you are not. Buy decent programs and your time will be freed up to attract new clients or atleast give better service to build your business. I'm not saying to buy the elite types but it should be problem free programs.

[MAJ]

Tax Programs

TRX is a reseller.. TaxWorks (RED GEAR) is the same software. I don't consider TaxWorks a cheap program. Ergo I do not consider the TRX re-brand a Cheap program either.

TRX has all the features that I use and Need. I do not consider it a Cheap program by price alone. However - if two cans of soup are on the same shelf. One is $1 and the other is $9 which would you buy.?? $9 because it must be better?

If, in the end they both do the same thing why would I pay $1200 ?? That's the part that does not make sense.

I am the business. My knowledge and my abilities and my detail to service. My computer and program are tools for my business. Just like my cell phone.

[Lion]

Important

If I earned my living selling hot soup, I might buy the $9 soup if I could charge more or serve more clients. My software is my most important tool. That's not where I scrimp.

[MAJ]

Agreed...IF you need the extra feature set

I agree... Your tool are important...

I prepare approximately 130 (ish) returns a year.. The majority are 1040's. I only prepare a two 1065's. I do not require a large package to perform my tasks. However, 1040 works and Taxworks are two very well known and used tax programs. Can anyone tell me the difference between the version TRX sells and the version Red Gear sells??

Why am I going to pay for EFILE abilities for corporate returns if I do not need them? As an IT professional I am more than self sufficient in installation and troubleshooting abilities. It's the software that I am concerned with and after using it for two years it neither slows me down or causes me any grief. Isn't that what it's all about?

However, if you have NOT used the TRX (or Red Gear) software (not saying anyone has or has not) then how would you know IF the software is 'skimply'. Cost does not dictate the term skimpy. Feature set does. And the products I use have all the feature sets I require.

The TaxExact product when complete (I believe) will have additional features that will also enhance my ability to communicate with my clients and I plan to use these tools for marketing purposes as well.

The bottom line is - Let's see what the product has to offer. I think it short sided to dismiss or provide negative comments on something you've never seen or tasted. Kind of like trying to get my kids to try a new food... Then all of a sudden its their favorite....

Just saying.... Here's to a fair assessment of ANY product someone looks at.. Be it tax software or a new scanner.... PC.... Laptop... Car.... House..... etc....

[BOB W]

I have been using Ultra tax like some others on this board. My tax season runs smooth return after return (1040,1120,1120s,1065,1041 and 990). I pay much more than most but I can crank out 500+ mixed returns in 2 1/2 months. Buy the way, I'm the only one doing tax returns. Efficient programs is why I can do this while still doing my monthly write-up bookkeeping/accounting clients.

All my accounting and tax programs costs me about $13,000 annually. If you think that is TOO much, how much do you pay a helper when using less efficient programs. I don't need any helpers. I don't need to depend on anyone and dealing with no/show employees.

[Davc]

I'm not saying to buy the elite types but it should be problem free programs.

And once you've acquired that "problem free" program you're ready to move to Fantasy Island and open your practice!

[BOB W]

And once you've acquired that "problem free" program you're ready to move to Fantasy Island and open your practice!

I've been doing it this way for 38 years, so I don't know what you are talking about????????