Tax Software - Happy or not?

[jimenright]

Trx

I have TRX Pro. It is in very bad shape and almost not usable. I have been using TRX for about three years and it has worked well for me.

I am going to try to use it since I have already paid for it. They have been doing updates every few days. Maybe in a few weeks it will be in reasonable shape.

[taxxcpa]

Other money issues with Drake is they are really pushing thier Grunt Works (for an added fee) which is a scanning service that automatically populates your data entry screens from you sending them your scanned documents. It has the highest accuracy rate in the industry and is NOT offshore but in the USA. Also Secure File Pro, Drake is pushing which is a web portal that a client can visit to check any messages from you, print copies of thier tax returns or thier organizer, a neat idea but is costs hundreds of dollars. I suppose the Drake users who don't need these extras, benefit as long as Drake continues to not raise thier price. If these extra fee services do well, hopefully Drake wiill continue to hold the line on price increase (unlike thier competitors).

A large part of Drake's income used to come from the RAL business, so they are trying to replace that lost income with other products such as Grunt Works and Secure File Pro. They may even eventually come up with something I might want to add.

[beck]

All this input is amazing. I personally appreciate how all posters to this thread are being very professional regarding their opinions and not bashing other software. Thanks for the thoughts and positive energy.

Thx,
Beck

[thomtax]

One thing I did not like about Drake this year is that they did not include TTB. I had to pay for it separately through them.
Which is okay because there was a discount but I would have bought the Web Library Plus from TTB site. All tapped out on research materials for the year. Drake might have sent an email about it but do not remember it.

I did not see anything about it. It's just sort of one of these things that it seems if you don't know about until later, you might not fuss.

[WTorres]

TaxACT

Hi. I am new to this forum, but I have been reading the post for a few years now. There is always a lot of helpful information on here.

I have been using TaxACT for 5 years now. I don't have a lot of clients so this works great for me.

[Super Mom]

I am happy with ATX, I have had some tech support issues over the years, but they have always eventually been resolved. I am also a small preparer and find there smaller 1040 package and I add on business packages to that. The number of efile for free that you can do with that package is enough for me, so that's a perfect fit for me. I've tried TRX and went back to ATX, is MUCH better software I think. I was told is the same, but is NOT! I have used ATX for several years now. Drake is too expensive for me, I don't have a big enough business to justify that expense, although that would be my choice over ATX if it fits for you. Good Luck!!

[Bonnie]

Tax Slayer Pro is definitely best value for me. When I started my own business 6 years ago it was recommended and after trying a sample decided to give it a try as it was most affordable and just getting started I didn't have a lot of extra cash to invest. I do about 200 returns, one person opperation. Mostly all 1040's but have done a few small businesses over the years. Having a military base of customers I do many different states and have had no issues other than maybe a couple that were resolved quickly. Customer support is awesome. They also now provide Tax Book free to me and provided all my CEU's for 2012 free. So for me there was never any reason to look elsewhere. I'm a very satisfied customer and when I look at prices of other software they are all higher. In my opinion you can't beat Tax Slayer. Also this season the IRS is using their software for testing so some of the returns filed thru Tax Slayer have already gone to IRS and will be approved prior to 30th.

[geekgirldany]

One thing I did not like about Drake this year is that they did not include TTB. I had to pay for it separately through them.
Which is okay because there was a discount but I would have bought the Web Library Plus from TTB site. All tapped out on research materials for the year. Drake might have sent an email about it but do not remember it.

[ToddFogelberg]

Drake is awesome!

This is my 3rd Season as an independent on Drake. Can't think of any complaints. Their tech support is simply amazing after 20+ years of HRB's dreadful support, I feel as though I have arrived in heaven. Block charged us efile fees for many years, of course with Drake, efile is included in the package.

[Peachie]

Hi Beck,

Hi Peachie (btw....I love that username),

TRX Software has had so many issues and an embarrassing lack of communication. I am providing a link to a very lively discussion board that you can check out in your spare time to fully understand the problems:

http://www.atxcommunity.com/forum/7-trx/


Personally, I decided for my small practice to go with TaxAct (since I'm used to form input). Burton has been a big help to me with providing information regarding TaxAct. I'm a little leary of changing software so close to seeing my clients, but you gotta do what ya gotta do.

Thx,
Beck

I'm back. Other than maybe not having your same program, I just finished my tax return. I was alarmed at first, as you were, but I figured out most of the things that comes with a new platform. Yes, mine is different from last year as well. I could not reach customer service, so I decided to tackle it myself to try to figure it out. I think I succeeded. Will you e-mail me at peachie1000@hotmail.com so I can discuss? I know you went with another pregram, in the meantime. One other thing, I did two updates last night (11 and 12) and also re PROFORMED my return and info that seemed missing initially, was there after the updates. Hope to "chat" soon.

Peachie

[John of PA]

In all fairness I must add that STF Superforms is a very good top of the line forms package for fill and print, and I am going to miss it.

[John of PA]

Another free extra with Drake is their Client Write Up Software. While I use Quickbooks, I love using Drake CWU simply for printing blank forms, all the payroll forms, 1099's etc. are on it, and of course, blank tax forms can be printed from Drake's tax software. I just thought I would throw this in as it allowed me to discontinue my use of STF Superforms whcih Bloomberg BNA just bought out and raised the price. Goodby Superforms, Hello Drake.

[John of PA]

Other money issues with Drake is they are really pushing thier Grunt Works (for an added fee) which is a scanning service that automatically populates your data entry screens from you sending them your scanned documents. It has the highest accuracy rate in the industry and is NOT offshore but in the USA. Also Secure File Pro, Drake is pushing which is a web portal that a client can visit to check any messages from you, print copies of thier tax returns or thier organizer, a neat idea but is costs hundreds of dollars. I suppose the Drake users who don't need these extras, benefit as long as Drake continues to not raise thier price. If these extra fee services do well, hopefully Drake wiill continue to hold the line on price increase (unlike thier competitors).

[oceanlovin'ea]

No problems with TaxslayerPro

I have been using TaxslayerPro for 11 years now. No problems this year so far. Everything is up and running just fine. I do around 150 returns a year plus about 6 or 8 s corps. They have been able to handle anything I have needed.

I realize for some larger practices and s corps or corps that are bigger companies you may feel you need a more comprehensive program. But you can always try them out and see. Price is good and support is great.

If I ever changed it would probably be to Drake. I liked their program but am too satisfied with TaxslayerPro to pay more money.

Linda, EA

[Bert73]

Thanks, I switched to Drake this year.

I started with Drake 14 years ago and have been very satisfied with it. As mentioned, 99% of the support staff is very helpful. As usual, there will always be a clunker once in a while, but I just make it short and then call back and get a real support person.

And now, as Paul Harvey used to say, here is the "other side of the story":

I will point out to all those who are bragging about not being a price increase in X number of years, that while technically correct, is not the whole story. For a long time RIA was provided, free of charge, as a tax research tool. It went away. Last year, The Tax Book was provided for research, free of charge. This year it costs, I believe, $89 to use The Tax Book.

For years, there were about 4 CPE courses that were provided, free of charge to its clients. This year it costs $40 per course to take these same courses. So while the base price has stayed the same, all the extras have been pared away and if you use any of them, the price has increased.

To be clear, I use Drake and plan to continue to do so as I feel it is a great product. I just feel everyone should know the complete situation.

LT

Thanks for the explanation, I wondered why some of the "extras" were not showing up on my end after I switched to Drake in November. I had read a few posts from Drake users from prior years loving all the little extras (Especially the free CPE courses). But after calling support when I was setting up the software and being amazed at them answering on the second ring, I was already impressed. I love how the whole program flows, it works for me.

Now, I know I seen it somewhere....before the night is over I will find out... how to flag certain forms for "all clients". (Such as the 7216, I want that warning at the end, if this form was not filled out.) But then this is not the programs problem, but the user.

So far so good!