Thoughts on the Tax Book

[superman]

Love it

This is my first year using the TTB on the suggestion from another person that uses it in all of his offices. The TTB gave me a free copy at the IRS tax forum and I fell in love with it. Have always used the other guys and I just find this one so much better. I also love this board for a one man operation it is great to be able to get opions from others on certain questions that come up in the office. Keep up the good work and thanks for everything.

[JG EA]

One book

I like having just one book for both 1040 and businesses.

I really like the index - so far I've been able to find everything I've wanted to look up.

Just keep remembering that if someone has to look something up that means it is unclear to them. Therefore write like you are writing for someone who needs reassurance: 'This means thus and so and so doesn't mean the opposite."

I like your examples, they seem to be completely relevant to the topic at hand.

This binding does seem stronger than last year. And no problems with it.

[Snaggletooth]

Big Fan

I've always been a big fan of the Tax Book since its beginning. Written from the perspective of the tax professional, by fellow tax professionals. Don't see how anyone could have trouble with the binding.

Most of this thread has focused on the wisdom of offering a combined version. It should be no secret that the head-on-head competition is with the QuickFinder, whose pre-eminence was the product of these very same authors. The QuickFinder, by contrast, will never be accused of overstuffing their product. They have numerous books to cover the same material, and you can buy all of them if you have a problem with TTB being too heavy. But God knows what you will have to pay.

The QuickFinder has had a long and successful track record, and it's headline advertisement trumpets "For 35 years." However for most of those 35 years, it's growth and success was with the writers who now write for the Tax Book.

The message boards are functionally the same, but I find TTB message board to be a little more user-oriented, and more abundant with posts and advice, but there are some people who post on both boards. Both boards are superior to the boards promulgated by most of the software companies.

[Jiggers]

The TaxBook!!

Last year I ordered the 1040 version, but kept the other 2 books (QF) just to be safe.

This year I ordered the combined version and no QF.

Extremely pleased with it.

In fact, I just ordered a copy of the 1040 version for my interview desk. I don't do returns with the client present and use the combined version for my work desk. I felt the 1040 version would help with client questions at my interview desk and would present a more professional appearance instead of flipping through IRS pubs and the 1040 instruction booklets that clients can get themselves!

I am sold on TaxBook.

[BP.]

So many things to love about TTB! The pages I refer to a lot are pp. 1-2 through 1-5. Very useful feature. Since the current year columns are somewhat in the middle of these pages, I outline the current year column with a highlighter, so I can easily pick out the correct info. Would you consider graying the current year column?

I also like the overview on each of the tab pages.

The only bad thing is I already flipped though and read all the cartoons!

Yes, it's a chunky tome, but it reassures clients that taxes are just as complicated as they suspected!

I like the improvement over last year's binding, where you have sealed the top and bottom coil. Thank-you for a wonderful product.

[qwerty]

Gotta love it...

I've used TTB for the last two years. In fact, when I run out of desk space...I open a drawer and lay the book down on the stuff in the drawer to make a new working space.

But then I'm in trouble when I need to look something up!

Thanks to all the authors...I have no "dislikes" about the book. You've done a fantastic job! Kudo's to all!!!!

[Chief]

The TaxBook

I am well pleased with the TaxBook. The next tax season it will be the only reference tool I will used except my software that accesses all the IRS publications. I changed to the 1040 Basic this year. It meets my needs. When I get a business return my software provides the IRS publications that I need to access.

[fliszt]

I agree with

KJ Judd. Last year I ordered the 1040 edition. This year I purchased the Deluxe edition and think it is great. Yes it is thick but I find no problems with it. One must be careful in turning the pages so they don't rip, but that's fine with me. I prefer one book. I have not viewed the CD so have no comments on that issue. But no matter what's done, there are always some of us that would like something different. And I'm sure the authors understand that.
Keep up the good work and thank you much for putting this board up -- especially on a gratis basis.

[oceanlovin'ea]

My 2 cents

I will agree with the majority of the posts. I love the Tax Book. I have the combined book. I dont think it is too bulky.

I bought that organizer for my desk from Staples, you know the one that one of the teams on Apprentice designed about 3 seasons ago for Staples. The Tax Book fits into one of the slots perfectly so it is always at my fingertips but not just laying on top of my desk.

My only problem this year is that I really didn't get a chance to read through it before tax season started. So every week I find something new in the book that I didn't know was there.

Keep up the good work, TTB staff. Your book and the message board provide us with an excellent product and service.

I really appreciate this board. Like someone else said, when you are working alone, it is so helpful and reassuring to have this board to read and ask questions on.

Linda F