In September 2009, Intuit released a new web based tax software called Intuit ProLine(TM) Tax Online Edition (beta) for tax preparer's and those individuals that need a comprehensive, low-cost and Web based 1040 tax program. This software is designed for low volume users whose customer base does not justify an expensive PC or networked tax software. Similar to other web-based software programs, and similar to QuickBooks Online, this program permits the tax preparers to work any time from anywhere providing they have web access. Intuit has many years experienced in the tax preparation business and has its TurboTax ,Pro Series ,and Lacerte brands. Intuit understands its customers' needs and has the foresight to know that many of the tax software applications are heading towards "cloud computing" and this tax software is another example of a Web enabled program.
How the Tax Software Works - The concept behind this program is simplicity, and Intuit accomplishes this, by setting up three basic workspaces for the tax preparer. These workspaces are "input"," review" and "file". The "input" workspace is where the tax preparer enters information such as information from Forms W-2, 1099, Schedule A and B,etc .. Locating the proper form is very easy. Within each form you're able to enter multiple data entries by using a list and total feature in the software. The second workspace, is the "review" section which provides the tax preparer with a summary diagnostics and a list of tax related suggestions. And finally the third workspace, is "file" which allows the tax preparer to electronically file the return or to print the tax return for manual transmission with the Internal Revenue Service.
Over the years, many tax preparers have purchased TurboTax software and despite the controls in the tax software limiting multiple tax preparation, some tax preparers have pirated the tax software to prepare hundreds of tax returns by using TurboTax. In order to capitalize and capture this market, Intuit designed a low cost tax preparation software for a preparer that wants to prepare a tax return in the living room of a client or their own living room or from anywhere that has a web connection. The value proposition here is that this software is affordable and easy to use. Although the website currently offers the beta software for 2008 for no cost, I've been unofficially told that Intuit will sell the software on a pay per use basis of $16 per tax return. This price is currently not reflected in the Intuit website. So for the tax preparers whose practice cannot afford to purchase Pro Series or Lacerte brands, then this tax software becomes an affordable alternative.
Some of the more important features of the software include the following: (A)1040 only- one user (B) Pay-per-return (C)Electronic file or paper file for two states. Intuit expects by the end of the 4th quarter 2009 that filing will be available for the other states. (D)Ability to convert data (E) Status tracking with the IRS(F)Notes and listing features and totaling capabilities included in the tax forms and schedules (G) Diagnostics and suggestions and (H) Intuit Support.
Despite the hundreds of users that have beta tested this software, there are invariably issues arising from any new release and only with time, can the software achieve the goals of its developer. Also, similar to other web enabled software, the connection and performance may be dependent on the web connection, and may result in sluggish performance. Notwithstanding, the web-enabled software, there are taxpayer's homes, that may not have web access which would preclude the tax preparer from entering the tax information "on the fly". Not a great problem, since there are althernatives, such as entering the data at a later date, into the software.
In summary, I commend Intuit for producing a web-based tax preparer software, both for new users as well as making it easy for those individuals that have used pirated versions of TurboTax, to now legally use a low-cost and affordable tax software. - 31821
How the Tax Software Works - The concept behind this program is simplicity, and Intuit accomplishes this, by setting up three basic workspaces for the tax preparer. These workspaces are "input"," review" and "file". The "input" workspace is where the tax preparer enters information such as information from Forms W-2, 1099, Schedule A and B,etc .. Locating the proper form is very easy. Within each form you're able to enter multiple data entries by using a list and total feature in the software. The second workspace, is the "review" section which provides the tax preparer with a summary diagnostics and a list of tax related suggestions. And finally the third workspace, is "file" which allows the tax preparer to electronically file the return or to print the tax return for manual transmission with the Internal Revenue Service.
Over the years, many tax preparers have purchased TurboTax software and despite the controls in the tax software limiting multiple tax preparation, some tax preparers have pirated the tax software to prepare hundreds of tax returns by using TurboTax. In order to capitalize and capture this market, Intuit designed a low cost tax preparation software for a preparer that wants to prepare a tax return in the living room of a client or their own living room or from anywhere that has a web connection. The value proposition here is that this software is affordable and easy to use. Although the website currently offers the beta software for 2008 for no cost, I've been unofficially told that Intuit will sell the software on a pay per use basis of $16 per tax return. This price is currently not reflected in the Intuit website. So for the tax preparers whose practice cannot afford to purchase Pro Series or Lacerte brands, then this tax software becomes an affordable alternative.
Some of the more important features of the software include the following: (A)1040 only- one user (B) Pay-per-return (C)Electronic file or paper file for two states. Intuit expects by the end of the 4th quarter 2009 that filing will be available for the other states. (D)Ability to convert data (E) Status tracking with the IRS(F)Notes and listing features and totaling capabilities included in the tax forms and schedules (G) Diagnostics and suggestions and (H) Intuit Support.
Despite the hundreds of users that have beta tested this software, there are invariably issues arising from any new release and only with time, can the software achieve the goals of its developer. Also, similar to other web enabled software, the connection and performance may be dependent on the web connection, and may result in sluggish performance. Notwithstanding, the web-enabled software, there are taxpayer's homes, that may not have web access which would preclude the tax preparer from entering the tax information "on the fly". Not a great problem, since there are althernatives, such as entering the data at a later date, into the software.
In summary, I commend Intuit for producing a web-based tax preparer software, both for new users as well as making it easy for those individuals that have used pirated versions of TurboTax, to now legally use a low-cost and affordable tax software. - 31821
About the Author:
Sandor Lenner,CPA has provided accounting services for companies for over 35 years. He is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and provides QuickBooks support and business accounting services. As an Intuit Authorized Affiliate, offers specially discounted QuickBooks and Intuit software. He works as a part-time for Susan Missal Lenner, P.A.
