During 2009, Intuit released a web based tax software, Intuit ProLine(TM) Tax Online Edition (beta) for preparers of tax returns and those individuals that need a comprehensive, low-cost and Web based 1040 tax program. This tax software is designed for low-volume tax preparers whose client base does not justify a more expensive PC or networked tax software. As is the case for many other web-based software programs, and similar to QuickBooks Online Basic and Plus versions, this program permits the tax preparers to work any time from anywhere with web access. Intuit has been in the tax business for many years and has its tax brands of TurboTax,Pro Series ,and Lacerte. Intuit is able to understand its customers' needs and has taken a pro active step towards "cloud computing" and this tax software is just another example of a Web enabled program.
How it Works- Behind this program is the concept of simplicity, and Intuit accomplishes this by setting up 3 basic workspaces for the tax preparer. These workspaces are "input"," review" and "file". The "input" workspace is where the preparer enters tax information such as W-2, 1099, Schedule A and B,etc ..It is easy to find the proper form. When you open up the form you're able to make multiple data entries by using a list and total feature in the software. The second workspace, is the "review" section which provides the preparer with a diagnostics summary and a list of tax suggestions. The third workspace, is "file", which permits the tax preparer to electronically file the return or to print out the tax return for manual transmission to the IRS.
It's interesting to note another reason for the creation of this software. Over the years, many small and home based tax preparers have purchased and used TurboTax software, and despite the controls embedded in the software limiting multiple use, some preparers have been able to "pirate" the software to prepare hundreds of tax returns by using TurboTax. So to capture this market, Intuit designed a low cost tax preparation software for an individual that wants to legally prepare tax returns, for instance on the kitchen table at a client's home or their own kitchen or from anywhere with web access. The value proposition here, is that this software is affordable and easy to use. Although the website currently offers the software for 2008 for no cost, I've been informally told that Intuit will offer the software on a pay per use basis of $16 per tax return. This price is currently not finalized nor reflected in the Intuit website. So for the tax preparers whose practice does not justify the purchase of the Pro Series or Lacerte brands, then this software becomes a viable and affordable alternative.
Some of the features of the software include the following: (a) 1040 only- single user (b) Pay per return (c) E - file or paper file for two states. It is expected that by the end of the 4th quarter 2009 that filing will be available for most of the other states. (d) Data conversion (e) Status tracking with the IRS (f) Notes and listing features and totaling capabilities embedded in the various forms and schedules(g) Diagnostics and suggestions and (h) Support from Intuit
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.
I commend Intuit for producing a web-based tax preparer software for new low volume users as well as making it easy for those individuals that have used "pirated" versions of TurboTax in the past, to legally use a low-cost and affordable tax software. - 29971
How it Works- Behind this program is the concept of simplicity, and Intuit accomplishes this by setting up 3 basic workspaces for the tax preparer. These workspaces are "input"," review" and "file". The "input" workspace is where the preparer enters tax information such as W-2, 1099, Schedule A and B,etc ..It is easy to find the proper form. When you open up the form you're able to make multiple data entries by using a list and total feature in the software. The second workspace, is the "review" section which provides the preparer with a diagnostics summary and a list of tax suggestions. The third workspace, is "file", which permits the tax preparer to electronically file the return or to print out the tax return for manual transmission to the IRS.
It's interesting to note another reason for the creation of this software. Over the years, many small and home based tax preparers have purchased and used TurboTax software, and despite the controls embedded in the software limiting multiple use, some preparers have been able to "pirate" the software to prepare hundreds of tax returns by using TurboTax. So to capture this market, Intuit designed a low cost tax preparation software for an individual that wants to legally prepare tax returns, for instance on the kitchen table at a client's home or their own kitchen or from anywhere with web access. The value proposition here, is that this software is affordable and easy to use. Although the website currently offers the software for 2008 for no cost, I've been informally told that Intuit will offer the software on a pay per use basis of $16 per tax return. This price is currently not finalized nor reflected in the Intuit website. So for the tax preparers whose practice does not justify the purchase of the Pro Series or Lacerte brands, then this software becomes a viable and affordable alternative.
Some of the features of the software include the following: (a) 1040 only- single user (b) Pay per return (c) E - file or paper file for two states. It is expected that by the end of the 4th quarter 2009 that filing will be available for most of the other states. (d) Data conversion (e) Status tracking with the IRS (f) Notes and listing features and totaling capabilities embedded in the various forms and schedules(g) Diagnostics and suggestions and (h) Support from Intuit
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.
I commend Intuit for producing a web-based tax preparer software for new low volume users as well as making it easy for those individuals that have used "pirated" versions of TurboTax in the past, to legally use a low-cost and affordable tax software. - 29971
About the Author:
Sandor Lenner,CPA/MBA has provided accounting services for companies for over 35 years. He is also a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and provides QuickBooks support and small business accounting services. As an Intuit Authorized Affiliate, heoffers you specially discounted QuickBooks and Intuit software. He works as a part-time for Susan Missal Lenner, P.A.
