Intuit – Affordable New Tax Preparer’s Software For Small and Home Based Businesses Preparers
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 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.
In the past, tax preparers have purchased TurboTax software and pirated the tax software to prepare hundreds of tax returns by using TurboTax. In order to capture and capitalize from this market, Intuit designed a low cost tax software for a preparer that wants to prepare a tax return in the dining room of a client or their own dining room or from any location with web access. The value proposition is that this software is low priced and simple to use. Although the Intuit website currently offers the beta software for 2008 at no cost, I’ve been unofficially informed that Intuit will sell the software on a pay-per-use basis of $16 per tax return. This price is not currently shown in the Intuit website.This tax software becomes an affordable alternative for the tax preparers whose practice cannot afford to purchase the Pro Series or Lacerte brands.
The software functionality is summarized as follows: (1) Single user for 1040’s (2) Pay for each return (3) EFile or ability to paper file for two states. By the end of the 4th quarter 2009 Intuit expects that filing will be available for the remaining states. (4) Data conversion (5) Status tracking with the Internal Revenue Service (6) Notes & lists with totaling capabilities embedded in the various forms and schedules(7) Diagnostics and suggestions with intelligent suggestions and (8)Technical support from Intuit.
Even though hundreds of users have beta tested this software, there are always issues arising from any new release . Similar to other web enabled software, the software’s performance may be dependent on the web connection, which may result in sluggish performance. Also, there are taxpayer’s homes or offices that may not have web access, which would prevent the tax preparer from entering the tax information “on the fly”. Not a huge problem, since there are work arounds and alternatives, such as just gathering the information, and entering the data later into the software.
In conclusion, Intuit deserves credit for introducing a web-based tax software, to service 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.
Sandor Lenner,CPA has been providing accounting services for companies for 35 years. He is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and provides QuickBooks support and small business accounting services. As an Intuit Authorized Affiliate, he can offer you discounte QuickBooks and Intuit software. He works as a part-time for Susan Missal Lenner, P.A.
