Subscribe Feed (RSS)In September 2009, Intuit launched a new web based tax software called Intuit ProLine Tax Online Edition (beta) for those individuals and tax preparer’s that need a low-cost, comprehensive and Web based 1040 tax program. This software is designed for low volume users whose client base does not justify a more expensive PC or networked tax software. Like many other web-based software programs, and in particular like QuickBooks Online, this program allows the tax preparers to work from home or anywhere as long as they have web access. Intuit has been in the tax preparation business for many years and has its TurboTax ,Pro Series ,and Lacerte matured brands. Intuit clearly understands its customers’ needs and has had 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 this Tax Software Works- the program was developed with the concept of simplicity, and Intuit accomplishes this goal by establishing 3 basic workspaces for the taxpreparer. The work spaces are “input”,” review” and “file”. The “input” workspace allows the preparer to enter tax information i.e.W-2, 1099, Schedule A and B,etc ..It is very easy to locate any tax form. When you enter the data into the form on the screen, you’re able to make several data entries by using a list & total feature in the software. The second workspace, is the “review” section which gives the preparer a diagnostics summary and a suggested list of tax ideas. The third workspace, is “file”, which gives the tax preparer the opportunity to either 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.
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.
Sandor Lenner,CPA-MBA has been providing accounting services for companies for 35 years. He is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and provides QuickBooks support and business accounting services. As an Intuit Authorized Affiliate, offers discounted QuickBooks and Intuit software. He works as a part-time for Susan Missal Lenner, P.A.
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