The document discusses several top tax preparation software suites. It provides an overview of features like online client portals, auto-fill data entry, e-filing, and document management now being standard across suites. It then summarizes key capabilities and benefits of the ProSystem fx Tax suite from CCH, the ATX Total Tax Office suite from CCH Small Firm Services, and the benefits they provide for small-to-midsize accounting firms.

1. 26 I TAX SEASON 2010 www.cpamagazine.com
TOP
6
CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business
ProSystem fx Tax 28
CCH Small Firm Services
ATX 28
CCH Small Firm Services
TaxWise 29
Drake Software
Drake Software 29
Intuit
Proline Lacerte Tax Software 30
Thomson Reuters
UltraTax CS 30
T
he holiday season comes and pass-
es. For CPA firms large and small,
income tax return preparation season
then begins, with work volumes growing
daily as April 15 draws closer. How will tax
suite software perform this year?
Many functions and features found
only in high-end packages earlier this
decade are standard items now, making
tax suites more robust than ever. E-filing
and document management for storing
scanned images of tax forms, for example,
once were pricey options. Tax suites across
all markets and price ranges now include
these capabilities.
While technology keeps progressing,
expectations and needs keep growing, too.
The congressional
trend of late on retroac-
tive tax legislation has
made tax software a vital
component of any tax
practice, says Kerri Car-
penter, CPA, director, tax
development, for Drake
Software. At Drake Software, we know
our customers are relying on us to analyze,
interpret and implement these late changes
quickly and accurately. Agility is, therefore,
a core focus of our development model.
Internet Integration
Thanks to the Internet's ability to quickly
and inexpensively transmit data, workflows
and specific tasks extend beyond physical
offices and regular business hours. To this
end, many Internet-related possibilities exist
for accounting firms to improve efficiency.
We are focused on
creating end-to-end work-
flow solutions and lever-
aging the Web to increase
workflow efficiency and
staff utilization and miti-
gate security and compli-
ance risks, all while driv-
ing down the total cost of technology own-
ership, says Scott Fleszar, senior director,
strategic marketing, for Thomson Reuters.
UltraTax CS, Thomson Reuters' tax
suite, offers online client organizers and
portals, as well as integration with Check-
point research resources. Other tax suite
developers also provide Web-based research
options.
Preparers work and file returns from
TOP 6
TAX SUITES
SOLUTIONS 2009
HIGH-END PACKAGES
NOW 'STANDARD'Features such as online client portals, auto-fill data entry, and
e-filing and document management no longer optional add-ons
BY RICHARD BUSE
Kerri Carpenter
Scott Fleszar
26 I TAX SEASON 2010 www.cpamagazine.com

2. By Practicing Accountants ... For Practicing Accountants TAX SEASON 2010 I 27
various locations. To track such efforts,
Drake Software's tax suite enables users
to integrate tax return filing data from
multiple offices into a single database via
the Internet. TaxWise offers InterviewPlus,
a Web-based service that allows preparers
to enter a client's tax information from
a remote site and then complete the tax
return later.
Social media's value extends beyond
posting updates and sharing photos: It
allows coworkers or professionals across
the country to share dilemmas, suggestions
and to collaborate on work activities. With
the Live Community feature in its ProLine
Lacerte application, Inuit allows users to
post questions and answers about various
software functions.
The Internet makes it possible to reap
the benefits of technology without under-
taking the costs and concerns associated
with purchasing and maintaining IT sys-
tems in-house. CCH is among software
developers offering tax suites in desktop or
software as a service (SaaS) mode. With
CCH serving as host, SaaS users simply log
on to a secure connection whenever they
wish to use the ProSystem fx Tax suite.
Workflow Efficiencies
To be efficient, tax professionals need soft-
ware that is simple, Carpenter says. Train-
ing is important, but ultimately, preparers
want a product that is intuitive to use.
Complex calculations, integration, e-file,
paperless office, practice management — it
doesn't matter what it is, we have the excit-
ing challenge of taking the complex and
making it simple. The best feedback I can
get is to hear a customer say, 'I never had a
need to call customer service.'
ProLine Lacerte, ATX and other tax
suites deploy interview modes for data
entries, in which tax preparers and their
clients respond to series of questions with
entered answers flowing to the correct tax
form lines. CCH incorporates optical char-
acter recognition (OCR) for its ProSystem
fx and Small Firm Services Tax Suites,
allowing preparers to automatically enter
scanned information from W-2, 1099 and
other source documents.
Auto-fill data entry capabilities elimi-
nate the need to manually enter repetitive
bits of information, and automated data
transfers eliminate the need to re-enter
information from one form to another.
For an accountant, various options
arise when preparing a tax returns —
options that have immediate effects as well
as consequences for the following tax year.
Drake Software's tax suite includes capa-
bilities for compiling and saving multiple
versions of a taxpayer's return. This allows
the accountant to discuss various scenarios
with the client and then proceed based on
the client's instructions.
Diagnostic and review activities are
crucial but time-consuming, so tax suite
developers focus on making comprehensive
examinations as efficient as possible.
IT Integration
The Internet can link multiple office loca-
tions. An accounting firm might handle
functions beyond tax preparation for its
business taxpayers. Within an account-
ing firm, accounting-specific applications
co-exist with general business office appli-
cations. There's the need to enter client-
supplied information, too, with a minimal
amount of manual data entry work.
IT integration is a crucial concern.
Drake Software allows clients to download
Web-based report data in Access or Excel
format. ProLine Lacerte features enhanced
Excel data import capabilities, along with
support for customers using Vista and Win-
dows 7-based systems. A common database
maintains information for all ProSystem
fx applications. Tax suite developers also
offer data conversion services so customers
can import information from systems used
previously.
High-End Now, Common Soon?
Introduction, acceptance and mass use of
new technology tends to follow a pattern:
It first shows up in large enterprise appli-
cations. Then, it appears in high-end or
function-specific applications. From there,
it becomes an optional feature in mid-level
or entry-level applications before becoming
a standard feature.
Tax preparation software seems to be
following this pattern. Data mining once
was deployed only for large-scale purposes.
UltraTax CS from Thomson Reuters now
offers data mining capabilities.
Senior-level executives of large compa-
nies were early users of dashboard reporting
systems, which allowed them to view all
key performance indicators (KPI) on one
screen. UltraTax CS features dashboard
reporting options, and Pro System fx offers
custom home page options for users.
Will those items become common to
all tax suites? That remains to be seen, but
expect tax suites to lead tax prep in becom-
ing more agile and efficient.

3. 28 I TAX SEASON 2010 www.cpamagazine.com
Custom Dashboard
Includes E-mail,
Calendar Postings
P
roSystem fx Tax from CCH, a Wolters Kluwer busi-
ness, always has offered customers a range of module
options. The latest edition is built with Microsoft's
.NET 3.5 framework and improved user interfaces. It also is
available as a SaaS (software as a service) product. With those
enhancements, ProSystem fx Tax further extends its attrac-
tiveness to CPA firms with diverse needs and preferences.
Benefits and Features
n A common client database makes it easy to access or update
information across all ProSystem fx applications.
n SaaS portability means easy data access from any location
with Internet access. SaaS also eliminates the need for on-site
installations, enhancements and maintenance.
n Customizable dashboard incorporates notifications, Out-
look calendar postings and e-mail access within one screen.
What Users Say
Having recently participated in the Beta program for the
ProSystem fx Suite, we are extremely excited for two rea-
sons: 1.) the individual applications themselves have been
improved far beyond our expectations, and 2.) the imminent
ability to operate all these applications in a fully-integrated
environment will enable process and procedural changes that
are sorely needed, says Charles Spring, chief technology
officer for RAFFA, P.C., Rockville, MD. As much as we
appreciate the remarkable development effort that has gone
into the products themselves, I suspect that the software
changes will pale in comparison to the structural maturity
that will be enabled by their implementation.
Summary
Flexibility afforded through combinations of various mod-
ules and applications always has characterized ProSystem fx
Tax. The tax suite's latest edition refines these characteristics.
The availability of ProSystem fx Tax as a SaaS product elimi-
nates in-house IT concerns and enables firms to assign tax
preparation tasks to individuals working varied hours from
multiple locations.
CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business
www.cchgroup.com
877-224-8365
Total Tax Office
Provides Toolbox
for Small Firms
W
ith a price tag of $1,695, ATX Total Tax Office by
CCH Small Firm Services offers small firms a suite
of applications for tax preparation. The basic 1040
tax preparation package sells for $410 as a stand-alone appli-
cation. Additional modules, such as Total Tax Account-
ing, address year-round small business accounting needs.
Benefits and Features
n Five packages — 1040, 1040 Office, MAX for Business,
Total Tax Office, and Total Tax Accounting Office —
serve small firm needs.
n Individual and entity forms for local, state and federal
returns are included in the Total Tax Accounting suite.
n Online research resources and unlimited electronic filing
for Total Tax Accounting users.
n Document manager scans and stores documents and sup-
ports files in PDF format.
n Trial balance, fixed asset manager, write-up and payroll
applications are available for ongoing small business client
accounting needs.
What Users Say
I've found the ATX program to be very user-friendly and
easy to work with, says Jo Holloman, CPA, an indepen-
dent practitioner in Raleigh, NC. It has links to take you
from one section to another. When you click on a line, it
takes you to more detailed information. It has a lot of func-
tionality and flexibility as to how much you want printed.
The last several years I've used ATX for e-filing, and that's
worked well. For the cost, it's a really good program for a
small practitioner.
Summary
ATX Total Tax Accounting offers small firms a range
of features and functions, including research, electronic
filing and document management. For firms looking to
provide year-round services for small business clients, ATX
offers additional modules separately and in its Total Tax
Accounting Office suite.
CCH Small Firm Services
www.atxinc.com
888-455-0183
CCH

4. By Practicing Accountants ... For Practicing Accountants TAX SEASON 2010 I 29
Office Manager
Groups Data From
Multiple Locations
Add-On Module
Deducts Tax Prep
Fees From Refunds
D
rake Software grew out of a local tax preparation busi-
ness founded in the 1950s. It began developing and
offering technological tools for tax return preparation
and filing in the 1970s. Drake offers four applications — Tax
Preparation, Tax Planner, Client Write-up, and Drake Docu-
ment Manager — that can be used individually or in various
combinations as a tax suite.
Benefits and Features
n Update Manager supplies only user-requested updates.
n An archive feature saves multiple versions of the same tax
return, so CPAs can discuss various tax options and scenarios
with clients.
n Includes packages for 1040, 1040 NR, 1041, 1065, 1120,
1120 S, 706, 709 and 990 forms, plus state tax return soft-
ware for 47 states.
n Streamlined data entry for entity returns.
n Multi-Office Manager combines tax return data from mul-
tiple offices into one database via the Internet.
n E-mails of tax returns in PDF format are password-protect-
ed and encrypted for secure transmission.
n Real-time Web reports for tax return preparation and filing
status can be downloaded in Access and Excel formats.
n Free electronic filing.
n Free data conversion for many applications.
What Users Say
During tax season, minutes and seconds count, says Pat
Deblasio, CPA, Deblasio Group, Greensburg, PA. Drake
is the only company I have used that really understands and
cares enough to design features that save me minutes, which
add up to hours.
Summary
Drake's industry history spans six decades, reflecting its
emphasis on long-term service and responsiveness to tax
preparation needs. Its Web site advertises that Drake custom-
ers wait an average of nine seconds during peak tax prepara-
tion season to speak with a support representative.
Drake Software
www.drakesoftware.com
800-890-9500
W
here does a small accounting firm turn for a tax
suite? What about a larger firm that anticipates
growth but doesn't need an extensive package imme-
diately? TaxWise, a part of CCH Small Firm Services, pro-
vides answers to such questions with various configuration
packages and optional modules and unlimited user licenses.
Benefits and Features
n Offered in a variety of configuration packages: ProFiling,
ProBusiness Specialty, Executive, Power Package, Execu-
tive Accounting, Power Accounting, and Corporate Tax
Accounting.
n Instant error checking by keystroke, entry or entire return.
n Auto-fill and drop-down selections for ZIP codes, EINs,
cities, states and other common information.
n Real-time calculations automatically update forms.
n A fixed asset manager recommends depreciation methods
based on assets and includes precalculations for 19 methods.
n FeeCollect service automatically deducts and deposits tax
preparation fees from client tax refunds.
n Unlimited user licenses for a single location and Interview-
PLUS Online for quickly establishing remote locations.
What Users Say
In all honesty, I love TaxWise! says Robert G. Wright
B.B.A., E.A., RD Income Tax Services, Brooklyn, NY.
I'll continue to use it. I was up and running within a month.
And I was surprised at how well I learned the program. I
regret that I didn't switch years ago. In terms of functional-
ity, I love it! I told another tax preparer, who pays a lot more,
about TaxWise. TaxWise is a perfect program for me to
expand to offering accounting services.
Summary
TaxWise accommodates high-volume tax preparation prac-
tices. Its various configuration options let smaller firms select
a package that best suits their needs. Additional tax modules
and optional products, such as InterviewPLUS Online and
FeeCollect, enable firms to ramp up to meet new demands.
CCH Small Firm Services
www.taxwise.com
888-455-0184

5. 30 I TAX SEASON 2010 www.cpamagazine.com
Tracker Screen
Displays Tax Return
Status Firm-Wide
T
he Intuit ProLine Lacerte tax compliance system, geared
toward mid-level and large practices, offers various func-
tions in a modular format. Pay-per-use pricing offers
added flexibility. Those options extend ProLine's appeal to
small firms with complex, specialized workloads. In addition
to offering a range of new features for the 2009 tax year,
ProLine retains the interview data entry mode and other
common characteristics of Intuit and Lacerte applications.
Benefits and Features
n Real-time tax research provided in partnership with BNA.
n Expanded views of prior year tax return information.
n Live Community panel not only accesses standard help ref-
erences but also enables users to share questions and answers
with other ProLine users.
n Optional modules for various entity, municipal and state
tax return needs.
n Expanded Excel data import capabilities.
n Support for Vista and Windows 7 customers.
n Several dozen icons for navigating to specific functions.
n Form-based view of tax returns for review purposes.
What Users Say
Lacerte tax software is one of the key tools in my firm's
efficiency arsenal! says Renee' Mengali, CPA, owner of
Mengali Accountancy, San Francisco, CA. From the
smart-map functionality to the built-in e-file ability, Lacerte
allows me to prepare even the most complicated returns
quickly and accurately. The Client Tracker screen allows me
to track firm-wide tax return status from one screen, and I
love how I can access any tax return from this one screen with
a simple double-click!
Summary
ProLine extends the features and functions associated with
Lacerte. The modular format and pay-per-use pricing make
ProLine affordable for small firms with complex, specialized
needs. Real-time research access and the Live Community
enable users to get the most out of online resources.
Intuit ProLine Lacerte Tax Software
www.lacertesoftware.com
800-765-7777
Office Function
Compares Previous
Year's Activity
T
homson Reuters, developer of UltraTax CS, provides
an array of information and technology products for
accountants and other professionals. The features and
functions of UltraTax CS reflect that depth and width. The
latest edition of UltraTax CS includes significant updates for
the coming tax season.
Benefits and Features
n New source document processing extracts pertinent data
from scanned images of 1099 forms, W-2 forms and other
source documents.
n New firm/office function provides metrics for current-year
tax preparation activity as well as comparisons to previous
year activity.
n Customizable home page provides notices and alerts, client
status, and other user-defined information.
n Integration with online Checkpoint research resources.
What Users Say
Prior to UltraTax CS, we operated like we were in the dino-
saur age, manually entering figures into tax software, says
Chris Fleming, Fleming Associates. After implement-
ing UltraTax CS and utilizing the tax codes for companies
we keep the books for, our efficiency increased approximately
70% the first year and could increase to nearly 80% in future
years. Although UltraTax CS is behind the scenes to our cli-
ents, it makes a world of difference to our firm.
Summary
UltraTax CS addresses tax preparation needs with a range of
technology features and functions. Client-specific Web site
portals, Checkpoint research data and other online resources
provide easily accessible information. OCR technology trans-
fers information from supporting source documents to tax
returns, eliminating the need for storing paper documents
and manually entering tax return information. Comprehen-
sive diagnostic and drill down functions, including data min-
ing, allow for complete reviews and evaluations. A customiz-
able home page adds convenience by reducing mouse clicks.
Thomson Reuters
www.thomsonreuters.com
800-968-8900