Margaret CPA in OH

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

Well, Marilyn, I absolutely don't blame you for being so annoyed. Perhaps, if it's worth it to you, you could call one more time and, if given that song and dance, ask about Troy. Or better yet, as I wrote above, call Troy directly at ext. 1307. If Troy gives that same crap, tell him Margaret in Ohio got the deal as did Joann and Diane so that is 3 people, not one. Troy told me that there were about 800 people that had to be reassigned new id numbers (not customer numbers, that stayed the same) before they could process an order from returning folks. I wonder if the various departments really communicate. It seems hard to understand why the responses are so different but CCH is a big company and we know the tech support doesn't communicate all that well! Keep us informed and good luck!

Yes, bstaxes, try again. Call the sales line and use extension 1307. That's Troy. Explain to him that you are in the TRX group and want to return to ATX (if, in fact, you do). MAX includes the 1099's so I don't understand why you think the business portion would increase so much. You might very well learn the new program over the summer. There are others here who will be doing just that. I'm sure there will be plenty of support among this same family. For me, at 64, I just decided that the extra $500 was worth it. Others may not make that same choice. If I had to do it, I could have learned the new program and, at $299 for life, the price is unbeatable. But will it be the same program in future years? Hasn't TRX had 3 different programs in as many years? It's a tough choice to be sure. But give a call to Troy. He's an Ohio State fan so, if you have any Ohio connections, pull them out all the way! Good luck.

I am so sorry and surprised to hear that! How rude and stupid on their part, in my opinion. I cannot fathom the rationale for not offering at least a bit more. But what do I know about marketing and customer service? I guess I should just be grateful that my bet paid off, at least this time. I did take a risk last year that could have had a bad outcome. I got lucky...

Bob and Booger, I think you should call and negotiate! Remind them that you stayed with them when we deserted the ship, rats that we were... It's worth a call, I should think. If they refuse to budge, well, that isn't good customer service. I honestly didn't expect a deal but have paid full price for 11 years before last year so feel somewhat mollified that I 'deserve' it.

I have 11, too, and it works just fine. Maybe 12 is just bad or perhaps there is a way to change an option so it won't do what you describe.

Okay, I finally got my offer - 40% off. I went with MAX as per every year since 1997. I have no idea if I will get stiffed then next year but I could be dead then, too. For now I feel very lucky to have had the benefit (with the risk) of the TRX cost for last year and the generous 'come home' offer from ATX this year. This is about $100 more for less but I didn't use any other part of TTO but MAX. I still feel lucky. And I didn't get a call - I initiated the contact but Troy was very nice about the whole thing. They are expecting quite a few returnees, I think, and are welcoming us back.

Bob, I called and they have 4 people handling all the users of TRX from last year. Troy, with whom I spoke, said they are offering special deals for all of us. It depends on the package wanted. He will be calling back. I don't want all the extra stuff I had with TRX - never used it. I just want MAX again. I called because the TRX doesn't have all the Ohio munis and, when I tried to prepare a really simple return, I just didn't like it at all. Originally I was going to buy it just in case and work with it over the summer not really expecting a break from CCH. With a cost of $800 something, it's worth it to me. As Cathyann pointed out, there is the possibility of TRX switching programs again next year or every other year. I would like to believe that CCH is sticking with the ATX program a while longer with all the improvements they have made. Also, if they are offering good deals for returning defectors like me, I expect them to be around a while. I'll let you know my good deal. I'm hoping it's as good as Joann's!

:bday: and many more!

I have to find out those things and about the 5227 as well. I will be calling on Monday to check on the Ohio cities and other forms. We shall see...

Gene, I like your attitude! I downloaded the Pro version, too. And if I was 5-10 years younger would most likely make the switch. And I might still hedge my bets just in case... But that's kinda scary that it took you 3 days!!!! for a simple return. Than again, if you get into negative territory, well, that's a moneymaker for sure. Do I trust CCH? Not implicitly but guess I am hoping they will hang in there for another 2-3 years until I retire. Worse case scenario, since CCH isn't tempting me to return, I guess I will get the TRXPro, give it my best shot and buy ATX in the fall if I find I can't manage. The most I will have lost is $300 and potentially gained a lot. Maybe I should look at it as an investment in continued brain development, the always learning something new idea. Yeah, that's how I should look at it! I may have to consult you for tech support, you know. Is there a conversion package?

I have an S1500. They were on sale several months ago for $400 but I just checked the other day (I wanted to get one for my church) and the price on the Fujitsu site is $495. It might be possible to get one for less somewhere else. I had hired a part time person in the early fall to scan using a doc feed but single sided mfc. That went well but I would have saved a lot of money if I had already bought the ScanSnap. But she had lost her job and needed the money so I guess I had my own little stimulus program right here! And her company was a pleasure so all is well.

Okay, Diane, let's tag team 'em! I have all the same issues plus I didn't see the 5227 form for CRUT's. I also didn't look but would be surprised to see all the Ohio munis. Anyway, I'm going for stability and figure my time is worth something, too. I have an efficiency level with ATX after all these years and don't want my clients - and possibly my reputation - to suffer because I intentionally changed software and couldn't master it timely.

Well, I downloaded the TRXPro demo last night. The hurdle is too high for me so I will spend the extra money and stick with what I know. One of the issues is screen resolution. I use 800x600 to make it easier on my eyes. I also have 2 17" monitors that take up all the space so don't have enough room to get an even larger one because I really like having two. TRX display doesn't play well with my resolution. There is no bar at the bottom to move things only the boxes at the upper right. So, for me, it's a real bargain that isn't right for me. Now I just hope I can wheedle CCH out of paying full price for MAX since I was a defector for a year...

That's such good news! We all hope that subsequent tests, etc. yield more good news. Now rest and heal and know that your 'family' still supports you.

:bday: and many more!

Thanks, Mike, for the details. So TaxWorks is the TRX software? I thought they were creating their own brand for 2010. I will have to check out the demo, I guess. I just worry about all the Ohio Municipal returns and the interplay for multiple states, among other things. Do go for paperless. It is wonderful! Over the past year, primarily in the fall, I converted nearly 15 years' worth of client records to 2 cd's. Within a couple of weeks I will burn another set of cd's for this tax season and a set is kept in my safe deposit box along with a set in my office safe. Of course, there are still the files on my hard drive and the 2 external back up drives. It was so liberating to get down to one filing cabinet and no storage boxes. I do recommend something really fast like a ScanSnap which scans both sides and is FAST. This year I provided all client with a pdf and said that a paper copy would be provided only on request due to costs. No one asked for another copy. I did print out a client copy for the very old folks as they don't have computers. But I efiled the returns. Thanks again - I'll check with TRX since CCH isn't pursuing me!

I am so happy to read about your success and to know there is someone there with that level of capability. I just wonder if it would ever be possible to cut through some of the other layers more expeditiously for more experienced users. He probably is carefully shielded, though, and used for special occasions. But at least he exists!

Mike, have you looked at the TRX package? If so, how does it compare with ATX? I admit the price is really tempting but I am an old dog and don't know about new tricks. On the other hand, maybe the $800 difference is a good incentive to learn! And I'm envious: I've used ATX since tax year 1997 (still have all the disks, too) but didn't get a call to return.

I'm wondering if they are going to reach out to any of us former users who went through TRX last year. Even if I have to pay full boat, it will still have been a win over 2 years. It would be nice to be wooed back, however. TRX is certainly pursuing me to stick around but I think I don't want to change programs again.

:bday: and many more!