Margaret CPA in OH

When you use a single 24 inch monitor, do you just split the screen? Now I have 2 x 17" and the prior year's program opens on the right screen, current on the left. I have IE always open on the right and my email client on the left, etc. Does a split screen work the same way? The might be the replacement option when one of these goes bye bye!

I have been monitoring frequently and am getting a tad bit anxious. I have $700 at stake having committed to TRX under the promise of receiving ATX TTO. I am now questioning that decision. When I last spoke to Braeden last week, he did not sound as convincing as I would like when he reiterated the promise of full refund if ATX was not delivered. Christie of CCH said, sort of unofficially, that TRX would be providing the "functionality" of ATX software but it would be the TaxWise program. She pointed out that the TRX advertising listed specific ATX and CCH products for Trial Balance, Document Manager, and research products and said they had a contract to resell those. TRX does not list ATX tax software as such, just the functionality. I, too, wish some voice from the wilderness would enlighten us!

:bday: and many more!

In your conversation, did he specify that the tax preparation software was, in fact, ATX? Their item code 076 ATX 699 may just mean that the extras are from ATX but not necessarily the tax prep software.

Christie of ATX just called me to discuss renewal. We had a long chat about this issue. While she said that she had to be careful about specific things spoken (legal stuff, I think), the bottom line is that the tax preparation software TRX will provide is TaxWise and the Trial Balance, Document Manager and research materials are ATX and CCH as advertised. When I relooked at Braeden's posting listing the components of the $699 package, I only then noticed that the Tax Software listing is just components and capabilities and does not state ATX. The other items specify ATX or CCH. So, for the moment, I feel, well, taken. And of course, my 72 hours are up, TRX has my money and I have to wait until they ship TaxWise software to get it back to buy ATX from CCH. At least I THINK that's the situation. Geez, what a mess! I hope it's going to be OK!

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

That happened to me for several weeks earlier this year. After discussion with CS, I created a new user and used that instead of admin. It works now. I just can't get there as admin. Makes no sense but 'tis what it is.

Thanks, Marilyn. Now we wait for those to come down from the Olympiad with the explanation for all this, um, confusion. Doug has written that he will provide it. I have to wonder why these things weren't resolved long ago. I mean, both companies have been in business for a while and with each other, yet! Too much time on this - I'm still recovering from Sunday's marathon and now trying to wrap up stuff for son's wedding in 11 days. I don't need this distraction! I know I should try to stay off the board but, but... Thanks, again.

JohnH, you are probably correct. About the getting burned, I mean. I think I'm feeling the heat on my backside as I type. I've used ATX since 1997 and have always renewed early - habit, good or bad. Maybe this is my comeuppance for daring to make a change... BTW, I notice that Kim CCHSFS may be lurking. It would be nice to hear more but maybe TRX and CCH SFS need to resolve this with some semblance of mutual agreement and not be presenting conflicting information. I think it is obvious that many of us value the ATX software but, as mostly sole proprietors or small office practitioners, really have to watch our dollars. We want the best deal we can get - not a new concept.

Okay, Carlos just called back and said he had a brief chat with the owner who will be calling CCH to clarify. The owner ??? will also send an email reassuring me that I will get a full refund if they do not send me the ATX product promised. Since I, perhaps in hindsight foolishly, bought with TRX, would someone remind me of the renewal deadline from CCH? I have discarded my renewal form. It would be the pits if, not only did I not receive ATX, but had to spend another $111 or so to get the "official" program. Yikes, I don't need this!

I just got off the phone with Carlos who said he will talk with the TRX owner and "get this thing straightened out" and call me back in a few minutes. I read him the message from Kim Manuel and he said lots of things but not to worry - although I AM worried! I'll write again when I get that return call!

A client just called. They received a refund check made out to them and ME! Surprise, the bank wouldn't cash it! They live on the other side of town but I didn't think it correct to sign it, too, so they could cash it. I called Tax Practitioner Hotline and was told that it shouldn't have happened. You think? They are calling Taxpayer Advocate to get return address, etc. Maybe they will get a manual replacement. Sigh...

:bday: and many more!

I just set my monitor displays some time ago to 800x600. Everything is so much easier to read with my old eyes. Yes, sometimes I have to use the scroll bar to see some things to the right and below but it is a small price for me to pay to not have to squint constantly. I will check out Chrome, though, because you suggested it. Your suggestions are always worth consideration. Thanks, KC!

:bday: and many more!

The description of TaxCPANY's "filing" system is virtually identical to mine. Within each client folder is a subfolder for each tax year and a "permanent" folder for items spanning years. It's so easy to double check a document from last year with a current year form or to see what might be missing. KC's recommendation is also mine. Dual monitors are well worth the price and desk real estate. I have 2 x 17" side by side. It is so great to have the prior year return on one monitor while working on the current year. Or always having this forum open to check in quickly and having my email client open on the other. The possibilities are numerous and really increase productivity. And you will never go back to a single monitor as she said.

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

Eli, if, at my advanced age, I can do this, so can you! I follow pretty much the same procedure as TaxCPANY using PaperPort 11, Adobe Pro and the Windows file/folder scheme. I back up daily to an external hard drive (kept in a fire proof safe) and will be burning cd's of all files beginning in June to keep in my safe deposit box. I intend to replace them annually to have current files on current media. I have already transferred the important zip drive backups to the hard drive for cd preparation. It's great to not have all those paper files around. I also make sure I send pdf copies of reports and filed returns and acknowlegements/acceptances of all types to my clients. They can choose to print if they like. Good luck!

:bday: and many more!

Release letter? Yeah, what's with that? Released from what? I didn't have to sign anything. This gets increasingly interesting, if that's the correct word!

:bday: and many more!

For me the refund guarantee would allow me to purchase directly from ATX should TRX be unable to deliver. The most I would lose would be the big $111 discount for this year. If CCH pulls the plug for TRX after next tax season, I can always go back then. It may end up the $400 I save this year to get more than I want/need will get returned, in part, next year to CCH. As you say, stay tuned...

I believe it's one of those "love it or hate" things. I/we happen to love it. I joke that it was the deciding factor in our move here from Boston. One can eat only so many beans... The truth is that we have it every Thursday night after choir practice. My husband and I both play in the handbell choir and I stay for the choral choir. He stops to pick up dinner which I eat when I get home. We try to take a summer hiatus but usually don't go more than 2 weeks without it. Skyline and Chinese take out are our fast foods.