Mike D

Generally before I engage them!

One of my clients received an annual subscription invoice for Quick Books Online that was double what they paid last year. I called them twice and got nowhere, so I called the CEO. I received a call back within 2 hours and they confirmed that email notice of these new fees had been distributed in the prior month. I nor my client received anything from them! They then began to attempt to justify this massive increase as if it were merely corporate protocol. I explained to them that had I attempted to increase my clients fees by 100%, I wouldn't have any shortly thereafter. There are many alternatives to their products and I intend to research same. I hope you are all as appalled as I am and pass this along. The more the hear about it the more they may become contrite? Thanks for listening.

Drake software provides an engagement letter. Attached please find a redacted copy of 2018 letter.

Look at the lower left side of Tab # 2 on K-1 screens for QBI Input.

I hate to be a spoil sport however about 6 years ago I decided that all of my clients who were computer literate would begin receiving an encrypted pdf file instead of a printed hard copy return. At that time only 2 objected and I advised them there would be an additional $100 fee for paper copies as with a pdf file they can print at will. I now print 3 tax returns per season out of about 130 clients, including business clients. Think of the savings of time, supplies, and especially the environment.

Received email from Drake that first 2018 download is available today. Happy tax season to all.

I too switched from ATX to Drake back in 2013 and did not purchase ATX since. There were a few hiccups as can be expected with any conversion however Drake support is the best! Good luck.

To my knowledge the $20,00 pension exclusion is automatic based on the birthdate! I take this deduction for many of my clients as well as myself and you cannot edit this field on the NYS return. Did you check the birthdate carefully and make certain that it represents 55 1/2? I'm not sure about the S Corp payment screen, it may have something to do with the evaluation copy? I would call the support line and I am certain they will know all of your answers in a reasonable amount of time. Good luck!

It seems like every time there is a Microsoft update I lose some functionality! Old software automatically becomes obsolete and printing problems ensue as well. I have contacted Microsoft and they resolved some of my issues as they are certainly aware of this charade!

Unfortunately you must purchase Drake software in order to use their forum! I converted to Drake from ATX 4 years ago and haven't looked back. As with all software nothing fits 100%. Some workarounds, learning curves, idiosyncrasies, etc. The best support of all. Good luck

You can access the Tax Advisor AICPA using the following link for free. http://www.thetaxadviser.com/issues/2016/feb.html Mike Dubin CPA

Filed yesterday, confirmed today. No issues and no cost! Mike Dubin CPA

You all need to consider Drake! Lower cost. Excellent technical support Over 50,000 users I used ATX prior to their being absorbed by . They made my mind up for me with all of the bait and switch, fixed assets were free and then they weren't, price increases, etc. Drake works quite well in most scenarios as all software has its workarounds. Mike Dubin CPA

I agree with jklcpa that Drake would is a better choice vs ATX, albeit you will never have 100% success with any software. I switched to Drake 4 years ago from Tax Works which was a quality program, ultimately absorbed by Ultra Tax! I have also used ATX for 8 prior years before they were absorbed by Wolters Kluwer. My recollection of ATX is that it did not handle multi states well at all. I needed to go into each state and fill in all the information as well as repeat every time numbers were adjusted. I have a small but somewhat complex practice encompassing multi state partnerships. Drake handles all of this quite well. Their support is overwhelming and the price is quite good for the value. Best of luck Mike Dubin CPA

About 6 years ago I decided that for all of my computer literate clients that I would only provide them with a pdf copy of their tax returns. I accomplish this by using a cd rom. For some of my elder and/or high wealth clients I give them the option. Should any client that I provided with a cd rom to request a copy of their return there is a minimum $25 charge. For all returns in excess of 50 pages the charge becomes $50. This has worked quite well for me in saving time, paper, toner, postage, etc. Mike Dubin CPA

Here's some great news, I purchased the cartridge below from Amazon.com, albeit a refill, for a total of $12.07. I had previously purchased refills from a local franchise and the last time I paid $80 for 2 of the same cartridges. I have about 800 copies so far on the $12.07 and it continues to work quite well. 1 X Compatible Toner Cartridge Q2612X For HP LaserJet 3055 (Black) - 3500 yield - Black - Best of luck. Mike Dubin CPA

I have used Drake for the past 2 years and agree with the consensus that there are some learning curves as is with any new software and the tech support is excellent. FYI you can email tech support on Sundays and probably wait about 10 minutes for a response! Love Drake Mike Dubin CPA

In my formative years of practice I recall a very similar situation where the client intimated that I omitted a form 1099. I had to admit my fault but was quite reticent about the omission. I resolved the matter by filing amended returns and paying all penalties and interest. This was prior to scanning and copying so I developed my personal internal controls. Every piece of physical information that I received from the client was marked with a red pencil checkmark by me. Believe it or not I had a client subsequently attempt to blame me for omitting multiple documents. I simply asked them to find the original document and see if they had a red pencil checkmark on them! End of story. Today I scan all documents still using the red pencil checkmark. Old habits never die! Mike Dubin CPA

I mirror ed_accountant's sentiments as I too have purchased Drake software. My practice is compsed of about 80 tax returns 85% 1040 and about 12 mixed business returns. The cost compared to TRX and Tax Wise that I used in the past few years is about 3 times the cost however I am tired of conversions, learning curves, and all the aggravation that resellers have caused. In addition to the tax software Drake offers Drake Document Manager, Client Write-Up including after the cact payroll efiling, Drake Tax Planner, etc. They have over 40,000 users and have consistently been rated in the top 3 companies in many surveys including the AICPA. I hope that because of my decision I will sleep better during this coming season as well as far into the future? I will let you know my experiences as they develop. In any case best of luck with your search. Mike Dubin CPA

Too rich for my blood! The equivalent package closely compared to Drake would cost over $15,000 from Ultra tax. That would include all modules, states, payroll, client writeup, etc. Maybe in my next life. Mike Dubin CPA

I attended a Drake software seminar in NY today and came away quite impressed. There were 85 people in attendance including user's of Ultratax, Protax, ATX, Tax Works, Tax Wise, LaCerte, etc. The price for the complete Drake package before 05/31/13 is $1,095 which is not alot for what you get. All modules, all states, payroll, client writeup, document manager, tax organizer, tax planner, CPE, etc. I am leaning towards purchasing Drake for 2013 as a long term solution, as I have had it with conversions, learning curves, etc. Mike Dubin CPA

I attended a Drake software seminar in NY today and came away quite impressed. There were 85 people in attendance including user's of Ultratax, Protax, ATX, Tax Works, Tax Wise, LaCerte, etc. The price for the complete Drake package before 05/31/13 is $1,095 which is not alot for what you get. All modules, all states, payroll, client writeup, document manager, tax organizer, tax planner, CPE, etc. I am leaning towards purchasing Drake for 2013 as a long term solution, as I have had it with conversions, learning curves, etc. Mike Dubin CPA

I attended a Drake software seminar today and came away quite impressed. There were 85 people in attendance including user's of Ultratax, Protax, ATX, Tax Works, Tax Wise, LaCerte, etc. The price for the complete Drake package before 05/31/13 is $1,095 which is not alot for what you get. All modules, all states, payroll, client writeup, document manager, tax organizer, tax planner, CPE, etc. I am leaning towards purchasing Drake for 2013 as a long term solution, as I have had it with conversions, learning curves, etc. Mike Dubin CPA

I received a call today from Zac Meyer, Ultratax Manager of Tax Works Transition Team. We discussed the issues of all former TRX members who had used Tax Works through 2011. These were his propsals. Guarantee all Tax Works pricing for 3 years 2013 through 2015. Tax Works pricing was Silver package $1,795 !040, limited states, etc Gold package $2,295 Silver package plus business entities all states, document manager 1 seat, etc. Platinum package $2,795 Gold package plus additional busim=ness entities, document manager 8 seats, etc. If you wish to pursue this offering and/or require any further information you can contact Zac directly at 855 244-5982. Best of luck to all. Mike Dubin CPA

I am seriously considering Drake for 2013 as many other options have not yet come to fruition. With Drake you do get a lot for your money in addition to the tax software. My focus now is to find a stable company that I can stay with for the forseeable future! I have had it with conversions and learning curves every other year or so. I will be attending the Drake seminar in Elmhurst Queens, NY on Friday May 17, 2013. Looking forward to meeting some of you there? Mike Dubin CPA