Mike D

I received an email invitation from TaxWorks to attend the following. I will be attending the WHEN: Friday, May 25th—from 8:45am to Noon WHERE: Hampton Inn Jericho - Westbury 120 Jericho Turnpike Jericho, New York 11753 I hope to meet some of you there? Mike Dubin CPA FREE CPE Credit and a FREE Lunch When you attend a FREE half-day TaxWorks Evaluation Seminar. WHEN: Friday, May 25th—from 8:45am to Noon WHERE: Hampton Inn Jericho - Westbury 120 Jericho Turnpike Jericho, New York 11753 WHEN: Thursday, May 26th—from 8:45am to Noon WHERE: Hampton Inn White Plains - Tarrytown 200 West Main Street Elmsford, New York 10523 WHEN: Thursday, May 27th—from 8:45am to Noon WHERE: Hampton In Albany - Downtown 25 Chapel Street Albany, New York 12210 CLICK HERE TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE OR CALL MILES AT 800.230.2322 ext. 4117 CLICK HERE to View Seminar Agenda FREE CPE Credit TAXWORK Sales Seminar Half Day, Local Sales Seminar Will Include: Up to 3 hours of CPE* credit concluding with a free lunch. Requirements A general understanding of computer use and tax law is required to attend. Topics are at a basic level and will include the following: • Overview of Software Features • Client Delivery • Electronic Filing • ArkWorks—The Paperless Office This program is a “group-live” offering, and will include interaction between attendees and presenters. Learning Objectives Our learning objectives are to provide an overview of the features in the tax software. You will see how our software can make you more efficient and effective. No advanced preparation is required to attend. TaxWorks is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org. *CPE Credit applicable to CPAs, EAs and CTEC Federal Credits. Other professionals please check with your licensing agency to see if this seminar fills your CPE requirements. Fill out and FAX the registration form below. AT-DOOR REGISTRATIONS ARE PERMITTED. YOU MUST REGISTER TO RECEIVE CPE CREDIT. Fax your completed registration form to: 801-529-9199. Name_______________________________________Firm Name____________________________________ Street Address_______________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip______________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: (______)______________Email Address___________________________________________ BY REDGEAR TECHNOLOGIES Fill out the above form for CPE credit (applicable to CPAs & EAs) For information regarding administrative policies or complaints. call 1-800-230-2322 or visit taxworks.com

Sorry you feel that way. I thought that my responses were clear and concise and directly related to your issues. Evidently you are convinced that ATX works well for you and have no intentions to change. That should conclude this dialogue. Mike Dubin CPA

I beg to differ with you. I have used ATX for 7 years through and including 2009. I have encountered the same issues with all multi state returns that I have prepared over the years. Are you stating that once you enter the data required on the secondary state you have in fact completed all of the primary states returns without making any additional edits as I have indicated? If so, please demonstrate for me as I must have missed something along the way. Thanks Mike Dubin CPA

I can certainly understand your complacency with ATX. I am not privy to the details of your practice so I can only assume that you prepare some multi state returns? In addition you admit that you are preparing many complex returns that include depreciation. With these facts alone I am almost certain that you are spending many additional hours using work arounds instead of having the software do it for you? Before my retirement as a CFO for a major labor union in NYC I managed a staff of 25 professionals. We were saddled with the Y2K doom and gloom information technology issues and decided to convert all of our systems at that time. I was given the mission to convert all of the accounting and financial systems for the union, welfare fund and other related entities. This entailed searching for the right solution, managing the conversion process, operating multiple systems until the switchover, testing, and finally keeping the costs under control. It took approx. one year of four of my staff members plus me to accomplish this task. A few months after completion we could see the magnitude of features that were available to us. Reporting reel time, significant internal control improvements, enormous monetary savings due to bringing in house many tasks that were required to be outsourced with the old systems, efficiency in work flows, and finally a much happier and contented staff. Sure the undertaking was enormous and time consuming, although the learning curve was much shorter. This was the smartest decision that I made during my 31 year career and the benefits are still being reaped. In addition I as well as many of our colleagues switched to TRX Tax Works software for 2010 and had very few issues with the conversion process and learning curve. True it is not forms based but does provide almost instant preview of the forms in progress. I prepare about 50 returns some of which are quite complex so I can’t speak for you preparing over 2,900. Of these returns I prepare about 10 with multiple states and the difference from ATX to Tax Works is enormous. Using ATX I was required to enter the secondary states taxable income as well as the actual income taxes paid, which for the record is not consistent in every state. Should I be required to change and/or edit these returns I would once again be required to reenter the new data manually. Using Tax Works I simply entered the data on the secondary states and all of the information flowed without incident to the primary states accurately 100% of the time. Should you be preparing an inordinate number of these multi state type returns, this software for instance would be far worth the conversion and learning curve efforts by you. The time, effort and finally, chance of error, saved would result in real dollars by potentially requiring less staff, having the ability to prepare additional returns within the same time horizons, etc. I am certain that many other software products perform as well as Tax Works and for your type of practice may even be a better fit. In conclusion, I can't promise you that this will be as good as it was for me, however remaining with an antiquated, cumbersome, feature poor software product that gets more expensive every year while offering less free features for example, the asset manager, may not be the best long term solution to your continued success. Best of luck. Mike Dubin CPA

I must admit that if I were preparing 2,900 returns my last choice for software would be ATX. I would look for a more robust feature rich program that saves time and money. I just attended a Drake seminar yesterday and most of the participants were using Ultratax, Proseries, LaCerte, etc. I discussed TRX and TaxWorks for $299 and everyone thought that I was either lying and/or crazy. Everyone was looking for a cheaper solution as prices were extremely high for these other programs. I am ecstatic that I switched from ATX when I did and now have much better software for $299 per year. Mike Dubin CPA

They called me five times during the tax season. I advised them to advise management that this was not the time to do marketing and they should wait until after April 18, 2011. I tried to download the new TaxExact Premium Software twice and both times it was corrupted. I called and spoke to sales who were good enough to take me through the software via screen share with them. I inquired as to which companies software platform they were using but didn't get any response. It is forms based and appears to have all the bells and whistles. I am waiting for them to send me a cd rom so I can further evaluate this product. The reason that I am interested at this time is not that I am dissatisfied with Tax works, quite the contrary, I had an excellent year with TRX and Tax works and don't wish to change software. However all good things come to an end whether it be next year or the year thereafter, so I want to be prepared with a viable inexpensive solution that will be as good if not better than Tax Works. I will keep you all posted as I progress. Wishing all happy and healthy holidays. Mike Dubin CPA

Ditto! But let's not forget to thank Eric Brissette for creating and maintaining this board. The donation button is on top. Happy and healthy holidays to all. Mike Dubin CPA

First you need to reverse the process as I have previously stated. Next you can go to edit and erase form. That should work. Mike Dubin CPA

Need a bit more information. Have you created the extensions in the e file center? Have you sent them? Have they been accepted? Are you simply trying to delete the form from TRX? Mike Dubin CPA

P—Excess contributions plus earnings/excess deferrals (and/or earnings) taxable in 2009. I would show it on line 21 and not have self employment taxes calculated. I would name it excess contributions. Mike Dubin CPA

You will need to send this form as an attachment as it is authorized for efiling. I found the following instructions for sending an attachment. Instructions 1 E-file your tax return through the e-file process. 2 Wait for the acknowledgment that the IRS has accepted your tax return. When you receive it, fill out Form 8453. The declaration control number on the form is the number you received in the IRS acknowledgment. Be sure to check the box next to the appropriate attachment or attachments that you are sending. 3 Mail Form 8453 and the attachments to: Internal Revenue Service Attn: Shipping and Receiving, 0254 Receipt and Control Branch Austin, TX 73344-0254 Read more: How do I E-File Taxes & Add My Own Attachments? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6896656_do-taxes-add-own-attachments_.html#ixzz1INiOF6yE Hope this is helpful. Mike Dubin CPA

This form 4852 is available as a fill in form only, is does not populate in the program. Look in the forms button on top and click on form filler. Mike Dubin CPA

I stand corrected. I filed my first 1040 extension yesterday and found that my initial instructions were incorrect. I called tech support and they were somewhat unfamiliar with the process. After 1 hour and screen sharing with both TRX & Red Gear I was able to file. Steps involved 1-Change GI General Information Tab to EXT 2-Change EF Efile uncheck 3-Go to Form 4668 and supress full return Once finished you need to go back and recheck #2 & #3 in order to efile the complete return. I voiced my dissatisfaction with this cumbersome process and suggested to Red Gear that they automate this process in future releases. We will see if they heard me and ultimately listen? Sorry for any confusion. Mike Dubin CPA

Select extension set from the print file and send to efile center. Don't forget to obtain all necessary signed and dated authorizations fro your clients before e filing any extensions! Open the efile center and click the tab on the upper right side extensions. Proceed as you would file a standard efile return. Hope this helps. Mike Dubin CPA

I have had this discussion on more than one occasion with my friends, family and peers. It seems that no matter what political persuasion you come from there is a consensus on these two issues. Abolish lobbying laws and use a tax check off to be equally distributed among all candidates. There’s plenty more to this but I won't bore you with the details. Term limits. All of congress should be limited to two terms only, no exceptions! I truly believe that these two changes will put this country back on course as a powerful and free democracy. Thanks for listening. Mike Dubin CPA

I too received a call yesterday and inquired today as to the deal. Same renewal price of $299 for the Premium Package. They will be providing TaxWorks for 2011 as well as their own homegrown software, if interested go to http://www.yonderworks.com/Default.aspx and read all about it. The renewal deadline for price protection wasn't clear, first she said May 31 and when I questioned her date she said May 1, 2011. I certainly have found the experience overall to be quite good and will be renewing for 2012 albeit not until the end of April 2011. Mike Dubin CPA

I left ATX after 6 years for TRX in 2009 due to their unilaterally removing features without notification, and subsequently when discovered had a solution that cost you more money, and the price. This is the first year that I am using TaxWorks and find it to be much richer in content then ATX. Many features are different and some I am certain have not been utilized as I am still in a learning mode. The cons are the tech support that simply takes over your computer and appears to have little or no knowledge about the issues. I must add that at least they respond to my calls in a reasonable time period, not like ATX that never responded. The good news there is that Tax Works has been superlative in offering solutions both on this board and communicating directly. In addition I am not enamored with the letters, too confusing, and I certainly agree with the forms input being superior. In summary I paid $299 for a package that probably would have cost me about $2,000 had I stayed with ATX. I think that says it all! Mike Dubin CPA

Me thinks that they will update this when they can extrapolate more bucks from you'se guys. They do need to keep up their reputation. Mike Dubin CPA

On the rare occasions during my career I was somewhat successful with the following letter. Date Taxpayers Name Address RE: Fee for preparation of your 20xx U. S. Individual Federal Tax Return - $ Taxpayer SSN Spouse SSN Dear Pursuant to Section 10.34 of United States Treasury Department Circular Number 230, Title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, I prepared the above referenced Federal tax return in anticipation of payment for my services, and accordingly, signed the return as the PAID PREPARER. As of this date, I have neither received payment from you nor have I received communication, written or oral, indicating your intent to pay the preparation fee. I, therefore, will on (some date in reasonable future) notify the Internal Revenue Service of the inaccuracy in the reporting of PAID PREPARER information on the above referenced tax return. Your Attention to this very important matter is hereby requested and your prompt remittance of the ($ amt) is anticipated to be forthcoming. Sincerely, CC: U. S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Examination Division DATE TO SEND Good luck. Mike Dubin CPA

Unfortunately I called TaxWorks and they stated that they no longer support a forum. I additionally emailed vbulletin.com the alleged host of the forum and they confirmed that they only provide the backbone, not the content. Which leads me to another potential solution. I wrote twice to Doug Hughes, Pres of TRX to request that they strongly consider a forum for all of the new TaxWorks users, to date I have received no response. We all need to contact TRX and request that they support a forum for all of the new TaxWorks users. They did have a forum in the past but may have abandoned it as well. I don't know how many of us are out there but the more that write the greater chance that we can accomplish this request as well as other issues that may arise! In addition I would like to commend Eric Brissette who hosts this forum for his time and effotrs. For those of you new to this board, Eric does this voluntarily and as such we as users from time to time make donations to offset some of the costs and associated time he spends on our behalf. There is a donations button on top of this page as well as for those who wish to donate to him personally his contact information follows. Eric Brissette 503 Reach Rd Presque Isle, ME 04769 Thanks to all. Mike Dubin CPA

Very good news from Ryan @ Red Gear Customer Support. The following is the response to my inquiry posted yer=sterday regarding all of the technical issues that have not been resolved as yet. Hi Mike, I sure can and am very happy to. I will take time this weekend to get onto the blog and try and find everything that has been asked and will get answers. Could I ask that you let the forum know I will be researching this weekend and will respond as quickly as I can on each of them. Sorry to bug you with that, but it would help me to ensure they know I will jump on and spend that time to hopefully get everyone taken care of. Thanks, Mike. Ryan

I just sent the following email to Ryan Toone @ TaxWorks as he was instrumental in assisting all of us through the conversion period. There have been many posts regarding content and functionality with TRX Pro 1040 2010 software, 1040 Works from Red Gear, since I last corresponded with you during the conversion process. We can't seem to get answers to our inquiries from TRX directly and was hoping that you could assist us as you were gracious enough to do during the conversion period. Many thanks from all of us. Mike Dubin CPA Let's all keep our fingers crossed.

Tax Works has a forum which last year I could access however for some strange reason I have not been able to access this year nor contact them. I had previously writted to Doug Hughes, Pres of TRX requesting that they seriously consider a forum for all of the new TaxWorks users. He did say that they would look into it, haven't heard a thing as yet. I just yesterday emailed him to resurrect the forum issue, cross your fingers. I was successful during the conversion stage of having a dialogue with a tech from Red Gear directly who was extremely helpful. He actually has posted to this board on numerous occasions. His contact is [email protected]. In addition here are links that may be helpful. http://forums.taxworks.com/ [email protected] It would be helpful if all of us wrote to TRX requesting a new forum. Best of luck for the remainder of the tax season. Mike Dubin CPA

I did not encounter any such errors however DLL files are program files that may be either missing and/or corrupted. I would start again with one of the returns that had the problem and see the outcome. If the same conditions exist I would call tech support. For the record I just completed converting my 1041 returns successfully. I was advised that the business conversion should be available early next week. Other that being somewhat late, the entire conversion process went pretty well for me. Best of luck. Mike Dubin CPA

The software that was provided to us from TRX is called 1040 Works, not Tax Works. It is a lighter version of Tax Works but most of the differences that I can find appear to be cosmetic and/or functionality. For example fixed asset manager vs fixed asset tracker, real time 1040 vs need to invoke peek, view prior years returns along side current years vs open prior year and flip back & forth. I can't find any other significant differnces although I was quite disappointed with the asset tracker as they advertised fixed asset manager. I am further disappointed in the delivery dates of business conversion software now scheduled for 1041 01/14/11 and all other business 01/18/11. This is very late to be first converting clients. I voiced my opinion with TRX. Otherwise they have been pretty responsive with tech support. Hope this helps. Mike Dubin CPA