Mike D

They obviously scored better than CCH with the BBB!!! I purchased ATX for 2009 through TRX and was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. I will take my chances with TRX because I already am aware of how companies can exploit their customers having been one of CCH. Mike Dubin CPA. PS: I have posted my experience with TaxWise so far on the Renewal offers from ATX link.

This link might be helpful http://www.acfe.com/home.asp Mike Dubin CPA

Margaret, I have to date converted my clients from ATX to Tax Works 2009 and reviewed a handful. Most of the simpler returns were fine however as is the case with most software conversions those with depreciation, NOL carry forwards, etc. need some finessing. I did process my own return from scratch and intend to do some other more complex ones simply for the experience. I have to admit after 6 years of ATX it's a learning experience. The most disheartening aspect is no form entry. I believe that I will ultimately adapt to it but it's a grind. It appears that most high end software is not forms driven. For the record, my return processed to the dollar. I am seriously considering going completely paperless in that I will only provide a PDF copy to my clients. This appears to be an advantageous time for change due to all the new regulations facing all of us. There will be an additional charge for paper; some reasons for client are cost of processing, postage, storage, environment, etc. As I have previously stated my good friend a CPA in Cal has used Tax Works for 5 years and has only kudos about the software. He prepares in excess of 500 mixed returns about 85% personal. H&R Block owns Tax Works since 2007 and uses it exclusively in all of their facilities for the preparation of their business returns. These give me hope. I will continue to post as I progress. The best thing that I can tell you is that I paid $299 and I will continue to pay $299 for the foreseeable future. Mike Dubin CPA

I received a call last week from CCH sales and retention inquiring if in fact if I would be returning to ATX for 2010. I had purchased ATX for 2009 through TRX and never looked back. I explained my dissatisfaction with ATX specifically their altering the software without any notification, i.e. fixed assets, and subsequently offering to sell you the same functionality. In addition we discussed pricing, etc. He was ready to discount the software had I shown any interest in renewing! I explained to him that I had already purchased Tax Works from TRX for 2010 for $299 plus shipping, which by the way includes their fixed asset manager, document manager, RIA Checkpoint and client write up with payroll. He wished me luck. I do believe that this offer of $299 is still available until May 1, 2010. Anybody interested should call TRX, http://www.trxalliance.com/index.html. Best of luck to all. Mike Dubin CPA

If I were beginning my accounting career at this time, I believe that Forensic Accounting would be my choice for specialization. With the recent advent of the economic downturn as well as the Wall Street debacle just look at how many Ponzi schemes surfaced! In my opinion, this is only the tip of the iceberg. The new regulatory oversight announced just today by the president on Wall Street will require forensic professionals for years to come. Sarbanes Oxley compliance has added another requirement for this as well. I am familiar with both a forensic accounting firm in California and a good friend who has a Sarbanes Oxley consulting firm headquartered in NJ and they both are quite successful. These successes come not only during economic booms but during one of the worst economic climates that we have seen. There is something to say about that! I could drivel on some more! I am not familiar with Florida Atlantic University and as far as online courses, I would be a bit skeptical? You should if practical look to attend a program at an institution that has success in this area of accounting. Whatever you decide I wish you the best of luck and success. Mike Dubin CPA

Kea, I previously posted on a few links the fact that TRX has a long term commitment with Redgear, Taxworks. This is being reinforced to me in that H&R Bloch who owns Redgear, Taxworks uses it exclusively in all company owned and franchise business returns. In addition this will be the only software product that TRX will be selling and supporting beginning in 2010! They are guaranteeing the price that you pay for all future purchases. They represent about 3 to 4 thousand members. All that said you need to decide for yourself. The more of us that participate the more impact we will have on TRX's decisions. I for one have purchased and can't wait to further review this software. Good luck Mike Dubin

As a tax preparer and accountant practicing for over 35 years, I have set some rules for my practice which have for the most part worked well for me. For example: Any existing client that wishes to see me face to face on April 13 to discuss hyperbole and fees would fast become your client. I have a policy for my existing clients a face to face will cost them $75 up to 1/2 hour, after that my normal hourly fees prevail. For new first time clients, not returning clients, I will meet with them face to face when required, and waive fees for the first 1/2 hour; any additional time is billed at my normal hourly rates. In addition I have generally resisted taking on new clients and/or servicing existing clients after April 1. I will on occasion meet with a prospective client after April 1 that appears to make it worth my while? All others are required to be put on extension and all tax matters will not be discussed until May 1, at the earliest. Let's face it; I get burned out just as most of you do! If for some reason the client insists on not filing extensions after April 1, my normal fees at minimum double! Hope this is helpful Mike Dubin CPA

Eric, The relationship between TRX & TaxWorks began in 2009 and will be exclusively, the only software that TRX will be providing to it's members for 2010. They are using price points that are hard to believe and therefore I anticipate many current members who were using ATX, TaxWise, etc., will be converting to TaxWorks for 2010, just as I myself have chosen to do? The idea of using polling to assess just how many of this board's members will in fact be converting to TaxWorks should shed light on the user's specific need's relating to this new software, conversion, use of operation, etc. This information should be useful in determining where and how and if this board manages these new issues. Thanks Mike Dubin CPA

You are probably correct in your assessmant, however those of us that have purchased TaxWorks most likely have never used it before and as such it will necessitate questions relating to specific functionality and issues unique to Tax Works only. Hence my concern regarding the best possible way to hanlde this issue on this board? TaxWorks has it's own board however it appears to be underutilized and full of spam! In addition I am not sure of the relationship between TRX & TaxWorks as it pertains to the use of it's board for TRX members? Thanks Mike Dubin CPA

How many others have purchased TaxWorks through TRX for 2010? If a material number, how can we continue to use this board effectively? I for one would hate to lose this asset! Thanks for any assistance. Miks Dubin CPA

Gene, The add ons are as follows: RIA Research Client Write Up w/ Payroll fron (trx) Fixed Asset Manager I assume from TaxWorks? Document Manager From(trx) I have not had the chance to review these add ons as yet. I intend to after the season! I will report on my findings soon thereafter. Mike Dubin CPA

Deb, As I had previosly stated in my posts, my good friend a California CPA used TaxWorks for the past 5 years and does in excess of 500 mixed returns, 85% personal. He raves to me about the software. He paid more than $2,000 for 2009 and now he is paying $299 from TRX thanks to me! He formally used LaCerte that also uses a data entry rather than a forms based software. Most of the high end, "priced" software products are data entry rather than a forms based software. In addition, H&R Bloch uses TaxWorks exclusively for the preparation of all their non personal returns for both franchises and company owned locations. With all of the ATX & Taxwise converts I can only surmise that it will be getting better. I also prepared my personal return from a conversion and it took me a bit longer than usual due to familiarizing myself with the software. I feel that the more I use it the more proficient I will become and never look back. If I stay with ATX it will cost me $2,700 for 2010 as campared to $699 from TRX for 2009. The number $299 forever bodes very well with me! Good luck in your endeavors. Mike Dubin CPA

I did browse the TaxWorks board and it appeared that they were getting junk posts only? Did I miss something? I emailed TRX a few suggestions, initiate a TRX board, consider offering CPE credits for their training courses. Brendon responded that he thought they were good ideas and he would raise them with the powers that be. Let's see how it pans out. Mike Dubin CPA

I for one have purchased TaxWorks from TRX for 2010 as I have previously posted. My question is how many others have done so? If material how can we continue to use this board effectively? I for one would hate to lose this asset! Thanks for any assistance. Miks Dubin CPA

They are most likely either a 501©(7) Social and Recreational Clubs or a 501©(8) Fraternal Beneficiary Societies. Did they collect any monies over these periods? How much annual revenue did they collect? If so where did they deposit them? What was the 1099 Misc for? What state do they reside in? What does the IRS exemption letter say? It usually states what type of entity! Once these questions are answered I may be in a better position to respond. I was formerly the CFO of a major labor union for 31 until my retiremeny and have dealt with these type entities. Mike Dubin CPA

It appears to me that you enjoy raising these controversial issues in order to keep yourself amused? By the way for your information I am a proponent of universal healthcare in the USA. For the record, I presently enjoy excellent health coverage as a condition of my employment throughout my lifetime, so I am not just another hypocrite. A few statistics I have read may enlighten you. Health care costs in the US have increased by 650% since 1974 when Nixon signed the previous bill into law. That’s approximately 18% per year. Where do you anticipate they will be in the next 20 or so years if nothing is undertaken? I personally would rather have the government run our health care system than the present insurance, drug manufacturers and other for profit entities that earn in excess of 20% profits each year and spend the equivalent of $1 million for each and every member in congress to lobby their support to keep themselves ensconced. Not to mention the fact of people like ourselves with excellent insurance being denied care and losing their lives due to the hyperbole that these wonderful entities espouse. Finally, if you think that the national health insurance programs that presently exist in other free countries such as the UK, France and Canada are not working I would suggest you see what will occur should you eliminate their benefits. I predict nothing short of a revolution. I could go on like you forever! You need to get a life. Mike Dubin CPA

I ordered the 2010 TaxWorks Software Preimium Package with all of the addons that I referenced previously for $299 plus shipping. For the record I have been using ATX with a network license and as such have about 4 or 5 users who are interested in purchasing the same. I was able to negotiate the same deal for all of them that wish to participate. The way this is going, this board may become ATX & TaxWorks Community? Best to all Mike Dubin CPA

I just got off the phone with Kimberly who assured me that the entire renewal price for the Premium Package, $699 version is only $299 if I purchase before May 1, 2010. In addition the $299 will be my renewal for the same package each subsequent year beginning in 2011. This is almost too good to be true. I actually previewed their 2009 Premium Package, $699 version and although it took a bit of getting used to, it worked quite well. It is not a forms entry system, you enter data using schedules and can preview the actual returns as you enter. This same package purchased directly from Redgear would be about $2,000 without RIA Research, Client Write Up w/ Payroll (TRX) or the DOCUMENT MANAGER. I have posted my dissatisfaction with ATX this year and I will be purchasing the above for 2010. Below I attached my previous correspondence with TRX for you perusal. Good luck to all of you. Mike Dubin CPA THIS IS WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE WITH THE RENEWAL AND THE ADD ONS THAT YOU WILL BE GETTING FOR 2010 AND AS LONG AS YOU RENEW BEFORE MAY 1ST.. THE PRICE WILL BE ONLY $ 299.00 All 1040 fed forms w/ Free Efile All State 1040 forms w/ Free Efile All Business forms w/Free Efile All Entity Forms w/Free Efile MULTY OFFICE MANAGER RIA Research Client Write Up w/ Payroll (TRX) Fixed Asset Manager DOCUMENT MANAGER MARIBEL RAMOS Tax Refund Xpress 224 West Main Street Murfreesboro, TN 37130 1866-829-9777 MY EXT 2537 [email protected] YES TAXWORKS IS MADE BY REDGEAR YES THIS SPECIAL IS ONLY TILL MARCH THE 31ST AND AS LONG AS YOU RENEW YOUR SOFTWARE BEFORE MAY 1ST EVERY YEAR YOUR PRICE WILL BE LOCKED IN EVERY YEAR FOR AS LONG AS YOUR WITH US IT WILL REMAIN THE SAME.. GIVE A CALL WHEN YOUR READY ….HAVE A GOOD DAY !!!!!!!!!!!! From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 5:58 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: 2010 TaxWorks Order You did not state the following: This is Redgear, TaxWorks Software? TRX has a long term relationship with Redgear, TaxWorks Software? According to the solicitation to many users and our conversation, the renewal price for all listed was supposed to be $299, if ordered before March 31, 2010? The future renewal price for the same package will be protected if reordered prior to the end of each tax season? Thanks for the additional info. Mike Dubin CPA

You can find a loan amortization schedule in Microsoft Excel. Click on file, new and see new from template. Go to general template and select which one you wish to use. I have been using them for years. I also use Lotus which also has the same features. Good luck Mike Dubin CPA

I recall the same cautionary feeling about TRX when they offered ATX tax office for $699. I however went ahead and purchased 2009 from TRX for $699 instead of $2,600 directly from CCH and haven't looked back. I am extremely disappointed with ATX after 6 years of use in that as soon as CCH purchased they appear to have been on a mission to downgrade everything but the price! The last straw for me was the fixed asset history feature removal without any prior notification. Their lame excuse was that this feature slowed the system down? Of course they now are offering a great fix for a few hundred additional dollars, this year, which I guarantee you will cost that much more for next year, etc. It seems that I am not alone with my posture toward ATX as I recently read a post that their client base has actually shrunk from a high of some 70,000 to 40,000. I can assure you that for next year they will have a starting base of no more that 39,999 as I for one will not renew with them. I am somewhat surprised that there has not been a more serious upheaval from the users especially if you follow the technical support issues. I will follow up with any and all software that will meet my needs and be competitively priced and be there for the future. I do also fear the unknown but after dealing with the known I have become a bit more flexible in these endeavors. I share you concerns and will follow up with any new information that I acquire. Mike Dubin CPA

I decide to call Guardian today as I received no response from LEE as yet, and spoke with Harris, who stated that he was the owner. He indicated that his company has absolutely no affiliation with TRX, however he indicated that he personally worked for TRX in the past. I inquired as to the bankruptcy issue and he assured me that that was a different company, not his. This is his first year he is in business and he chose to resell Drake because he used the software as a preparer and was quite pleased with it. Guardian has approximately 100 clients for 2009 due to a late start this tax year. He estimates that they should have more like 1,000 for 2010. The software provided is a true and accurate copy of Drake as it is actually shipped by them directly to you. No clones, nothing missing, etc. All support is provided directly by Guardian and if they can't answer your inquiry they will contact Drake on your behalf as your advocate and get you an answer. I further inquired about the number of years that they have contracted with Drake and was advised that it is an ongoing licensing agreement that should go on forever! Harris seemed very sincere and forthcoming in his responses to me however I asked that he and some of his present customers reply to this board with their own evaluation of Drake Software, support, e filing issues, bank products, etc. He assured me that they would. Sounds like a formidable option for me. I have evaluated Drake in the past and more recently converted my 2008 ATX date base to Drake and so far I am quite pleased with the software. I will however continue to review and keep all of you posted. Let all be hopeful. Mike Dubin CPA

This may help. I believe that these NYS Mortgage Taxes are considered transfer taxes for deduction purposes? Publication 17 (2009), Your Federal Income Tax For Individuals For use in preparing 2009 Returns Real Estate-Related Items You Cannot Deduct Payments for the following items generally are not deductible as real estate taxes. Taxes for local benefits. Itemized charges for services (such as trash and garbage pickup fees). Transfer taxes (or stamp taxes). Rent increases due to higher real estate taxes. Homeowners' association charges. Transfer taxes (or stamp taxes). Transfer taxes and similar taxes and charges on the sale of a personal home are not deductible. If they are paid by the seller, they are expenses of the sale and reduce the amount realized on the sale. If paid by the buyer, they are included in the cost basis of the property. Good luck Mike Dubin CPA

Does anyony have a client letter explaining mandatory efile? If so would you be good enough to share or send to me? Thanks Mike Dubin CPA

Lee, I am interested in changing from ATX to another software company for 2010. I understand that you are selling Drake for $699? I do not want to be confronted with a one or two year solution as the time and effort of conversion and learning is enormous. Please indicate your ongoing commitment from Drake to enable you to resell their software at a discounted price. In addition what kind of price guarantee are you prepared to offer? What features and/or functionality are different between your software and a direct purchase from Drake? Please be honest as I will ultimately evaluate both companies just to be certain of what I am purchasing as well as be sharing this information with my peers on ATX Community. Who provides support, e filing, updates, etc? What are your return/refund policies? What software did you resell prior to Drake and for how long? Thanks for your response. Mike Dubin CPA

It appears to me that you have 3 options. First you can follow all of the previous links re: Fixed Assets, etc. Second you can change software companies next year as I am planning to do. Third you can do nothing and continue to be manipulated by a company that continues to remove features without prior notification, raise prices and offer the worst technical support ever? Good luck Mike Dubin CPA