Jack from Ohio

It installs right on your computer when you install the software. It is not 1990 any more and things are high tech and complex. (can you say tax regulations?) This means a learning curve on a very regular basis. Learning curve means reading....

Check my other posts. This rework is 5 years overdue. Compatibility issues with server operating system and the newest operating systems. The only reason ATX worked on Windows 7 was the ability of Windows 7 to treat programs like XP. Server software, on the other hand, is not so kind. ATX up through 2011 used an older excel spreadsheet as a format with an Access 97 database. Can you say outdated??

Page 16 of the User Manual which installed with your software. Under all programs.

Could you give me a source of your information? I am unable to find anything from IRS about this.

I was under the impression that IRS rules and the facts and circumstances determined who is eligible to claim a dependent. Didn't the step up in the documention we are supposed to verify and keep make US resopnsible if it is incorrect?

You will have to explain this one to me....

Maribeth, do NOT use the import export method! That will be a disaster. We have a server and 10 workstations. The network function is working properly. The program still has issues. Install the program ON/FROM the server. This is different than the past 4 years. Then download the update file from the MyATX website and run it on the server. DO NOT TRY TO UPDATE FROM THE PROGRAM IF YOU ARE JUST NOW INSTALLING IT. Then perform netsetup (in the workstation folder on the server) on each workstation. I would also avoid the security setup on the program.

Snail mail, e-mail and voice mail.

Form 8863 will not be processed by the IRS due to flaws in the IRS system until Feb 15. I would say that the form has not been updated by ATX for that reason.

One more time! The 2012 program is entirely new from the inside out. Nothing is the same. All issues this year are unique to this year. Excel and Acess 97 based program is history. At the risk of sounding redundant and a wise-ass, reading the users guide that is installed when ATX is installed is a very good way to learn the new program. Once more... ALL IS BRAND NEW!!!

The program is nothing like 2011. Every function of the program is different. Get a new system with the fastest quad-core processor, at least 8GB of RAM, Solid State Hard drive and a 1GB video card. The difference in how the program will work will astound you. Also be sure it is Windows 7, not Windows 8. XP is not whe dinosaur and Microsoft is very close to ending any support for it. It is 2013. Adapt and change with the high-tech world we live in, and drive the bus instead of riding in the back of the bus.

It is my decided and experienced opinion that no interview program can substitute for an experienced and trained tax professional. Just curious, do your "customer perks" include representing them before the IRS if there are issues? Not a fan of, nor have ever used the interview function.

But has the IRS approved the form for ATX that will allow them to update the form in the program? Same question...

The IRS has not released form 4562 yet. It is silly to think that depreciation will calculate properly before ATX releases the updated form. This cannot happen till the IRS releases the form. Returns with Form 4562 are scheduled to start being accepted Feb. 28 or Mar. 1. Why the "way too soon" expectations that depreciation will calculate properly? It is unfair to catagorize the software as defective over this issue.

This is normal when the program is open on a workstation and updates (either forms or program) are installed. Not a problem. Move ahead. All updates should be done on the server. Then when workstations log in, all updates will be applied, or they will get a message like you saw.

Downloaded the file from the site in 65 seconds. Ran the file on the server. All seems well so far except the pesky "open the return in last year's program and save again" for about 40% of the files in my rollover manager. This year, anyone using a server and workstations should do the initial install ON THE SERVER. Prior years were not compatible with server operating systems hence the instruction to load from a workstation and save the files on the server. Do the updates on the server as well. Does everyone understand that any comments about "...the way it was last year..." are totally irrelevant? The former program was Excel spreadsheet based and used an Acess 97 (yes, 1997) database. It became incompatible with server software in 2008 due to netframework 4.0 being used in server operating systems. The 2012 program is NOT in ANY WAY like the previous years. I don't yet know the format or database configuration they are using, but before this season ends I will know. Another pet peeve of mine.... "All I want is software that will work,,,," This is 2013. Computers and software MUST adapt to the changing environment. Regular and frequent changes are part of life now. If you do not have the necessary tech skills to deal with the changes, and you intend to continue in this chosen career field, you must either learn it yourself, hire a tech skilled tax professional, or have a long term contract with an I.T. company that can do it for you. This is not 1990 anymore!! If we took the same attitude about tax law as seems to be the overiding attitude about tax software and providers, we would have all stopped doing taxes in 2002. Rant over.... (for now) BTW, I am 56 years old, have been a geek all my life, and I constantly update my computer I.T. skill just like my tax skills. I work for a firm and have my own practice. I said this to reinforce the idea that it is possible.

FAFSA can be filed. Tell the parents to estimate numbers and mark it "return not yet filed." Then submit it. When the return is finished, go back and update and resubmit. Colleges are demanding FAFSA be done so frickin early so their job will be easier. When the FAFSA is filed has NO EFFECT on Federal Student Loans or Grants. By submitting with estimated numbers, the slackers at the college can start their processes. Just ranting!! I had kids in college from 2002 to 2010. A total of 11 kid/college years. Oldest 5 years, second 2 years, third 4 years. They were 2 years apart. Two years I had two in at the same time. If second had gone 3 or more, I would have had all three in the same year. I have much experience in the FAFSA and financial aid departments. GRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

When you installed the tax program, it asked you if you wanted to install the Payroll program. In Return Manager, click on support. There is a link to show you the steps. Since you are new to installing and using the program, I would recommend reading the user guide installed in the all program list. Lots of changes and a totally new program from the inside out. Also, read all the threads here in the last 3 weeks.

1099 MISC are in the payroll program.

Have you ever run Quickbooks?

Tell me how you would change tax software with our office situation. I have posted this before.... 2,900+ tax returns. 8 preparers. Used ATX since 2002, Imagine the learning curve. Imagine the conversion issues. Imagine all the lost time in the process. Now, is it worth changing programs for a few hundred dollars, or a couple of weeks of learning and redoing a few things? At the firm, we will NOT be e-filing before Feb. 1. This relates to my prediction that the IRS e-file system will crash (overload) on Jan. 30 or 31. I watched it happen last year, and the year before. Notice the lack of commercials begging people to e-file now? IRS is not ready to have everyone e-file. Just like all their programs, their reach far exceeds their grasp.

Did you skip my posts? I feel neglected and dissed....

MAS, it won't work. Totally different program with totally different methods within.

No. Not for the forseeable future. See my previous post.

Now does everyone understand the wisdom of NOT FILING till Feb.1? "Haste makes waste and unhappy clients when you have given them expectations greater than the IRS has posted." Also.... There is NO plan in place to allow e-file of amended returns in the forseeable future. This from an IRS department head last summer. If anyone has any documented information to the contrary, please let us know. The IRS is still having issues with 1040's and MEF.