Randall

I've only used it for notes to myself so I haven't tried printing it. I haven't done it on tax returns, more notes to myself, changes in client phone numbers, addresses, or notes to remind of things for the next year.

A related question: Anyone using OneNote much? I started using it but I'm still trying to get a methodology worked out to make it easy, quick and a good filing system put into related files.

I do it with Acrobat all the time. Should be an icon on top menu bar.

Signed up for a Drake seminar here locally next week. I think these questions have been discussed but as a heads up, I am wondering about: Does Drake cover all Fed and State forms that ATX has? Does Drake cover payroll forms (W2s, 941, etc, State & Local)? Local returns, forms? I think I'll need to look at a separate package. Tax research? With ATX, I have the Intelliconnect (not that I'm crazy about it). I think I'll need a separate package for this too? Parker comes to mind.

Yes, free sounds ridiculous. I would be interested in a new program which is basic to check out as a secondary program. Use it for some basic returns, follow it as it progresses in future years. Who knows, maybe another ATX in its beginnings. But I'm thinking the barriers for new entry are tougher these days.

I agree with janien about possible client mixup on rollover. Client may have thought he rolled it over but non-spouse beneficiaries are different. And I think there might be a direct transfer requirement for non-spouse beneficiaries so you'll have to follow the document trail.

I agree with Cathy. If inherited in 2011, first RMD was not due until 12/31/12. So you could probably just amend 2012. Best chance is to try to get penalties waived by IRS.

I'm a one person office and run a stand alone system. I too didn't have the major problems with ATX. But I haven't liked the slowness of the program for some years (and there were some other quirks). And this year, the slowness was unbearable. I'm leaning toward Drake but will wait until later this year to decide. But I really want more speed, being a one person office, I need it to be more efficient.

I think the email was just pr, trying to keep as many on board ATX as possible. I don't think they'll really know what the fallout is until people stay or leave for the 2013 program. I think it will take a few years for them to regain users and confidence in their program. For me personally, I haven't begun to check the other programs. Still trying to get thru the backlog of work, and relax a bit.

The subject line mentions W2. I don't think it has anything to do with the W2, unless memo type entry in box 14. There should be no tax consequences on repayments of principal or interest. Amounts noted on pay records of course.

Code name blue is now officially 8.1. I think it is like the old service pack 1, 2, etc. MS isn't going to drop this, they didn't drop Vista, they went to W7 which incorporated the Vista changes and more.

Jack, they will. ccb39, neither would my IT guy. Now my former IT guy, masters in EE, overcharged me for telling me stuff I knew before him, still hung up on xp. Some techies say this, and some say otherwise.

I disagree on W8. Business apps are just behind. They'll catch up. Windows 8.1 is due out later this year and will tweak some things. I like the new look with the tiles. You can toggle back to the old desktop look and 8.1 will make that easier. I do want to better organize my apps though and I'm hoping 8.1 will help with that. W8 should run anything W7 can. I want the touch features and I want the business apps to begin adding them. I also want to sync everything on my office pc, laptop and smartphone.

I love my W8 touch laptop. Didn't use it for tax with all the ATX stuff going on this year, did that on my office W7. Got a smartphone with Windows os. Will be getting a new office desktop later this year, W8. I want to be able to sync all three.

I'm reminded of the old Leon Russell song: The left ones think I'm right, the right ones think I'm wrong.

JohnH, I'm leaning that way too. That is, speed. I'm just tired of waiting on the pauses after what seem to be simple entries. As for backup, I have to consider cost. I think I'll have to purchase one of the forms services to have certain forms available. But as for a whole 2nd program, I'll probably have to go with one of the low end, low cost, limited programs.

You can't win this argument. You on the right. You on the left. Let's all go to Syria. Or to hell in a hand basket.

Don't forget the Lifetime Learning Credit. Better than nothing.

Watch for the state filing requirements. In KY, each SMLLC must file a return with an annual $175 fee.

Joelgilb, thanks. Don't know how you did all that during the busy season. But thanks for the input.

TaxCPANY, it does sound like you'll need one of the high end programs. By high end, I mean top price but also supposedly with that price, the capability to do a lot more than ATX offered or even Drake. For me, that high price is out of the question for my needs. I've had the top price full package from ATX so Drake's price seems to be in that range. From JohnH's comments, Drake seems to be the one but I'll wait awhile for now. Some have commented on Drake's data base or interface or being DOS, so I'm not sure if they'll need some major overhaul. I don't know much about those specific program characteristics. I just have to rely on what I see in the program and how it functions.

I'm small. I feel for Jack from Ohio. But I would consider switching to one of the high end programs. That's a lot of returns. It would seem you would need the higher end program anyway. Good luck. We all have choices to make this year in our own circumstances. Regarding the Drake comments, I haven't used macros in Excel much. I've been wanting to learn more and more about using Excel. Tough to make the time. But the macros don't scare me. If I can start with simple ones to make things go faster and easier, I will learn. Still wondering about all the programs. I think the business is going to continue to be in a flux. There's no guarantee on any of these companies, large or small.

A lot of the evaluations I've read from places like Acctg Today and such are very simple comparing basic functions, costs, etc. Really don't get into much on specifics.

Taxed, good idea about the separate topic for software evals. But talking to software reps at trade shows seems like you'll just get the rosiest picture from a sales pitch. And the people there may come and go like the wind.

Taxed, that's what I'm thinking too. I may go with Drake, then purchase one of the inexpensive programs. I don't think the inexpensive programs will do as much but they may improve each year much like ATX started out.