Bob Hoffman

"Mike, Yes it is some kids that used to work for me and are starting their own company doing what we do. I actually fired both of them for similar actions in the office. TRX will not bash anyone whether it is our competition or just an individual, we feel this is not in the best interest of the tax profession.

I hope everyone understand the industry changes whether it be banking or testing know TRX maybe more important than ever to each independent preparer in making sure we all have a voice. Without the Alliance we are individual, with the Alliance we are as big as any of the large franchise companies. (TRX has 6000 +- members now and growing)

Thanks for the heads up,

Doug Hughes"

Mike,

I first want to personally thank you for letting me/us know that is what was said on the conversation you had with Doug. Currently there is only 1 person that has quit/left his company that even has a license to be a service bureau and that is myself. Since those were his words they apparently are trying to steer people around the truth of their company. They apparently still have no security at all since the time I personally quit TRX. I left TRX back in 2008 in all good faith with them and never had any issues or conflicts with Doug until this was just brought up that he said I, or my company, had something to do with their lack of security. Since they use the same Email server that is located locally on their network, which I told them they needed to fix ASAP before I quit, someone probably opened a bad email while working for TRX that contained a virus/malicious software. This then would had to of spread through the network infecting all the computers before it hit the server, or the computer that has access to the FTP for trxalliance.com, since there is no other possible way the website should of been effected unless the person, who opened the bad email, had access to the FTP information for the website which should only be 1 person in a properly secure and managed business.

I will not hide any information or anything about my company, however, I did find it was necessary to hide my identity while posting on public places like this because I didn't want to be associated with TRX in any way. My information was always available to the people I talk to who are interested in purchasing with us. I did notice the post from a "MattHamKenny" in the TRX forum thread about my companies promotion that simply said "Hi". Since it does seem he has openly tried to point the blame towards myself and my company as stated in his response, I have to step in and respectfully defend myself and my company. First quick few things I'll let the readers of this post know ahead of time though is that I, in no way shape or form, had anything to do what Doug has claimed was caused by myself or anyone related to my company. I personally haven't worked, nor step foot in, had access to, other then picking up my last W2 around Feb 2009, have care to pay attention to them since I quit back in 2008. I also would like to state that I, like any other employee would, quit since he didn't listen to any of my strategies, plans, business structure ideas, call center improvements, technical support call center employee requirements and administrative database system even though that was what I was paid to do along with creating software to work with all the things needed for the company. I only received a $2 pay increase over the 3 1/2 years I worked with TRX even though I provided the tasks listed in the below paragraphs.

I would like to introduce myself. My full name is Donald Matthew Ham and I am the owner of Fail Safe Taxes, LLC. You can find my companies legality information if you google > Indiana Business Search > Secretary of State website > Search for "Fail Safe Taxes". I would like to give a complete history of my background and knowledge in this industry. Also how I obtained the knowledge I received and also what I saw was huge issues that never got fixed, and hopefully at the end you will understand the truth behind the curtains. If your already wanting to know how I am able to provide such information, I was never forced to sign any type of NDA agreement for anything I'm about to tell you. regarding my position or what I worked for at TRX. I will be merely answering this response as if I was being interviewed in the "interview of my life" since I have put everything into getting my company started.

Q: Matt, how do you respond and can you tell me about your history in the tax industry and everything you've done related to this industry?

A: I started working for a company called TRX (Tax Refund Xpress) back in May of 2005. I was hired on as a software engineer. From day 1 I started getting familiar with how things was ran and got familiar with the sales base so I could start working on a website for them. The current website they had didn't show any updates or anything that really needed to be known by all customers and prospects. I started off and created the first website that TRX started to use.

http://www.failsafetaxes.com/ATX/1stlayout.bmp

After a while I started working on a program that most people started using called TRX Payroll Systems. It was a program that allowed customers to be able to do Federal Payroll for free and an extra added bonus. About 3 months down the road I had to give a demenstartion of the software at a Hotel for customers to see. Everyone seemed to like it alot and it was a great response. Unfortunately, they decided not to release the software because they didn't want to invest time in getting the tax calculations so I ended up just turning it into a W2/1099 printing software and suggested we at least give people this option. After tax season I created a few new layouts that we used.

http://www.failsafetaxes.com/ATX/2stlayout.bmp

http://www.failsafetaxes.com/ATX/3stlayout.bmp

We had finally got a great place for people to be able to download their updates and everything easily. I did alot and alot of tech calls, if it ever was a serious case they either talked to me or sean kim. We pretty much was the only ones that took care of all the seriously hard questions and I just kept gaining knowledge from there. Over time I learned a lot about the industry and how to work with the software and help people through the rough times. I can honestly say I never took longer then an hour to fix something (minus the time for reinstallation and downloading of the previous year software) to fix anything those 3 1/2 years I worked there. Most of my calls ended in the first 15 minutes other then serious cases where there is an unknown error that deals with getting a completely fresh installation installed. I tried to tell Doug about my business plan ideas and told him he really needed a stronger technical support team or people are going to be hold for over an hour while the employee that was hired to do the job, is waiting for an administrator that barely knows the software to ask 1 of 3 tier 3 people what to do. This ended up leading into disgust since Doug wanted "people in seats" and not "call quality".

I stopped working for TRX because they terrible tech season that led me into working 60 hour weeks at 400$ a week (salary) as the Software Engineer, and Tier 3 tech which again even after 3 years he would only keep 2 on staff myself and Brandon because they refused to put any money into their tech department. He wanted sales more then getting more people to support the sales and I personally just couldn't take it anymore. After 3 1/2 years I had only got a 2$ raise after creating several sites that brought in outside customers along with being the only person that knew anything about security or anything. I quit around December 2008 because could already tell it was going to be a bad season. Which brings me to the main reason why I quit. I quit mostly because I tried really really hard to improve all the different security flaws the company had. If you goto trxprotwsupport.com right now what would you do to login? "Click the OK Button".... Alright so for a section that your calling "Members Area" and where I do alot of my bank information submitting and stuff like that, its just opened up to the public. The reason why this is is because they never bother to implement the database system I created for TRX and pleaded them to use so the customers had secure logins and the server was fully protected along with having actual tickets being used and they bought a cheap software because they didn't want me to spend 1 month during Off-Season (Months of May - Sept) to get all the reporting features that was left to do completed. That is why I quit, is because I felt like I was never going to be able to make a career out of the job because there was no possible way of doing that. TRX was eventually going to have issues because of the way he performs business and doesn't support his clients the way he is suppose to, nor cares to improve on anything about the company especially support.

The way I found out about trxalliance.com and the malicious software alert was actually from a customer that had went to their website through Yahoo Ad-words that screwed him the previous year by saying he had lacert and gave him no alternative because of the very poor 72 hour refund policy they have. That alone is bad business because the client doesn't even get the software until around fall anyways. Which reminded me that I had pictures from last year because I couldn't believe it myself and it was for software he didn't have licenses to.

I did my response with the TRX promotion because of the malicious software alert. I did what any other competitor would do, if there is something seriously messed up with their system and they are able to get viruses and everything else on their website they have hundreds and hundreds of people going to, why wouldn't i try to take their business? I own a service bureau. If 2,000 people sign up with Doug and all those people get virus's or their system crashes or anything like that, that brings down a lot of possible sales for my company the following year. All these people that are buying software now are getting a very bad and cautious feeling of service bureau's because of TRX. I have had to prove that we have a contract with who we say we do for licensing software to nearly all our customers and I didn't mind doing it, just that I don't think my company deserves to feel like we can't get customers just because I labeled my company a service bureau and how people have been treated. Everything we offer is in form of a contract when we are about to send you your software 2 weeks in advance to your address. When we give you bank incentives, its right there in front of you a contract written out stating how much the company is expected to pay you per bank product. We do everything very professionally and provide all possible details in what we offer our customers. I am sorry if anyone feels that I (as a business owner) shouldn't of taken this opportunity to get customers from a company that puts the whole industry at risk. Our refund policy is valid until the day you receive the software in the mail. This malicious software message that is appearing clearly states it happened August 21st, 2010 was the last occurance. I haven't with the company in almost 2 years. I really don't like the finger blaming game, I have nothing at all to hide other then the strong dislike I have for Doug Hughes and the way he does business.

Now just for some people who are curious to what happened with their tax incentives from TRX, it is exactly how I replied to the other thread on this forum. He spent the money trying to fully own RedGear software and his new 4.5 million dollar house.

Better Business Bureau Statistics for TRX:

http://www.bbb.org/nashville/business-reviews/computer-software-publishers-and-developers/tax-refund-xpress-in-murfreesboro-tn-37017600

My company's clients and ERO's are set up with their own personal representative, most of our current customers have myself, and they provide you with all the technical and tax support you need for the year. We have CPA's on staff (more then 2 unlike TRX) that also will be there assigned to your accounts to make sure you have everything you need. We can guarentee a 5 minute response because of how our company is setup. If the rep you are assigned to is busy and unable to take the call, we still have the general call queue ready to answer your call in under 5 minutes. You get your representatives direct extension that will try their office phone and also their company cell phone. You will never be on hold for over an hour, and you will always get a quick and fast responses from your personal representative that will fix the issue the first time. I have learned a lot of different methods in improving call center (between TRX and Verizon) environments and I strongly believe that customer support is what makes a service bureau a service bureau. We hope people can realize that its not the cost of the software that should be extremely important because in reality you end up paying that extra $200 in time waisted in hours on the phone, stress, call backs, and putting faith into a company to handle your secure information you give to them such as your bank information etc, that you feel cautious about. We have offered to give free membership to everyone, which includes, getting a login to our website and also getting your username, password, and reg code for FREE as long as you qualify. If you don't qualify for our special FREE program we do offer bank inceintives to all customers no matter how many bank products they do and offer a payment plan. Before you pay us ANYTHING, or if you get the software for free, we will provide you with your Username information for both Fail Safe Taxes and Taxwise. What other company has the quality, and fundings to provide a serious relationship between tax companys and ERO's? Renewal price is always based off what you sign up with us at. You get it for free this year because you qualified, as long as you qualify next year under same rules your software is FREE. For life in writing on a renewal year-to-year contract. We want everyone to be safe in this industry also to know Fail Safe Taxes as a great company and are willing to pay for your software to show we care.

Thank you for reading my history and I hope to been seen as Fail Safe Taxes owner and not be associated in anyway, shape, or form to TRX and Doug.

Matt Ham

Fail Safe Taxes, LLC

http://www.failsafetaxes.com

888.594.0065 Ext 701

Hey Matt, please take this bashing your competition stuff to the other vendors page so those of us that use ATX can read in peace. You really need to take your kamikaze style somewhere else.

Who are you guys and what are your intentions?

Shooter

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How can they guarantee that no one's computer was hit with a virus? Google.com reported going to the website and being attacked by a virus that was instantly downloaded to their server. I don't think you should trust TRX over a multi-billion dollar company like Google.com and Mozilla Firefox. They strive to provide the best support for their software and make everyone completely aware of the threats on the web.

"What happened when Google visited this site?

Of the 13 pages we tested on the site over the past 90 days, 4 page(s) resulted in malicious software being downloaded and installed without user consent. The last time Google visited this site was on 2010-08-21, and the last time suspicious content was found on this site was on 2010-08-21.

Malicious software is hosted on 2 domain(s), including pocketbloke.ru/, riotassistance.ru/."

Matt Ham

Fail Safe Taxes

Hello Everyone,

I haven't visited this site in a while and am ashamed and a little angry to read this thread; also to hear that someone "just hung up" on someone trying their best to help and doing what they were told. You know, there was an actual person on the other end of that line. A person who is just doing their job. A person who listens to crap that they have no control over ALL DAY. That was just plain rude. Period. You should call back and apologize.

I worked with many of you for nearly 6 years. Why do you think Troy "is longer with the company"? It's probably because you bombarded him with pricing complaints and posted them here. Do you not think CCH SFS monitors this board and their employees? You shoved him into a corner for $20 a month. He tried to pacify your crabbing with an honest explanation and you respond by broadcasting his contact information and open conversation? Did you even consider anyone else's situation when thinking about an extra $20 a month added to your expenses?

What do you think Troy had for supper last night? What do you think he drives for a car? What do you think I drove (drive) and ate (eat) in my tenure at ATX? What did YOU have for supper last night? How big is your house? What do YOU drive for a car? What do YOU make in a year? Do you know what it is like to field complaints about $200-$400 a year from people who make literally 10 times your salary? I know, and it stinks.

Get some perspective, respect, and consideration. Think before acting like a jerk.

Respectfully,

Kerry Crandall

WOW!!

I haven't heard a rant that strong for a while. Maybe you could come back under a little more control and explain yourself.

The Check is not in the Mail: Obama Administration to Start Direct Deposit

White House Orders Government to Stop Mailing Paper Checks, Switch to Electronic Transfers

Americans receiving payments for Social Security, unemployment insurance, veterans benefits, IRS tax refunds, railroad retirement, and government benefits will now find the money automatically deposited into their personal bank accounts. Americans without bank accounts can get paid using the Treasury Department's Direct Express Debit MasterCard program.

Why the shift to direct deposits? Two reasons: one, it will be easier and faster for consumers to get paid and, two, it will save taxpayers money – an estimated $303 million over the first five years and about $120 million each year after that.

For instance, despite repeated attempts to get recipients to convert to electronic payments, the Treasury Department still mails out more than 136 million benefit checks each year. Now, as part of President Obama's effort to eliminate waste and modernize government for taxpayers, that will change.

The Treasury published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register to begin a 60-day period of public comment. Once the final rule is published, the administration will roll out the changes with a public education campaign.

The new rule will primarily take effect in March 2011, with a few exceptions that will not take effect until March 2013.

New Spanish Information:

The Spanish versions of IR 2010-79 and 2010-80 are now posted on irs.gov/espanol

IR 2010-79 - IRS Requests Public Input on Expanded Information Reporting Requirement

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=225029,00.html

IR 2010-79(SP) – El IRS Solicita Participación del Publico para Delinear los Requisitos del Reporte de Información Expandido

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=225036,00.html

IR 2010-80 – Closing Deadline Extended to Sept. 30 for Eligible Homebuyer Credit Purchases

http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=225078,00.html

IR 2010-80(SP) – La Fecha Límite Ampliada al 30 de Septiembre para Compras Elegibles al Crédito para Compradores de Vivienda

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=225087,00.html

I wonder how this announcement will be met?

I just Et one of the yummiest sammiches I've had in a long time....

Finally got one of those there food shops in our town....

Yey...

Elrod-

These shops are everywhere. You must truly be blessed living away from so much of what passes for civilization!

$184.30=x/.97 or 97% of what is $184.3

I'm trying to find a formula that I know I learned back when I was in high school, but I just can't seem to get it. I need to know how to come up with a gross figure when I have a net figure and the % used to arrive at it.

Here's an example:

I have a deposit that was made for $184.30. This is the net figure after taking a 3% deduction from the gross, however I do not have the gross. ? - 3% = $184.30. How do I come up with ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Deb!

$184.30=x/.97 or 975 of what is $184.3

I got ten correct. And I felt lucky that my memory was that good!

I paid full price for the ATX 1040 package (less 10% discount) for the 2009 software. Stupid me for not being more involved in this board last year and I would have seen the TRX savings.

This year I called and mentioned the 40% savings some people here have mentioned and so far have gotten no results. They will get back to me after checking with their supervisor. Sheesh ... Ive been with ATX/Saber since the mid 1990's.

Currently considering the TRX offer @ $299... but that looks like a steep learning curve and a Proseries offer @ $479.

ATX is aware I am seriously considering these two companies and they havent budged from the 10% ... yet. Im very dissatisfied to say the least.

Join the crowd

In 2008, a minor had capital losses from the sale of stock of $20,000. I filed a return for him and the losses wiped out any taxable income with a carryforward loss of $16,000. This year, the Minor has about $100 of income. Is it necessary to file a tax return for him to keep the carryforward loss rolling forward?

Thanks in advance for any answers and insight.

I would. It keeps everything straight.

This is a new one on me. I have a client on extensions. In reviewing his Tax organizer I found the following entry:

Massages for Fibromyalgia (per Dr. RX)$1355. His prior year return showed a deduction for this expense. What say you?

Sounds like you should ask him whether these were repeat expenses for 2009.

I called this morning to check on the 40% for loyal users and was told that it could not be done. And that the 10% will end for sure on the 31st of May and it will not be extended this year. I was also told that the people getting the 40% are being placed with a service bureau and will have to get support from them and their RAL fees will go to the service bureau????? Was told that it is better to be a stand alone and not in the service bureau??? I think there might be a duck in here some where.. sounds like, walks like..

Sorry. I thought I was done being upset with these guys but I am not. What stones to suggest that some will get different treatment than others. This really is a wierd way to deal with people.

Bob

Make it four -- Catherine in Massachusetts got the deal from Troy, as well. I started by telling him that Margaret had said he was wonderful to deal with, and after that he bent over backwards to be nice to me....

Well, I am going to call and ask for a better deal for a "future" former CCH client. I still cannot believe that they can just bend over backwards for "former" clients that had no loyalty to them but can't do something for us loyalists. I'm really feeling that maybe I should develop a listl of people in my situation that would be willing to line up with me to insist that we be reconsidered in this fiasco. Anybody interested?

Bob Hoffman

Ok - -I figured - -what the heck - -I'll give em a call - -I never got over to TRX last year - -and have been with ATX - -for - - -EVER - -and after waiting on hold for a few minutes - -I inquired as to the discounts that were being offered - - -told in NO UNCERTAIN TERMS - -that NOBODY was getting anything other than the 10% discount - - put in my place I was - - -

Soooooooooooooo - - -hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm gotta think about this for a bit.

Hope others have better luck!

Keep thinking, Terry. I telling you this is what will drive me away from this company. This is really a lousy way to treat your customers.

Bob, you're right. Those of us who didn't jump ship last year to TRX are only getting a 10% discount, not

the 40% that the TRX people are getting.

Doesn't seem fair, does it?

OH WELL

Depressed Booger

OH WELL, PHOOEY!!!

That really pees me off. We should band together and form a co-op buying group ( Just like TRX last yer) and see if CCH will deal with us.

Okay, I finally got my offer - 40% off. I went with MAX as per every year since 1997. I have no idea if I will get stiffed then next year but I could be dead then, too. For now I feel very lucky to have had the benefit (with the risk) of the TRX cost for last year and the generous 'come home' offer from ATX this year. This is about $100 more for less but I didn't use any other part of TTO but MAX. I still feel lucky.

And I didn't get a call - I initiated the contact but Troy was very nice about the whole thing. They are expecting quite a few returnees, I think, and are welcoming us back.

It looks like CCH is rewarding those who abandoned them last year for TRX and stiffing those of us who were either loyal (or scared to change vendors). I guess I don't know for sure because I have heard nothing from them this year for 2010 software prices.

Bob Hoffman

Maribeth, ATX did not contact me either. I called them this morning to see what

they wanted for the MAX program. He called me back in a half hour and gave me the info.

Joann

What was the amount of the quote? Are we really going to be penalized for being loyal or "late to the TRX trough" last year?

Bob Hoffman

Bob, I called and they have 4 people handling all the users of TRX from last year. Troy, with whom I spoke, said they are offering special deals for all of us. It depends on the package wanted. He will be calling back. I don't want all the extra stuff I had with TRX - never used it. I just want MAX again. I called because the TRX doesn't have all the Ohio munis and, when I tried to prepare a really simple return, I just didn't like it at all.

Originally I was going to buy it just in case and work with it over the summer not really expecting a break from CCH. With a cost of $800 something, it's worth it to me. As Cathyann pointed out, there is the possibility of TRX switching programs again next year or every other year. I would like to believe that CCH is sticking with the ATX program a while longer with all the improvements they have made. Also, if they are offering good deals for returning defectors like me, I expect them to be around a while.

I'll let you know my good deal. I'm hoping it's as good as Joann's!

Thank you, Margaret. I really appreciate your information.

I just talked with them, too. I was offered the same deal, but had to say "No."

I really prefer ATX over any other program I've used, but I don't do but 1 or 2 business returns. My preference is the 1040 package, but with efile fees at $6 fed/state, it's just too expensive. I do lower-end average Joes that don't have a lot of confidence in keeping up with the changes, so try to keep my fees low.

I'm going to have to go with TRX and change my attitude and learn a new program, I guess.

I've done 2 returns on TRX's program, and it took a long time, but I've got all summer to play with it. I just hope they don't keep switching programs every year or two.

Cathyan-

Did you also go with TRX for your ATX needs last year? If not, I'm wondering whether they will give that 40% off to all MAX users. I have been and would really gobble up that deal.

Bob Hoffman

They ripped me and a colleague off by not sending us the Tax Wise program we ordered and not refunding our money. They sent their own program. Complained to the BBB and the State's Attorney General but neither of them received a response from TRX. BBB only gives them a "C" rating and the State's Attorney General informed me that TRX will be put on their Buyer Beware list. Stay away from them!

Comments, Mike D?

May I ask WHY you don't recommend e-filing from multiple computers?

We're currently using ProSeries and are seriously considering switching to ATX - we actually used it WAY back when it was Sabre! It was a decent program back then but would not handle the complex returns we acquired when we bought a retiring CPA's practice, so we switched to ProSeries (TurboTax PRO back then).

We have one "office" with two owners and one tax season full timer (who's part-time from 05/01 - 12/31). My partner and I also load the software on our home computers so we can work from home when necessary - usually one day a week during tax season (to get away from the phones and office distractions) and 2-3 days a week from May through December, and during foul weather and whenever one of is sick.

With ProSeries we simply change the DCN counter start number for A) the office; my house; & C) my partner's house. That way when working at home we can e-file directly from those computers.

Does ATX work in a similar fashion? I've spoken to them and they said that I'd need to purchase a second license and get a second ERO number. The IRS doesn't require me to have a second ERO number - we're just one firm, one company filing from different locations as the need arises. FYI it is NOT possible for me to remote in to the office system from my home. I live in the sticks and cannot get a hard line for the net to my house so I have a satellite for my internet. It works OK most of the time but the uplink is slow and remoting in is tedious and tiresome. So I NEED to be able to e-file from a second location.

Any guidance or advice would be appreciated.

ATX works the same way and I do recommend that you do it because it works flawleesly.

Bob Hoffman

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

This year, TaxWorks; next year??????????

How many different tax products has TRX fronted in the past few years? Too many for my interest.

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

Hey, Mike-

Have you checked the TaxWorks board? Maybe they have everything we offer here?

My link

Hilarious.......

I wonder.. is that what we would look like on TV?

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'll be honest; we need to discuss that as a possibility before it happens. Although there is a lot of "non-denominational" tax discussion here, we have always relegated discussion of other packages to its own section. I would be happy with that.