KTEA wrote:I’m a solo practitioner, been in tax industry for over 10 years. I have mostly 1040s and returns range from simple ones to very complex.
Some 1065s, trusts and 1120s, just a few. Switching to a different software. My top 2 choices are ATX and ProSeries. Any opinions? Thank you.
I have gone through software conversions twice and it was not pleasant and stressful. The first time I was starting out and "pricing" was the issue. The second time my chosen software decided to "screw it up" for 2012 tax year and their entire user base collapsed.
Lessons learned:
1) If you like the features and it does a decent job for your operation, pricing should not be a big factor unless the increase is outrageous. The learning curve costs and stress associated with it is not worth the few hundred dollar savings.
2) Fully prepare al types of returns that you normally prepare with the new software and compare the results, data input quirks etc. Time yourself. You don't want to just use the sample returns they provide because they are optimize for that software.
3) If you have a small batch of returns that don't work with your software you have to make a quick decision. Either find a per return option that you can adequately bill and still make a profit or quit doing them.
4) Choose wisely because there may be a point of no return and do all this work during off season. NEVER just before the start of a tax season. The 2012 debacle happened during tax season and it almost put me out of business