2019 Review of MyTAXPrepOffice

From the 2019 reviews of professional tax preparation systems.

MyTAXPrepOffice from Advanced Tax Solutions is a good fit for high-volume tax preparers that typically handle straight-forward returns. MyTAXPrepOffice offers unlimited federal and state filing capability, with unlimited e-filing included in all editions of the application. An online product, MyTAXPrepOffice works with all common Internet browsers, with users able to access the application from any smart phone or tablet.

Designed to work online, MyTAXPrepOffice also includes an offline mode, so users can still utilize the application even if not currently online, with all data entered later synched with the application once connectivity is restored. The product is also a good option for accounting firms or tax preparers that currently manage multiple locations, with users able to easily review the status of any office at any time. MyTAXPrepOffice is designed for in-house tax preparation, with customers typically present when returns are completed. 

Recent updates in the latest version of MyTAXPrepOffice include the addition of multi-year functionality in the application as well as the addition of MyTAXPortal, a client portal that provides product users and clients with the ability to safely and securely share tax documents and completed returns. 

MyTAXPrepOffice offers a colorful user interface that displays a variety of widgets that contain information such as Recent Returns, a To-Do list, an Appointments List, an E-File Summary, and Rejected Returns. Users can choose to use the default entry method when preparing a tax return or utilize the interview mode, which guides users through a series of questions necessary to complete the return. 

MyTAXPrepOffice supports all unlimited tax preparation and e-filing for all federal 1040 forms and corresponding schedules, including all states that allow or require e-filing.  Business forms such as 1120, 1120s, 1065, 1041, and 990 forms and schedules are supported as well.  All e-filed returns are easily managed from the user dashboard, which includes a list of all accepted and rejected e-filed forms. Users can also access the Toolbox, located on dashboard which offers complete access to features such as client organizers, a client letter, a signature app, and an invoice report.

Designed to process a high number of returns quickly, MyTAXPortal, the new client Portal, included in the Essential and Unlimited Plan, allows users to securely exchange confidential documents and collect e-signatures when necessary. The Signature Pad app, included in all three versions of MyTAXPrepOffice, allows users to easily capture signatures via an Apple or Android smart phone or tablet device that can be used with the application, and the Unlimited plan supports unlimited system users and locations.

MyTAXPrepOffice offers excellent integration capability with a variety of financial products including EPS, Refund Advantage, and Santa Barbara Tax Products Group, which allows tax preparer offices to offer benefits to clients such as taxpayer refund advances, as well as providing customers with the ability to pay their tax preparation fees with their refund. These integrated bank products are included in all MyTAXPrepOffice plans, as is access to the new MyTAXPortal and the Signature Pad App. The product currently does not offer integration with other third-party accounting or financial applications.

MyTAXPrepOffice offers a Conversion Wizard which allows users to convert existing return data including client information, and forms and schedules directly into the application. Built in training videos are included in the application and are listed on the right-hand side of the entry screen and can be accessed at any time. MyTAXPrepOffice also offers training webinars on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and there is also a complete library of on-demand webinars that can be accessed at any time. Support is available via telephone, email or chat, with 24/7 chat support available during tax season.

MyTAXPrepOffice is best suited for firms that process a high number of client tax returns. MyTAXPrepOffice is available in three editions: Individual, which costs $495 for one user and only handles 1040 processing for a single user; Essential, which costs $795, supports two users and includes both individual and business return processing; and Unlimited, which is $1,095 and supports unlimited system users, multi-office management, and unlimited system storage. All versions of MyTAXPrepOffice include free, unlimited e-filing.

2019 Rating – 4.5