2017 Review of Intuit ProConnect Tax Online

From the 2017 Review of Professional Tax Preparation Systems.

ProConnect Tax Online is completely web-based, with users able to access the program from any platform, including PC’s, Mac’s, and mobile devices. ProConnect Tax Online uses a per-return pricing level, with pricing available for 1040 returns and business returns.

The product offers straightforward system navigation, with users able to toggle between various entry screens for more efficient data entry. Other tools are available to system users to simplify the data entry process, including the ability to search for a single element in any tax return, the ability to view tax forms side by side or on separate monitors, and the ability to jump directly to an input screen from a tax form with a single click. Super Search — Search for any element in a tax return, such as name, amount or line number. Users can also utilize the summary view to display a summary of client data from the current and prior year.

ProConnect Online Tax supports over 5,600 forms and forms 1040, 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120s, 709, and 990, with data entry fields mirroring the form that is being completed.   The program supports e-filing for all federal and state forms where appropriate, and the e-file dashboard allows users to check filing status while also managing rejections.

Intuit Link offers accountants a way to request and manage client data electronically, with firms sending clients an invitation to join Link. Once document requests have been initiated, Link will manage any documents sent by the client, so users will always know what has been received and what is still missing. The Advanced Organizer feature allows accountants to request information from clients based on prior year requests, eliminating the need to look through piles of unnecessary documents. Mentioned above, Intuit Link also works to reduce unnecessary paper. Also available in ProConnect Online Tax is eSignature, which allows clients to review and sign Form 8879 and 8878 from any device, from any location. Users can also create PDF’s of any client return.

ProConnect Online Tax seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Online Accountant with users able to share data between the two systems easily. The program also offers integration with numerous add-on applications including e-Signature, mentioned earlier, Pay-by-Refund, which allows your clients to pay tax preparation fees directly out of their refund, eliminating the need to create invoices, as well as the follow-up time needed to collect past due invoices.

Along with QuickBooks Online integration, ProConnect Online Tax also offers users the ability to import multiple document types from Excel, including W-2, K-1, and Schedule D data, with integration ability coming for 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and 1098, along with several others. The product offers limited integration capability with other third-party applications at this time.

ProConnect Online Tax offers solid help options, though line by line form instructions are not available. Users can access a variety of help options online, including access to the Intuit community, a list of trending topics, a searchable knowledgebase, and access to a variety of training tools including online webinars and videos. A free data conversion option is available to new users provides free conversion services from a variety of applications including ATX, Drake and TaxWise. Telephone and web-based support options are also available, with support cost included in the price of the product.

ProConnect Online Tax from Intuit offers solid tax compliance options for smaller firms that process fairly straightforward returns. The product supports both 1040 and business tax filing, with pricing dependent on the number of forms filed. All pricing includes e-filing for federal, multistate and municipal returns with 1-9 returns running $27.27; 10-49 returns running $19.15; 50-99 returns running $12.97; 100-199 returns running $10.24; 200-299 returns running $7.45, and 300 returns running $6.80. For those processing more than 300 returns, pricing is available directly from Intuit.

The Business Return pricing includes processing for forms 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120S, 990, and 709 with 1-9 returns running $34.10; 10-49 returns running $27.27; 50-99 returns running $22.40; 100-199 returns running $19.80; and 200 returns running $13.62. For firms processing more than 200 returns, pricing is available directly from Intuit.

2017 Rating – 4.25 Stars