Intuit – ProSeries

Data entry is available in a Quick Entry or Forms-based mode, but actual data entry in either method is performed on interview sheets and then routed to the actual form. Through the Quick Entry mode, data entry is divided into sections for various potential income sources, credits and deductions, with data entry streamlined onto interview sheets. The system’s Forms View, which generally resembles the actual form, allows users to enter data while going down a form line-by-line, but data is actually entered from input sheets for the source form, worksheet or schedule. These input sheets are accessed by simply clicking on any of the form lines. In general, the program provides good navigation features for users, with intuitive design and layout that makes general operation fairly easy.

Use/Workflow & Productivity Tools – 5 Stars

ProSeries includes several features on or easily accessible from the Home Base screen that aid in streamlining workflow, including the aforementioned Message Center, which works with the Task Scheduler to automatically check for and download program updates, and also Help functions and tips. The data-entry sections are well designed, allowing easy access to forms and schedules, and provide AutoEntry on some fields, requiring the user to enter only the first few letters of a common entry such as cities while the system completes the entry. During data entry, the system allows users to attach notes to any field or to mark entries as estimated or as missing. ProSeries includes a new feature for managing missing client information and keeps track of these items in a report while offering integration with e-mail to allow you to send a customizable reminder notice to the client with the missing information. The program can be set to open a dialog box when a client return with missing information is opened. This box allows you to note what is needed and provides a check box for noting when the item has been completed.

The system makes calculations in real-time and distributes data throughout a client’s federal and state returns as necessary, as well as with other related forms and returns. (K-1 Import has not been available in past versions of ProSeries, but the company is working on it for next year.) A one-page summary of tax information is available by clicking the Summary icon in the toolbar. While in the forms view, clicking on calculated entries allows drilling down to the source schedule or worksheet from which the calculation was derived. The system also allows overriding of calculated entries, after which the entry is color-coded in red to denote the override. A list of overrides and field notes can be printed for each client or viewed on-screen during the program’s review process.

The ProSeries billing utility includes a basic billing clock that can monitor total time spent within a return, as well as invoices and client letters that can be customized per client. The system’s EF Center offers a spreadsheet list of electronically filed clients, with status information, refund method, anticipated refund or payment amounts, and other information. Tabs allow the list to be sorted by returns pending and accepted by the IRS. ProSeries also offers a Research Library updated either annually for $149 or quarterly for $225 that integrates with the tax preparation program and includes IRS publications, revenue rulings, court rulings and opinions, settlement guidelines, and several other reference publications. Another potential add-on, the ProSeries Practice Manager ($99) also integrates with the tax program and provides support for calendaring functions, contact management, and enhanced reporting, invoicing and letter-writing capabilities. ProSeries also offers a fixed asset management system.

Integration/Import & Export – 5 Stars

ProSeries directly integrates with QuickBooks, including the Pro and Premier versions, and can import data from several other accounting
systems. It can also import data from Intuit’s trial balance and fixed assets management programs. The program shares data throughout its modules as necessary. ProSeries also supports printing returns to *.PDF.

Support/Training & Help System – 4.5 Stars

ProSeries includes a very strong help utility called the Help Center that includes plain language searching of the help database, tips about how to perform specific tasks, tutorials, and line-specific help from any form line as well easy access to IRS instructions. The company offers webinars and live update seminars,
and online and phone-based support is available with extended hours during tax season.

Product Evolution& Vendor Vision – 5 Stars

Intuit has continued to develop and market its two primary professional tax products, ProSeries and Lacerte, to a slightly different target, with Lacerte geared more toward larger professional practices. As such, they have continued to offer additional features and services with ProSeries that attempt to tailor it to small and mid-sized practices, particularly with the program’s deep integration with bank products. However, ProSeries also has some high-end capabilities, including good integration between program modules, excellent client management features and optional add-on programs.

To gain perspective on what their users need, the company has initiated a “Follow me to the office” strategy. Intuit staff performed more than 300 observations of program use in real preparer offices throughout the country last year. The company also seeks user feedback through surveys and other methods.

Relative Value – 4 Stars

ProSeries offers a strong program with excellent productivity features, such as its ability to integrate with e-mail to retrieve missing client information, as well as a well-structured design that streamlines workflow. The system is module based, allowing practitioners to pick and choose the form support they need and use pay-per-return if a need arises mid-season. Pro-
Series is moderately priced and would be a good fit for mid-sized or smaller firms, especially those using products with which the program integrates. Keep in mind that the price does not include
e-file transmission fees, so firms need to determine a good estimate of the number of returns anticipated in order to estimate their actual price.

2005 Overall Rating – 4.5 Stars