CFS Tax Software, Inc. — W2/1099 Payroll System

Usability/Navigation — 4.5 Stars
W2/1099 features an interface divided into three panes: a client list at the
top left, an in-use forms list to the right, and a comprehensive list of available
forms such as a printable fax cover sheet, invoice utility, memo and a 1099/W-2
client solicitation letter. Navigation is easy, and the program is quickly learned,
making it second nature after preparation of a user’s first return. I
found the simple screen layout to be very satisfying but also noted the lack
of a sortable, on-screen client listing. With a large number of clients, a sortable
listing becomes a necessity to program operation. The company noted that a sortable
listing is available for each client’s employees/payees.

Configuration options allow the user to control system behavior in areas such
as the recalculation of social security taxes withheld and decimal key defaults
in data entry. When creating a new form, W2/1099 prompts the user to import
the data or to select the option to manually enter data. This process was clear
and to the point. Client data can be entered directly into on-screen form replicas
or can be transferred from the CFS Payroll System, which includes a handy paycheck
withholding calculator for manual check entry and automatically calculates FICA
withholding when entering payroll into the CFS Payroll System. Forms-based data
entry uses color-coded fields that show whether information was entered by the
system (via calculations or transfer from supporting documents) or entered by
the user. It also provides instructions at the bottom of the screen for the
active data-entry field. As indicated earlier with pricing for a network upgrade,
the W2/1099 Payroll System is available in a networked version.

Reporting & Import/Export Capabilities — 3.5 Stars
The W2/1099 Payroll System has very limited import abilities, allowing only
the direct transfer of data from QuickBooks. No support is available for import
from common file formats such as spreadsheets, *.CSV files, comma- or tab-delimited
files, or other database or columnar files. The company noted that the CFS After-the-Fact
941/940 program supports QuickBooks as well as ASCII importing of employees,
employers and paychecks. If the user also owns W-2/1099, they can then copy
their recipients into the W-2/1099 program. CFS provides reconciliation and
client summary reports, and prepares Form(s) W-2, W-3, 1099-MISC, 1099-SA, 1099-INT,
1099-DIV, 1099-A, 1099-B, 1099-C, 1099-PATR, 1099-R, 1099-S, 1098, 1098-T, 1096,
and State Form(s) A1-R/A1-APR (AZ), CT-W3 (CT), G-1003 (GA), IL-W-3 (IL), MW
508 (MD), NJ-W-3M (NJ) and VA-6 (VA).

Support For Paperless Transmission — 4.5 Stars
Using the e-file/Magnetic Media module, users can e-file or populate floppy
disks to transfer tax information to appropriate agencies. The e-file/Magnetic
Media module provides support for preparation and printing of Form(s) 4419,
4804, 6857, 8508 and California state forms.

Help/Training — 4.5 Stars
The W2/1099 Payroll System features online integrated Help features and an indexed
Windows Help utility. It provides a “Tip of the Day” upon startup
(which can be turned off for very experienced users), mouse-over button descriptions,
and line-specific instructions for the active line while in the forms-based
entry mode. It also includes a tutorial and a wizard for the creation of cover
letters, envelopes and invoices. Program support is available via the Web, via
traditional telephone support, and through seminars and training. Updates are
available online, and W2/1099 can be configured to automatically checks for
online updates.

2005 Overall Rating — 4.5 Stars