ATX/Kleinrock — ATX Unlimited W-2/1099

From
the Oct. 2006 Review of Practice Management Systems

ATX Unlimited
W-2/1099 provides comprehensive support for annual wage and information return
processing, including all Form(s) 1099, 1098, W-2 and 5498. Unlimited W-2/1099
also provides support for preparation of employment returns; Form(s) 940, 941
and 943; plus all state payroll forms and other helpful federal forms. Electronic
filing of Form(s) W-2 and 1099 is also supported. The stand-alone product is
$130 (plus state sales tax and processing/updating) for a standard three-user
version.

Usability/Navigation — 4.5 Stars
ATX Unlimited W-2/1099 opens to a tab-driven interface that features pull-down
menus with each tab plus an icon-populated toolbar. The program centers on the
Return Manager, which provides an on-screen list of clients in spreadsheet view
that can be filtered and sorted by the user. Within clients, ATX Unlimited W-2/1099
provides a similar spreadsheet view and listing of W-2/1099 recipients, which
in turn can be filtered and sorted by the user. Data entry is performed via
on-screen replicas of tax forms. These user-familiar input screens reassure
the new user and help deliver a very quick learning experience. Users can readily
grasp the program methodology: The bottom line is fast and efficient delivery
of W-2/1099 services.

ATX Unlimited W-2/1099 automatically calculates for FICA and Medicare taxes.
All forms and data are saved in separate client directories, eliminating any
wasted time spent hunting for client files. An extremely helpful and intuitive
Option tab provides users with control of program behavior (a.k.a. preferences),
security, administration and the ability to customize fields. An automatic error
checking system helps to identify incorrect data entries.

Reporting & Import/Export Capabilities — 4 Stars
ATX Unlimited W-2/1099 imports data from Peachtree and QuickBooks. ATX could
stand to beef up this area with support for the importing of spreadsheets and
other file formats. The program provides comprehensive support for all state
payroll forms as well as produces for all Form(s) 1099, 1098, W-2 and 5498.
ATX Unlimited W-2/1099 supports printing to plain paper or preprinted forms.

Support for Paperless Transmission — 4.5 Stars
The program includes support for electronic filing of Form W-2s and Form 1099s
via the IRS and SSA websites.

Help/Training — 4.5 Stars
ATX Unlimited W-2/1099 includes an online Help utility that delivers Help on
a line-by-line basis for each tax form, related line-by-line instructions, quick
tutors and a virtual tutor. ATX also offers online training classes, web-based
technical support including a knowledgebase, traditional telephone support and
a (free, no additional charge) web-based user community called ATXers.com. This
online community allows users to find solutions to “real-life” problems
and interact with other ATX users. A training video and a user manual are also
available. Program updates are available for download via the ATX website.

2006 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars