Intuit — ProSeries Professional Fixed Asset Manager

From the Dec. 2007 Review of
Fixed Asset Systems

The ProSeries Professional Fixed Asset Manager provides an automated asset
depreciation system that is an add-on module to the ProSeries professional tax
compliance program. Fixed Asset Manager can support any number of clients and
assets per client and provides multiple books per asset, supports all traditional
averaging conventions and depreciation methods, and provides for multiple asset
life event treatments. Both the fixed asset and tax system are Vista-compliant
for tax year 2007. Fixed Asset Manager costs $549 for a new license and $219
for annual renewals.

Navigation/Ease-of-Use – 5 Stars
Fixed Asset Manager uses interfaces nearly identical to the ProSeries tax system,
whose users will access the asset management functions from a program icon.
Within the asset management program’s primary Asset Folder window, a series
of tabs is available for accessing primary functions and spreadsheet views of
asset information, including Schedule, Asset, Disposal, Projection, Notes and
Calendar tabs. Since the asset system integrates into the tax system, it also
reduces data entry, especially during initial setup because client information
is already in place. Like the tax system, the asset program also provides great
customization options that include the creation of customized data sets as well
as user-defined data fields and treatments. The program also offers many assistive
features, including wizards that help ensure the proper classification of items
and that appropriate treatments are set.

Client and asset selection lists provide good search, filter and sorting functions,
and search parameters can be saved for re-use. Asset lists display several indentifying
information points, including description, date of acquisition, method, convention
and cost, as well as user-defined columns. Data entry is simple and easy-to-understand,
with calculations processed immediately. All books for an asset can be viewed
on the same screen, allowing the user to quickly see the effects of changes
in depreciation methods. Initial asset entry is assisted by the option of using
templates or copying existing items, while a global change feature simplifies
edits across all or groups of assets.

Management Features – 4 Stars
Fixed Asset Manager can handle any number of clients and assets and supports
asset grouping and divisional or cost center assignments. The program provides
up to six books per asset, including Book, Federal, State, AMT, ACE and Custom,
with the fixed asset program automatically projecting each asset’s depreciation
throughout its life. Calculations are also made for prior-year depreciation,
tax preference amounts and gains/losses on asset sales. The Calendar tab provides
a unique view of asset data in essentially a timeline format.

Fixed Asset Manager also provides broad support for accepted depreciation
methods, including MACRS, ACRS, ADS, declining balance, straight- and modified
straight-line, and sum-of-the-years’ digits. Users can also create custom
methods if necessary. Fixed Asset Manager also simplifies asset life events,
from acquisitions and mass acquisitions to splits; combinations; and partial,
full and mass disposals.

Integration – 4.5 Stars
Fixed Asset Manager can be used as a stand-alone system, but it is really an
add-on to the ProSeries professional tax system, providing perfect integration
between the two systems, thereby reducing data entry and allowing automatic
transfer of depreciation data to client returns. Although there is no direct
integration with third-party accounting systems, users can import asset data
from many competing asset management programs as well as spreadsheet data. And
Fixed Asset Manager can export to common formats, including Word, plain-text
and Excel, the latter of which allows for a two-step import process to most
accounting programs.

Reporting – 4.5 Stars
Fixed Asset Manager houses a good selection of tax client-focused reports, including
monthly depreciation schedules that are designed to be easy for clients to understand
and provide categories. With a built-in report writer feature, the program’s
more than 50 standard reports can be highly customized to firm and client needs.
Stock reports include depreciation, comparisons, projections, GL reconciliation
and asset life events, plus the program can print property tax filings, Sec.
179 expense tests, and fileable version of forms and worksheets (4562, 4626
and 4797).

Help/Support – 4.5 Stars
The asset management system is very user friendly, with wizards helping with
setup and asset life event tasks, in addition to content specific Help and right-click
menus. The system also includes built-in tips and tutorials. The ProSeries support
website provides FAQs, program updates, support topics, user forums, news and
alerts, along with options for advanced training. Technical support is offered
through the user’s ProSeries tax preparation license. ::::;

Summary
ProSeries Professional Fixed Asset Manager is a strong asset depreciation system
that provides outstanding integration with the ProSeries tax preparation program,
saving time and allowing for instant transfer of depreciation data to client
returns. The system is very easy to use, but it can handle most client asset
situations.

2007 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars