CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business — ProSystem fx Tax

General Operations/ Ease-of-Use — 4 Stars
ProSystem fx Tax provides an intuitive, centralized interface from
which users can access all of the system’s modules. The interface can
be customized to user preferences and access rights, with the primary work area
opening by default to a client selection screen that displays only those returns
for which the current user is authorized to work on or review. The selection
list provides various filter and sort options in addition to search capabilities.

When within a client’s files, an additional navigation panel provides
an expandable menu tree of forms and worksheets connected to the particular
client return. This allows the user to easily move to these forms or to add
forms and schedules as needed. Within a return, preparers have the option of
using an interview or worksheet method of data entry, or to enter client data
directly onto form replicas. In the interview mode, the program divides data
entry into tabbed screens based on information categories, which include General,
Income/Deductions, Taxes, Payments/Penalties, Credits and Other. Navigation
through data-entry screens is intuitive and ProSystem fx Tax utilizes
smart entry features and selection lists to speed entry of common items.

All data is automatically calculated when the user selects the Calc Return
button, with calculations transferred as necessary between worksheets and forms
and related returns. Users have easy, drilldown access to the source of calculated
entries. New for TY2007, CCH has added streamlined input forms to speed entry
from source documents. These include a consolidated 1099 form, a look-alike
1098 input form, and facsimiles of 1098-T and 1099-Q. A new Organizer checklist
is also included, providing a simplified alternative to the traditional organizer
and easing the process for clients.

Workflow & Productivity Tools — 5 Stars
With CCH offering programs designed for virtually every aspect of a professional
accounting and tax practice, one of the core productivity benefits in ProSystem
fx Tax is its integration with all of these other programs. With data
flowing automatically between most of the various applications, full-service
practices will realize considerable time savings and help prevent data errors.

As part of its customization options, the program provides due-date monitoring
and personalized To Do lists for each of the staff and, for management, enables
restriction of access to client returns to specific users. An audit trail is
also available, tracking all activity within client returns. Also available
is a built-in client management center that maintains profiles of all clients,
automatically updating all client documents. An optional Tax Notebook provides
an electronic organizer that enables client-professional collaboration for entering
tax data online.

ProSystem fx Tax includes strong review processes that include the
ability to attach notes to fields or general areas, as well as color-coded tick
marks, lists and estimates, and maintains an audit trail of all return activities
including calculation overrides. The system’s comprehensive diagnostics
system tests for errors and missing data, providing the preparer or reviewer
with a highlighted and linked report that enables review staff to quickly jump
to the form and data in question. The program also provides an outstanding Electronic
Filing Status System that provides a centralized location for managing e-file
issues, from checking status and acknowledgements, to return release and stop-processing
functions.

Among ProSystem fx Tax’s other notable features is the ability
to import Schedule D, K-1 and state apportionment data from Excel spreadsheets,
as well as an enhanced import wizard that simplifies the task of mapping imported
data to the appropriate fields on a worksheet grid. This wizard saves these
settings for future use, saving considerable time spent locating and manually
entering data into the tax program. For firms renewing ProSystem fx
Tax, the system automatically moves proforma data into the latest tax year.
ProSystem fx Scan is also worth noting here, since it lets a professional
scan client W-2s, K-1s, 1099s and other documents and then automatically identifies
the type of document and creates a bookmarked PDF of it. CCH has rolled out
an auto scan and fill system for its small practice tax preparation brands (ATX
and TaxWise), and will likely release a similar product for ProSystem fx
Tax in the coming year.

Integration/ Import & Export — 5 Stars
All information is transferred throughout the modules seamlessly, including
between parent/child returns and pass-through K-1 data. The program also provides
great integration between the other ProSystem fx Office products, and
can import and export from/to Excel spreadsheets. As well, it can retrieve some
data from investment management programs such as GainsKeeper Pro. Returns and
reports can also be generated as PDF documents, which can be stored electronically
or managed using ProSystem fx Document. Since CCH is an acclaimed producer
of original tax research and analysis, having built-in access to this material
is a valuable asset, providing subscribers with line-by-line insight and guidance
through the Tax Research Network and CCH@Hand.

Support/Training & Help System — 5 Stars
ProSystem fx Tax provides extensive Help options throughout, from right-click
menus to a traditional Help utility, as well as quick drill-down access to supporting
forms and schedules. The program is fairly easy to use, although, due to its
broad functionality, the program is best utilized after some measure of formal
training, which is available online or at live training events, including at
its annual user conference. CCH’s website provides strong support features,
while live technical support is included in the pricing.

Relative Value — 5 Stars
ProSystem fx Tax provides extensive integration within the ProSystem
fx Office suite of accounting and tax programs, and it has the ability
to handle the most complex returns and taxation issues. The system’s in-form
linked access to CCH research materials is a powerful benefit, as are its diagnostic
and review processes, making it ideal for firms whose clients have more diverse
tax situations.

2008 Overall Rating: 5 Stars