Financial Reporting
2013 Review of American Riviera Software Corp. – Magtax Professional W-2/1099
Oct. 31, 2013
Magtax, by American Riviera Software Corp., is a wage and year-end information reporting system for professionals that manage these processes for multiple business clients. The software is available in Standard and Professional editions and supports multiple versions of forms 1099 and 1098. Magtax also offers e-filing and data import capabilities. Several changes to the Professional Edition now make it easier for users to file electronically.
Basic System Functions – 4.5 Stars
Magtax features a simple user interface. Users select clients and payers from the Dataset Manager. There are many options available for sorting, filtering and searching data, as well as tabs for submitting forms to the IRS and state and local governments. The wizard helps users set up new payers, assisting with the data entry for contact and tax information. When working within client files, the program offers a taskbar with additional menu items at the top of the screen, allowing users to quickly access, edit and create forms and import data.
Recipient forms can be accessed from the top of the screen and lists can be sorted using various criteria. Other options include printing functions and help utilities, such as quick tips and the ability to download updates from the vendor’s website. Magtax also reviews forms before printing to check for any errors or missing information.
Reporting – 4.25 Stars
Magtax provides support for forms 940, 941, 944, 945, W-2, W-2G, W-2C, W-3, 1042 and 5498 and all versions of forms 1099 and 1098. The program also offers free federal and state electronic filing and printing to both plain paper and pre-printed forms. Users can save reports in various formats, most commonly PDF and CSV.
The software’s two-way integration with QuickBooks allows users to manage billing and invoicing – functions that are not built into the software. The company offers forms and paper supplies for users but not envelopes or print and mail services.
Import/Export Capabilities – 5 Stars
Several options are available for importing and exporting data into Magtax, including QuickBooks, Excel, CSV and text files. The software also supports older file formats and offers a remote client data import function. Reports and forms can be printed in PDF format for electronic distribution, but portals are not supported.
Help/Support – 4.5 Stars
Magtax’s help and support includes the traditional Help index, a getting started guide, screenshots and a setup wizard. The support website offers tips, company news and online support, in addition to live technical assistance, which is included in the system pricing. Program updates can be downloaded and installed through the “Web Update” button on the toolbar. Users have the option to have the program automatically check for updates, but must still initiate the update process.
Summary & Pricing
Magtax offers two-way integration with QuickBooks and the ability to import and export data in various formats. There are no additional fees for e-filing and the software supports printing on both plain paper and pre-printed forms. The Magtax Professional Edition costs $299 for a five-user license, with upgrades costing $159. The Standard Edition is $199 for a single-user license and upgrades cost $109.
Best Fit: Firms managing year-end wage and information reporting and filing for multiple business clients.
What’s New:
- eVerify in Professional Edition
- Separate screens for each form
- Enhanced user interface for Professional Edition
- Enhanced e-filing process
- Extension e-filing in Professional Edition
Strengths:
- Unlimited forms
- QuickBooks integration
- Support for various file formats
- Prior year form printing and e-filing in Professional Edition
Potential Limitations:
- Does not offer after-the-fact payroll
- No built-in invoicing functionality
- Portals not available