2015 Review of AMS Software 1099-Etc

Product Strengths:

• Can be used as a stand-alone product or with other related modules
• System contains solid import capability
• Product offers good help and support options

Potential Limitations:

• Multiple modules need to be purchased in order to get the full benefit of the product

W-2 and 1099 Forms Filer, part of the 1099-Etc suite of products from AMS offers payroll and related form processing. While W-2 and 1099 Forms Filer is considered the base program, the entire suite of modules is designed to process payroll, print forms, and provide electronic filing capability.

Basic System Functions – 4.75 Stars

W-2 and 1099 Forms Filer can be installed as a stand-alone product, or used in a network setting. All year end form processing is handled in this module, with other modules available to support the base product.

W-2 and 1099 Forms Filer currently supports common year end forms such as W-2, W-3, and all 1099 forms. The product supports up to 9,999 payers and up to 99,999 employees per payer. Data entry screen resemble actual forms, making it a quick process to add data. User screens are easily navigated, using Tab, Enter, and arrow keys to make navigation easy. A common payee file is available in the product that reduces the occurrence of duplicate data entry, and both Social Security and TIN numbers can be easily verified using the verification service at their respective agencies.

Reporting – 4.5 Stars

W-2 and 1099 Forms Filer processed forms are designed to print on pre-printed forms. The optional Software Generated Forms module allows users to also print forms on blank paper. Another optional module; Forms Filer Plus offers access to hundreds of additional federal and state tax forms, which is a forms filler product, where users enter data directly into a related form on screen, with the completed form able to be printed as needed.

Other reports are available in W-2 and Forms Filer, including various system worksheet reports. Users can also print client letters and related mailing labels if desired. A certified payroll report is available in the Payroll module, as well as a worker’s compensation report. 941, 944, and 940 forms are electronically filed, and the system can electronically file over 30 state quarterly returns.

Integration/Import/Export – 4.5 Stars

W-2 and 1099 Forms Filer is designed to integrate with other available modules including Software Generated Forms, Advanced Micro Solutions Payroll, E-Filer, and Forms Filer Plus. While the W-2 and 1099 Forms Filer product can be used as a stand-alone product, combining the product with other available modules increases functionality, with the product still very affordable. Data from other applications such as QuickBooks, Sage 50 (Peachtree), Excel, and tab delimited files can be easily imported. Data can also be exported to a tab-delimited file as well as QuickBooks General Journal.

Help/Support – 4.5 Stars

System updates can be easily downloaded from the AMS website when available. A comprehensive support knowledgebase is available to search, and a list of FAQ’s can be accessed from the webpage as well. There is also a list of form instructions and publications that can be accessed at any time. A PDF support manual is included in the program, and regular product support is available via telephone, fax, email or chat. All support options are included in the product pricing.

Summary & System Pricing

W- 2 and 1099 Forms Filer is part of 1099-Etc, and is required in order to run any of the other available modules. Aside from processing 1099’s and W-2’s, modules are available to generate forms on blank paper, run both live and after the fact payroll, E-File year end forms, with users able to choose between two E-File options, and access to hundreds of forms through Forms Filer Plus. All modules are priced separately, with the base system priced at $79, with the entire system available for $445.00 total.

2015 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars