2017 Review of American Riviera Software – Magtax

Magtax is available to download from the American Riviera Software website, with users able to download a demo to try and later activate if they wish to purchase it. Magtax supports common year-end compliance forms including W-2, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-C, 1098, and 1098-C, all of which are supported in the Standard version of the product. Additional 1099 forms and 1042-S are supported in the Professional version of the product. Magtax contains an easily navigated user interface with easy access to system functions such as W-2 and 1099 processing available.

Both the Standard and Professional versions of Magtax support unlimited e-filing capability for both W-2s and 1099s, though only the Professional version offers users the ability to e-verify employees and payees, or the ability to file an extension. A filing history is available for users to refer to, if necessary. Once a batch has been uploaded, it can then be accessed in report format. Users have the option to enter data directly into the application, or import data from QuickBooks or Microsoft Excel. Users can also import prior year data into the current version in order to avoid duplicate data entry.

Both the Standard and the Professional versions of Magtax will print on either pre-printed forms as well as on blank paper. Users can conveniently save forms using a variety of file formats including PDF, JPG, TIF, and EMF.

The Standard version of Magtax allows users to import data from Microsoft Excel, TXT, and CSV files, and can also import W-2 and 1099-MISC data from QuickBooks. The Professional version offers more advanced functionality; allowing users to import 1099 data from QuickBooks, as well as old e-file formats.  

American Riviera Software’s website offers a variety of tools designed to assist new users. Users can download a demo of the software and try it out prior to purchasing, and then later simply activity the demo so all information previously entered is already saved in the system. Users can also access the FAQ section, compare editions to see which is right for them, review screenshots, and access a variety of product videos including Installing Magtax, Activating Magtax, the Magtax Introduction, Datasets Overview, and QuickBooks Data Import. An online knowledgebase is available, and the vendor typically handles all support issues through email, though users can request a telephone appointment if they wish to speak to a support person.  

Summary & System Pricing

Magtax is an excellent year-end compliance and e-filing product, with the product suitable for both accounting professionals as well as businesses wishing to handle compliance issues in-house. The product is scalable, with two versions available, with renewal pricing significantly less. The Standard version of Magtax, which includes a single user license, is currently available for 199.00, with the Professional version offers a 5-user license, and is available for $299.00. Product support is included in the pricing.

2017 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars