NWA-PCUG Newsletter Article, December 2003
Tax ACT 2003
by Gilbert Jay
jay3rd@sbcglobal.net
(click to email author)


This software package which we reviewed last year – IS BACK!

Again it shows up well in amateur accountant hands.

Installation is rapid from the disk - and available FREE on download from http://www.taxact.com

When it is opened by a new user, the first page again shows paths into the program by: User interview, or direct address through past year's files.

It makes a desk top icon and self installs. The direct entry to the 1040 form for taxpaper identification is like filling in the paper forms. Saving of material entered is urged and easy to do.

Again it is easy to find the additional schedules directly, or be lead into them from the interview form. It constantly suggests any special choices that might be significant to the taxpayer.

For those who used the system in prior years, the established prior dividend files can be re-entered with the new data. The prior year's amounts are now zeros, but the nitty-gritty identity account numbers, company addresses , and account numbers are automatically brought forward. I love THAT !

Among the new features is a page panel in the lower part which holds applicable J. K. Lasser information on the work at hand.

One's confidence in what he is doing is enhanced by the three colors used to critique what you enter; green for an appropriate entry, yellow for a possible problem and red for Uh Uh, probably wrong, high risk jail bait stuff.

Auto Save is a great help and the Tax Tips suggest possible other tax saving ways.

This year there is included listings of professionals and their telephone numbers who are available – at a stated cost per minute – for consultation directly or by e-mail. These lie in the “KEEN ADVISOR” section.

I think the 10 key calculator which was included in last year's program free is a hidden charge of $ 9.95 this year. I will do without it.

As before, individual state returns should be ordered and purchased by telephone / credit card. These fill themselves in automatically from the Federal program. They will ship during January 2004.

For those who need partial year resident forms for Arkansas, the other state of residence information will be compatible.

Be sure and BUY the DELUXE edition for $9.99 if the trial free download works well for you. If you want the bargain of Deluxe AND your state - THE ULTIMATE BUNDLE - program then the cost will be $19.95. Only Iowa residents pay state tax on the program disks. The Deluxe includes one free federal e-file. I am not sure if the problems Arkansas has had (?) with their computers / programs will prevent or permit state filing by e-mail. In 2002 it was NOT POSSIBLE.

United States Mail address is: 2nd Story Software, 5925 Dry Creek Lane NE, Cedar Rapids,IA ,52402, telephone 1-800-573-4287 http://taxactonline.com http://www.taxact.com For the marketing manager, Cammie Grief, cammie@taxact.com

NOTE: These programers have evolved from the Parsons Technology group and began operations in 1995. This is the sixth annual release of their work.



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