Taxprep

Pros

Ease of use, functionality, integration with other taxprep programs and iFirm database

Cons

The software works very well but is pricey and costs should be watched for future sales

Pros

I like that Taxprep integrates nicely with many other 3rd party add-ons. Also, the functionality, ease of use, and accuracy of Taxprep is much better than the competitors. I feel that much time, and resources are spent annually on Taxprep to make it a superior offering as compared to competitors.

Cons

Pricing structure is not as competitive-that would be the only downside I see. I would like to see Taxprep offered as SAAS to simplify the installation and updates.

Pros

RELIABILITY AND ACCURACY. GREAT TECHNICAL HELP.

Cons

GETTING TOO PRICY-GETTING TO A POINT OF BEYOND AFFORDABILITY.
DIFFICULT TO REACH.

Pros

Connection between types of software is very useful for importing information to prepare elections, slips etc. Efiling in batches is very useful and saves lots of time rather then with each clients individual code. Importing of slips from CRA feature saves lots of time in preparation.

Cons

The new advanced versions are creating many issues. They were released without proper testing and had many glitches including letters not printing, batch printing not working, files freezing and unable to save so loss of work. The old versions were great we had no issues with them. In general I would say the inability in T2 software to allow RC59 filing separate from return like in the T1 with the T1013 to prevent accidently filing of eligible returns with the RC59.

Pros

I've used many competitor softwares, and I find taxprep to be by far the most robust, easy to use and clean. I love that it quickly shows what the prior year balances were in the monitor and the clean layout of the pages.

Cons

Its expensive... much more so than competitors.
Customer service can be hit and miss at times.

Pros

Ease of use, intuitive layout, diagnostics, and integration with IFirm.

Cons

Initially the cost, although we now feel it has been good value for our money.

Pros

I primarily use the corporate and forms taxprep software. What I look most about the software is the amount of tools available to review tax returns and forms prepared within the software. As a reviewer, it is important to keep track of any items that need to be double checked, confirmed with clients, and potentially updated. The reviewer tools, such as the ability to track changes, helps ensure that the returns are completed accurately, and that we have comfort over all the information included in the return.

Cons

There are certain quirks with the software that can clash with the technical treatment of certain items. Sometimes, you may be unable to e-file a tax return if unless you select a certain box or input a number into a certain section. However, the technically correct approach may be to leave those input areas blank. Therefore, the software can in some instances create issues in filing returns. Please note that I experienced this issue very rarely.

Pros

accurate and up-to-date software and tax tables

Cons

ability to download archives of old software - must rely on CD

Pros

I love the ease of use, integration with our caseware software and customizability letters. The customer service is excellent, whether it is with tech support, or for assistance with form calculation, the support team is very helpful and wait times are a minimum.

Cons

The things that I like least are very minimal.

Pros

This is the ultimate in tax preparation. Has best interface, best feature set and the most trusted calculations and up to date information built in. Has mad strides in integration between their other products which makes it even better. Has nice on board pricing for new users.

Cons

The cost can get very high especially when you get the full package.

Pros

This software is easy to use and extremely flexible. Allows for tax planning as well as preparation of returns of all sort.

Cons

Nothing! Could not imagine working everyday without this software.

Pros

It just plain works 99.9% of the time. The .1% is usually a result of user (me) error

Cons

Having to open a different piece of software to access prior year versions and files

Pros

Seldom shuts down while using, intuitive, jump field as helpful.

Cons

Search function could be better, would be nice if it could automatically integrate with other CCH products lie engagement or prosystems fx. The billing for my CCH suite is also very confusing and never straight forward. I have serious issues with the service provided to me by my account manager and if I ever switch products it will be for this reason. Amount I pay for all products have tripled since I first stared using it 6 years ago, I don't see three times the value, in fact, service gets worse every year.

Pros

Consistency from year to year.
Reliability.

Cons

The cost. Our firm is winding down. As we wind down the cost ratio is getting so high that we may have to look at other options.

Pros

Software is easy to navigate, schedule and amount are properly prorated and easy to follow.

Cons

When information has to be repeated to one schedule to another, the only option is to Copy and past the Info from one schedule to the other.(Can be Time Consuming) For Example, if I have 20 Projects in an SR&ED Claim, I have to type similar information in each schedule instead of having the information pop-up base on the First Letter of a specific box. I use different Tax software base on my client need. I use Profile which have the function that I have outline above which is grate because its reduce time at entering the info. However, their software is not as friendly as Taxprep.

Pros

In the realm of Canadian income tax software, TaxPrep has to be the leader. It's extremely comprehensive and contains a wealth of information regarding the Canadain income tax system. It's diagnostics are broad and inclusive. This program can handle whatever you can throw at it.

Cons

The programs are expensive, but it's a top-quality product, well worth the extra outlay.

Pros

customer service and ease to use (diagnostics are very useful and helpful)

Cons

The program is great, but the major issue would be the price... i guess in this case it is a matter of "you get what you pay for"... high quality product

Pros

Ease of use, nice interface, good diagnostics. Reliable

Cons

Nuisance diagnostics.
# of revisions
Way too expensive.
Too much pushing of other products.

Pros

Product is very intuitive, easy to use, stable, and has advanced tax features, forms and calculations.

Cons

Support is great most of the time but a few times hard to get a hold of them. Very expensive relative to other products.

Pros

I am a huge fan of the Taxprep T1, T2 and Taxprep forms. I find it easy to use, accurate and more sophisticated than most other software I have used with respect to complicated transactions. The technical support is also usually excellent.

Cons

However, I find the price very high and much more than the other competitor's products. My associates do not find the price differential "worth it" and are not sharing this product cost with me. I find the product superior but am debating whether I can still afford the high price.

Pros

all credits/payable can be seen in one place

Cons

price of software. and from trial to actual software there is difference that I don't aware when I use discount version

Pros

The product is very user friendly and easy to learn. Taxprep has a very good diagnostics routine, which helps to eliminate any errors in the return.

Cons

I find the T2S9 a little cumbersome to amend each year. The sort feature is only alphabetical and I prefer the companies to be grouped alphabetically within year ends. We have over 30 companies with different year ends. The only way to add a company in the middle of the schedule is to redo the entire form. It would be helpful to be able to add a line wherever you want it rather that at the end.

Pros

I am not computer literate, however, I find this software very easy to use
I also find the help feature to be very helpfull

Cons

The pricing. I am 77 years old and am heading towards retirement. As my practice diminishes the costs become prohibitive. I have requested a seniors discount with no success

Pros

The software is comprehensive, we have yet to find a situation not handled in the software.

Cons

Sometimes changes are made to the product that negatively impact workflow and efficiency, it seems like they were not tested in an office environment

Pros

The software is easy to use and has
strong diagnostics

Cons

I would prefer if it was a bit cheaper, and if the T3 interface was more like the T1

Pros

We process a multitude of tax returns for both personal and corporate. We deal with many companies and Taxprep has always been there helping us out. The programs are amazing and they offer amazing support and have a wide array of answers to many questions to help you along the way.

Cons

Sometimes the support team can forget about you and you feel forgotten about. But the most thing I like least is the pricing. Personally I feel the price could be lower as looking around at other software's to buy the prices are definitely lower in other markets. Just something to keep in mind.

Pros

Product was easy to setup, and deploy to staff - simply gave them the log-in script to the firm web address.

Any software product updates are done in the back end, generally overnight which means i am no longer installing an deploying the software updates on my firm server, then updating all the user accts on all the workstations.

Can work on client files at the office, or remotely - as long as I have internet connection (which is an ongoing issue in the Territory where I live).

Great tech support team - any questions, they were most helpful.

Cons

Being dependent on internet connection, internet up & down load speeds. The Territory where i live has very slow internet up & down transfer speeds. Am use to TaxPrep server software where data is transferred quickly making jumping between forms or family members's forms seamless. Web-based TaxPrep iFirm has a noticeable delay .

After using TaxPrep server based software for over 30 years, I am still getting use to the new way of jumping between forms, adding forms, or drilling down on linked data cells.

One major issue is being completely dependent on internet connection - if the one (1) fiber line to the Yukon is cut (which happens multiple times per year), then my office is has lost connectivity and production.

Pros

It’s professional and pointed on formulars instead of simple data entering

Cons

It is expensive, version updating process is manual, it is slow starting, slow opens files.
There is a list of problems and missing features that could be implemented:
- Form 21200 makes wrong calculation of amount for QST refund (reported into VD-358)
- CARE form took in federal consideration the amount entered in Quebec - it should not, because some times there is no deductible amount to federal side;
- When TED federal fails, it should not try to send provincial;
- in TP1 should be the possibility to transfer Québec refund into conjoint automatically, now it always manual;
- Where is useless diagnostics in a report of depending person. Dependant have same address, but diagnostics is asking if he lives alone and two more related questions;
- Then you try to open more then 5 pdf files (after generating pdfs) it always asking to confirm, because it maybe slow down the system. There is should be possibility suppress that confirmation forever. Like check box "Do not ask this question in a future";
- There is shoud be a summary page similar to DT max summary page - that shows essential information on one page;
- Then a person have self-employe income (2125) and foreign employe income, program should not calculate RQPP on this foreign income.

Pros

The software is much more robust than other tax software we have used. There are many diagnostics that are available and the search function works well. We also like the link with their other client management system, iFirm.

Cons

The software is much pricier than other options. Customer support was very poor when we were attempting to purchase additional licenses. I would also consider training poor. It's hard to absorb all of the training initially when you don't know the software and you don't know the features and you don't know what questions to ask yet. They should come out after a year with an update training so the users can have much more specific questions they can ask. The multiple updates that we receive during the year is also annoying. We have to have our IT department update on each and every computer every time there is an update (which there are many) which costs us even more money. The old software we used, Profile, had an update feature that warned each user that an update was available when they were in the software and could click on a link and update themselves, without the involvement of the IT department. This is much more preferred. Our IT costs have gone up 20% when we changed over to Taxprep because of all these updates.

Pros

Wolters Kluwers tax prep has been my most preferred tax preparation software for multiple reasons. It's a very sophisticated software and enables me to prepare complex tax returns that include an enormous amount of information and forms. I find it very user friendly and easy to navigate and I feel the input sheets are organized in a convenient way. I also like the presentation of the instructional letters.

Cons

I will, to an extent, always struggle with state returns and this is where i feel this, as well as other tax prep softwares fall short. It's difficult to determine where to input certain information so that it flows to the correct line on the state return. If the "link to worksheet" function could provide better guidance, that would be much more helpful.

Pros

difficult to change to a different software company. we understand the product and interfaced for the most part having been using it for over 30 years!!

So we know where to look for issues that pop up from time to time.

Cons

Setting up new year is a very time consuming process. The way in which the communication letters to clients, using data base to communicate blast letters to clients, or specific letters to clients, as well as user profiles from year to year could use some improvement. From a user perspective it is always an annual challenge to customize these features to suit our application.
Consider we have one colour printer and the rest are black and white. So the letter to client and our invoice as well as the actual returns are printed on at least 2 different printers.

And the cost of the program keeps increasing. Such increases are not easily passed on to clients when there is much competition to produce income taxes for no fee! Difficult to compete - which means you are pricing yourself out of my market!

Pros

Importing and exporting data - we use this in a host of ways. For example, we have developed our own processing dashboard, detailed label production that provides key data on the docket speeding intake or referencing, sharing info between files, billing management, analyzing client base for potential review issues, double checking filings, etc.

Rich with nearly all required forms. Most complete of any tax software we have reviewed.

Reliable.

Cons

The form layouts often have a curious arrangement to them which is not ideal for data entry.

The drill down data on multi-forms (e.g. family member names) is inaccessible to the data reporter.

Pros

Teh diagnostics are generally pretty helpful. The layout of schedules is easy to follow.

Cons

Too many patches and updates required each year.
Technical support keeps you on hold for a very long time every time you call (over 45 minutes on hold).
Every time there is an update or new version released, we need to download everything and reinstall, where as other software providers make the process much more easy, and simply push the updates through automatically.

Pros

Easy import, input and download of information from CRA.

Cons

A cell ID mapping report could be made more available to tax professionals to allow for more streamlined return population.

Pros

Forms manager - where all forms are in one list
New employees find it easier to navigate

Cons

Cost. I purchased the entire TaxCycle suite of programs for less than only TaxPrep T1
Length of time taken to update necessary corrections after errors reported.
Some Diagnostics are quite unnecessary. ie Not all non refundable tax credits have been used. Consider more income or less deductions.

Pros

It does exactly what you want it to do. There is a reason why firms such as mine depend on Taxprep. It's not flashy, but certainly not basic. Regular updates keep it up with CRA changes and the customer support is always helpful. I could not imagine using any other software.

Cons

Due to the nature of the software, I need to keep all old versions up-to-date annually, manually changing the client letters and Electronic filing passwords. As the administrator, this is a tad time consuming. I wish there was a simple way to update all the software from one master console.

Pros

Taxprep - both T1, T2 and Forms - are the most advanced and robust software on the market today. Not only does their T1 product have an over 95% CRA efile acceptance rate - but it is the easiest to use software we currently use. No matter if your tax returns are simple or very complex Taxprep can handle it by making it easier to prepare an accurate return.

Cons

It is expensive there is no way around that. But when you look at their development team there is a reason why. They put through changes and correct errors/problems at a speed you just won't see with any other software provider in Canada.

Pros

We have used Taxprep for 22 years. The product and technical support was always excellent. Three years ago technical support changed. The calculations and diagnostics are excellent.

Cons

We had printer issues which technical support and technical support was short and rude.

We have sat on hold to speak to someone for a very long time over the last two years. It has become as bad as dealing with CRA.

Last year Taxprep online was down for almost a month. We could not reach technical support. We could not do tax returns because it was down. We had no alternative product as it was totally down! THIS WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Our other office uses the desktop, and the desk top had restrictions during this period of an issue and was not usable.

We pay a huge premium for taxprep. After 22 years both of our offices will likely be changing ta

Pros

I have been using Taxprep for over 20 years. I am very familiar with the program. The program is relatively easy to use. I like the fact that the return on the screen is exactly the same as what is printed out. The diagnostics function is very useful.

Cons

I have noticed a change in version 2 of the T2 2019 program which is not at all useful. When you first open the program you used to be able to see certain information about each client without going into the actual file (i.e. the status, the year end, whether the return had been e-filed etc.). Now you have to actually open the particular client file to see that information. I don't know if this an option that has to be selected but I have been unable to find the answer. Extremely annoying. Also, the program has become quite expensive, especially for a sole practitioner.

Pros

Taxprep has outstanding features, functionality and ability to handle complex situations and calculations.

Cons

The new platform is not as good as the Classic. If lacks functionality, is buggy and unstable. To compound the problem, the company appears to scaling back its customer support. Wait times during the tax season were unacceptably long; we usually just hung up and did without.

It is likely that due to the enormous screw up on the new platform the support team was completely overwhelmed. Formerly, I would have said that the support was one of the things I liked the best. Now, it is a disappointment.

Pros

I like the fact that the software is an industry leading software that many of our new staff have had experience with the software before they have joined the firm. The Gold Suite provides us with all the required tools to conduct our tax practice with tax calculations and error diagnostics that we can trust.

Cons

The software suite does not come inexpensive. We do appreciate that in order to produce a quality product research and development is require to properly test the tax calculations as well to ensure that the software works smoothly on our computing platforms.

Pros

Easy to use, interface is self-explanatory. Default diagnostics are amazing and help to catch errors or oversights before filing.

Cons

Very pricey. Difficult to install. Takes a lot of time to convert previous templates and setting up the program every time there is an update (five versions of TP1 and at least two versions of TP2 each year). Does not work well with cloud-stored templates. For T2, it does not come with certain schedules unless you purchase add-ons (eg. Sch.12, Sch.429 IDMTC).

Pros

Comprehensive, easy to use and the standard in the industry

Cons

Very expensive. The constant need to keep updating the software for new versions. Difficult to set up the client letter in Canadian Taxprep. Is it possible to just update the software and the same version is good for all prior years? It would be great if the product could be modernized by using a digital platform rather than the old platform. The US tax prep software is much more modern compared to the Canadian product. why can't the same functionality be introduced to the Canadian taxprep product?

Pros

Easy to use although since i have been using for 15+ years familiarity also adds to ease of use.

Cons

requirement to open different versions of the software for different years' filings. Need to manage multiple versions or if you open an earlier year's return you need to ensure the right version has been opened. Solving this issue (as Profile does) would allow ranking of 10's

Pros

The checkup is great for providing insight on things you might not think of. This program makes reviewing a breeze.

Cons

File management must be done in a specific manner otherwise the tools for connecting groups or running queries is a nightmare. We learned this the hard way.

Pros

I like the overall functionality of the Desktop version. I'm still trying to get used to navigating the iFirm version of Taxprep. I like how I can link my large related and associated groups and it is just comforting to know that the calculations are correct.

Cons

The number of overrides that occur when you import a large associated and related corporate group. To remove the overrides is just time consuming.

Pros

It does the calculations and relates to the CRA forms

Cons

Getting more complicated with less assistance from Taxprep for which more documentation could be provided.

Pros

Comprehensive software that can handle almost any tax issues

Cons

Opening old files can be frustrating. When opening old files a user is required to use the version of T2 software the file was created in and you cannot open the file with an older version of the software. It would be helpful if a user could determine which version of the T2 software the file was created in. The Profile system names to work better on this matter.

The Taxprep forms e-file system as not as easy to use as the T1 and T2 e-file systems.

Pros

It's a dependable - intuitive - quality software.

Cons

2018 tax year was the year when the speed of loading the software has been too slow.
Clients also had trouble printing the T183's to scan back to us.
Hopefully, in the 2019 season - it will be back to normal in terms of speed and quality.

Pros

The Taxprep programs that we use (T1, T2, T3 & Forms) are generally very reliable for both the returns/forms produced by them and their operations (rarely crash or cause other problems).

Cons

We run the programs on a network and the Forms program requires a complete installation rather than an update when updated version of the program is released during the year. This is not a huge problem, but it does mean that an update for Forms requires more time as the settings have to be reconfigured and checked.