Dear All

I have several questions:

1) Which is the best tax software for 1040 and business returns? This should be easy to use and should be comprehensive including tax forms/updates etc? Should have help/research feature etc.

2) EFIN- is this assigned to a company. If for some reason, EFIN is not received on time, what options does the preparer have other than filing paper returns. I got to know that processing times may be long.

3) Which is best tax software for tax planning.

4) Which tax courses are the best/low cost to refresh tax updates. This should include practical tax return examples and preparation.

Thanks

1) Which is the best tax software for 1040 and business returns? This should be easy to use and should be comprehensive including tax forms/updates etc? Should have help/research feature etc.===> I guess it is hard to tell; it depends; There's a wide range of software to choose from for preparing a personal income tax return in the US. Tax software programs vary in features, price, whether they are downloaded to the desktop or accessed through a Web site.

2) EFIN- is this assigned to a company. If for some reason, EFIN is not received on time, what options does the preparer have other than filing paper returns. I got to know that processing times may be long.=====> You cannot efile without an EFIN. no override to allow you to e-file a tax return within the tax program without an EFIN. However, if you have another Firm or ERO that can e-file the tax return for you than this section can be used to e-file the tax return. For some state returns, you may still efile without your EFIN; for example,
The state of Massachusetts will allow a fake EFIN to be entered on the return. The fake EFIN allowed is 999999, the fake EFIN must be added to your record.


3) Which is best tax software for tax planning.=> As said it depends.

4) Which tax courses are the best/low cost to refresh tax updates. This should include practical tax return examples and preparation.====> the IRS does not offer any income tax law training to non IRS EEs; perhaps
The tax return service franchises, i.e., Jackson Hewitt , H&R block, or Liberty tax basic class can be good( more practical than tax courses offered by colleges/community colleges or etc), but I think they changed it so that if you take the class you sign a contract stating that you will not prepare taxes for anyone but H&R block, or Liberty or etc

Hi All

Wnhough : Thanks so much for your response to my questions.


Drake, Proseries and Ultra tax seem to be the popular ones. Which of these are recommended based on practical experience. This includes customer support and robust setup to ensure there is accuracy.

Correct; i used drake before an d now am using proseries, both basic and pro;in my opinion, many tax professinals use either Drake or proderies, professinal version. I guess they are NOT bad very cool. In my opinion, you can choose either proseries or drake.