Personal computers attracting an ever-increasing share of professional tax return preparers
Article Abstract:
A survey of professional tax preparers in 18 states indicated a significant trend away from tax preparation service bureaus and from manual preparation of returns toward the use of in-house personal computers. Of respondents, 43 percent used software products for tax preparation, and 71 percent indicated that the use of personal computers to prepare tax returns was inevitable in the near future. Of the tax preparation service bureaus surveyed, Unitax and SCS gained market shares from 1984 to 1985. Of the tax preparation software surveyed, Digitax, A-plus, AMI, MCS, and 1040 Solution showed the largest market share gains. In general, the newer software packages were more popular than the older ones. Software product features ranked important by users were ease of use and comprehensive federal return capabilities; the major objection was speed.
Publication Name: Taxation for Accountants
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0040-0165
Year: 1986
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Electronic storage of taxpayer books and records
Article Abstract:
The IRS Revenue Procedure No. 97-22 provides guidance on how to satisfy the requirements included in Sec. 6001 regarding the maintenance of books and records. Sec. 6001 provides that all taxpayers should maintain adequate books and records to confirm positions taken on their tax returns. The last guidance released by the IRS, referred to as Revenue Procedure No. 91-59, permitted taxpayers to keep books and records as automatic data processing systems. The 1997 procedure extends the acceptable methods that can be used to include electronic storage systems. Electronic storage systems are used for storing records through the optical scanning of information from the hard copy or the transfer of computerized records to an electronic storage media.
Publication Name: Taxation for Accountants
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0040-0165
Year: 1997
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Computerized batch and on-line processors continue to upgrade services for practitioners
Article Abstract:
The 21st annual survey of batch and on-line system tax return processors, conducted by the staff of Taxation for Accountants magazine, reveals that market needs are being satisfied, and that besides new capabilities made possible by computerized returns, there is a renewed emphasis on quality. Areas covered by the survey include: a basis for comparison of services for return processing costs; new products and services; criteria for selecting a service bureau; and on-line systems. A directory of companies offering on-line services is provided, with attention given to charges and various types of state returns.
Publication Name: Taxation for Accountants
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0040-0165
Year: 1986
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