CFS Tax Software – CA Sales Tax Preparer/NY Sales Tax Preparer

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From the August 2006 Review of Sales & Use Tax Systems

CA Sales Tax Preparer and NY Sales Tax Preparer are separate programs offered by CFS Tax Software for the calculation of state, city and local taxes for their respective jurisdictions, and are both approved by the state taxing authorities. Both programs, as well as most programs developed by the vendor, share the same interface and general navigation functions. This review offers information on both systems. The CA sales tax system has an annual cost of $99, with renewals available for $89. The NY version is $169; $149 for renewals. Network licenses are an additional $50 per year. CFS also offers a variety of compliance, planning, payroll and research tools, in addition to forms and supplies, although the Sales Tax Preparer systems can both print to plain paper.

Navigation & Data Entry -- 4.5 Stars
Sales Tax Preparer opens to a very functional master screen that includes a searchable client list, a forms menu, and an automatically organized list of completed past forms of the active company. It also offers icons and menu options for accessing the system’s additional features, which include a simple monthly calendar function that allows the entry of notes for specific clients. The calendar automatically appears when the program is started if a note has been entered for an approaching date. Likewise, a To Do List is available for assigning tasks and recording progress.

The program uses facsimiles of actual forms for data entry, automatically transferring data from supporting worksheets and schedules as necessary, and performing all calculations but allowing overrides. Manually entered, transferred, calculated and overridden entries are highlighted different colors for quick determination of data sources, with drill-down capability to supporting documents. As an alternative to manual entry, client information can also be transferred from CFS’ Tax Tools, Tax Corresponder, W-4 and other programs. The program does not integrate with or offer import of data from applications from other vendors.

Peter A Vernaci, a CPA in San Jose, California, said he’s been using CFS products in his practice for years, so it just made sense for him to implement the sales tax system as well, “especially since every time California or a municipal jurisdiction changes something, CFS updates the rate tables and sends an update disc.” Mr. Vernaci also noted that the system has built-in safeguards to make sure that accounts balance before closing.

Filing, Electronic Compliance & Payment -- 3.5 Stars
Sales Tax Preparer is geared toward paper filing of sales tax returns and remittances, although California businesses can use the system in conjunction with the BOE’s electronic remittance system. Either state version of the program prints approved state forms on blank paper. The CA system supports and prints form 401 with Schedules A, B, C, G and T, form 401-EZ and prepayment form 1150, along with additional supporting documents. The NY system offers forms ST-100, 101, 102-MN, 810 and 809, with schedules A, FR, H, N, P, Q, CT and NJ, along with additional supporting forms. Both programs offer invoice templates, label/envelope makers, and various client correspondence sheets, including fax cover sheets, memos, statements of account and tax form cover sheets.

Rate Updates -- 4.5 Stars
CFS offers downloadable rate updates from its website, as well as optional update CD service for an additional charge. The system can be automatically set to check for and alert users to available program and rate updates.

Help/Training -- 4.5 Stars
Sales Tax Preparer includes a good traditional built-in Help utility with line-by-line instructions and filing guidelines, and the company offers downloadable demo versions and tutorials for learning the basics of the system, although the program is very easy to use and should require little training. Telephone, online and e-mail-based support is included in the annual subscription price of the program.