Advanced Micro Solutions — 1099-Etc

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From the Oct. 2007 Review of W-2/1099 Systems

AMS Software’s flagship program 1099-Etc offers core functions for W-2 and 1099 preparation for professionals managing compliance for multiple entities. The program offers forms support that includes virtually all versions of forms 1098, 1099, W-2 and W-3, along with 1042s, 1096, 5498, 943 and specialized forms for Puerto Rico. The system can print to pre-printed form stock or to blank paper with the addition of the laser forms option. AMS also offers add-on modules for payroll (both after-the-fact and live), additional form functions, and preparing files for e-filing 1099 and W-2 forms with the IRS and SSA. The base W-2/1099 program costs $75 for a site license (any number of users), while the Payroll and E-File Direct modules are an additional $105 each, the Laser Generation is $75 and the Forms-Etc option is $45. Shipping costs vary depending on delivery time, but the company offers online ordering with a complete web-download of the system at no additional charge.

Usability/Navigation – 5 Stars
1099-Etc opens to a small window that offers links for selecting users, viewing updates to the system and accessing the user’s manual, as well as icons for the various modules the user has installed. After selecting or creating a new Payer entity, the primary screen displays information on the current work directory, printer and device — information that is used for Technical Support issues. The screen also keeps the customer support number viewable, which is a big plus.

From this window, pull-down menus give access to the primary features of the system, including form selection, input screen access, Options, Batch functions, the Help menu, and menus for changing the Module or Payer company. From the Forms or Input menus, the system jumps quickly to a form-view data input screen that automatically populates company address and employer ID information. A menu at the bottom of the screen provides movement between previously entered forms, as well as options for adding new records, calculation choices, resetting data, omitting records or tagging items. Data is automatically calculated as entered, although the user has the ability to override as necessary. 1099-Etc also includes a data check feature that helps ensure against duplication of employee information and SSNs. Templates can be set up to expedite data entry. The ability to print mailing labels and client lists is also included. 1099-Etc is easy to use and gets straight to the action, making wage compliance and reporting fairly simple.

Reporting & Import/Export Capabilities – 5 Stars
All forms can be printed to either pre-printed stock or, with the optional Laser module, can be printed to plain paper. The core 1099/W-2 module offers basic reporting options, including a one-line summary report, a worksheet report, and hash totals of SSNs and TINs. The After-the-Fact payroll module includes state quarterly wage reports plus the ability to print 940, 941, 943, W-2 and 1099-Misc forms, along with period summaries, tax summaries, tax totals and wage worksheets. An assistant feature simplifies importing data from QuickBooks, Quicken, magnetic media and various text file formats, while the program can export data to text or worksheet formats and QuickBooks’ General Journal.

Support for Paperless Transmission – 5 Stars
The optional E-Filing module provides a comprehensive electronic compliance tool, creating the files necessary for filing with the IRS and SSA, which is required for some businesses. The system guides users through the various processes, thus easing the tasks involved with uploading employer data files, including generating the required transmittal and substitute transmittal forms. The vendor also offers a hands-off pay-per-filing service through which it handles compliance issues.

Help/Training – 5 Stars
The 1099-Etc system has a content-sensitive Help utility that goes directly to reference material related to the task the user is performing. The index-based Help system also includes screenshots and other images to assist in performing tasks. The program comes with a PDF user’s manual and a reference guide, as well as a tutorial and FAQs built into the system. Phone and e-mail technical support is included in the cost of the program. The AMS website also provides assistance features and downloadable program updates.

2007 Overall Rating: 5 Stars