Tax software

System
System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
edited June 18 in AAT member discussion
Hello

A while ago I looked into buying a software package to file personal tax returns online. Everything I looked at seemed either very expensive or very 'home made' and I was weary as to how reliable they'd be.
I decided at the time that I'd just stick to using the IR's 'free software' but after doing 2 tax returns I'm wondering how much time i'm wasting (and how many mistakes I'm making) re-entering all the information every year.
What does everyone else do? have you found something cheap & reliable or have you forked out for something fancy, or just entering it all manually?

jodie

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Tax software

    Hi
    I use Drummer Tax Assist for personal,corporation and partnership returns. You can buy a copy over the internet or get a copy via post.
    I don't know about filing online as I print and post my returns as I like clients to come in and look them over prior to them being sent.

    However once you have bought it one year and upgrade it the next you can import your information year on year and adjust as necessary. The cost is about £150 per year, so depending on how many returns you do it can work out cost effective.

    I can't remember the web address off hand as my copy cam through automatically by post this year, but I am sure if you do a search you will find it.

    Another one I have used is Tax Calc which can also be bought or downloaded. This costs about the same and also has the ability for you to submit online but I found last year the import function did not work very well and I ended up re-typing client information in over and over again. Although good I prefer Drummer.

    Hope this helps
    regards
    Michelle
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Tax software

    I have used PTP for the last 2 years and found them to be brilliant - it is all set out as a paper return would be. Pricing is good as well and stepped for the number of returns you want to complete.

    www.ptpgroup.co.uk

    Prices start from £99 + VAT for 25 returns, and not an 0870 helpline which is something that irritates the hell out of me!

    I think that you can download a demo from their website.

    You can also buy the online filing add on - re Krispi's post about clients signing the paper return - you can get them to sign the "file" copy and then submit online - thereby you have the original signed copy and dont have to print 2 copies.

    Claudia


  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Tax software

    I never thought of that.
    Saves loads of time and money on paper,ink etc. Thanks Claudia - given me something to think about.

    Michelle
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Tax software

    I've only just woken up to the fact that I was spending a fortune on ink and personally killing the rain forests! Also if you file online rebates come through much much quicker :lol: I filed one online on 30 Jan and subbie had rebate in 10 days - last year it took until middle of April for same chap - so he thinks i am the bees knees - i keep telling him though that if he gives me his stuff in April, he will have rebate in April - some of 'em will never learn!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Tax software

    Thanks for that - I've not been able to find the Drummer Tax Assist though - google just returns a load of sites on scratch the cat!!
    I have downloaded PTP but it still seems a bit pricey - I've got about 35 returns to do so it works out at nearly £7 a return. Still undecided! I think i'll have a proper play with it when I've got some more time.

    And I, like claudia, also get my clients to sign my file copy before filing it (although, to be honest, I could put £6mil in box 18.3 and i doubt that any of them would bat an eyelid!)

    Off to save the rainforests...
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Tax software

    Yes I agree most clients don't have a clue what they are signing. I didn't realise the revenue were that quick in sending rebates when filing online, good news for one of my clients :D

    The web address for drummer is:
    www.drummohr.com/taxassistant

    I just asked the guy I share a licence with.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Tax software

    I use TaxCalc by Acorah. Their price is inclusive of unlimited personal, partnership and company returns with no surcharge for on-line filing. Try looking at www.taxcalc.com

    Ben Elliott
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Tax software

    I use Taxcalc too, very easy to you and not a bad price either.

    Regards

    Dean

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