2013 Review of Advanced Micro Solutions 1099-ETC

1099-Etc. is a modular payroll system centered on a core W-2 and 1099 processing module. Additional modules may be added to present users with a complete system to process live or after-the-fact payroll. The system is designed to install on a user desktop, but server installations are available and are included with the licensing fee. Multiple users may be setup in the system and each user receives a specific login combination. Additionally, access to specific payroll client data may be locked through passwords.

The system is designed to process payroll live or after-the-fact. Each payroll client may include up to 9,999 employees and support for up to 40 user defined fields may be added for various earning, deduction and benefit codes. Default employee information may be saved through use of templates and shared between payroll client files when setting up new employees.

Data is saved automatically as fields are populated within the system and does not require any user intervention. Payroll data from previous years is easily transferred to the current year to help prevent unnecessary rekeying of data. Social Security Numbers and Taxpayer Identification Numbers may be verified in bulk through integration with the respective verification services to help ensure the most accurate payroll processing. Multiple state processing capabilities are provided through an available module. Payroll checks may be printed with MICR encoding or direct deposited through the use of an ACH file which can be submitted directly to the financial institution or an affiliation with National Payment Corporation.

Reporting & Monitoring: 4.25 Stars

1099-Etc. includes all tax tables for federal and state payroll processing. Forms are available for all states as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.   Some forms will require users to enter some data that is not collected as part of the payroll processing. Electronic filing is supported for federal and most state quarterly returns. Direct deposit information for employee and contract workers is available through the use of an ACH file which can be submitted directly to the financial institution or an affiliation with National Payment Corporation.

New for the current release, is the use of reminders for each payroll client. As users access the payroll client files, reminders prompt users for upcoming tasks and due dates that are set up by the user.

For users that prefer to skip processing payroll or need to quickly fill out a form, an available   module with access to over 300 user fillable forms can be used. Each form may be printed on pre-printed forms or on plain paper. Batch printing features are provided so users can process multiple payroll client print jobs simultaneously. In addition to forms, a variety of reports are provided with the system but currently no custom reports may be created. In addition to paper form, all forms and reports may be natively saved PDF files.

Integration/Import/Export: 4 Stars

1099-Etc. is a modular based system and as such each module tightly integrates with each other. As information is entered for each payroll client the data is shared throughout each module. Payroll related information from QuickBooks Pro and Sage 50 – US (formerly Peachtree) may be imported through a bridge utility. A data mapping utility is provided to assist users in importing Excel and text files. New for the current release is the ability to import time information from text files exported from third party timekeeping software solutions.

Help/Support: 5 Stars

Access to all help and support options are available through the dedicated help menu in 1099-Etc. Through this menu, users gain access to phone and fax numbers operated by skilled payroll support staff. Also provided are links to dedicated areas on the Advanced Micro Solutions website for email and chat support.

An electronic PDF manual is provided to users that details all areas of the system. Tutorials are also accessible that cover most of the program’s features by module. All updates to the program as well as federal and state tax table updates are available through the website.

Client Self-Service Features: NA

1099-Etc. is currently only offered as a desktop and server based solution. No web-based interfaces are in progress for clients or employees. Due to this, ratings were not considered for this section.

Summary & Pricing

1099-Etc. is a payroll system designed to quickly and easily process quarterly and annual payroll forms. Though capable of processing live payroll, the system is primarily designed for after-the-fact payroll. The system is reliant on a number of available modules, each centering on a base product. The base product is priced at $75 and is required to run the system and processes all required federal forms. Additional modules are available starting at $75 per module with each module adding functionality to the base product. The complete system may be purchased for around $400 and includes all updates and technical support for the year.

Best Firm Fit: Small accounting practices that focus on after-the-fact payroll compliance or need an easy to implement compliance reporting solution

Strengths: 

• Easy to implement payroll compliance system
• Integration points with popular small business software solutions
• All help and support options are included in pricing

Potential Limitations: 

• No web-based offering for payroll clients or their employees
• Many state income tax payment coupons will need to be processed manually through an add-on module

2013 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars