Lacerte Tax, an Intuit ProLine Solution

www.proline.lacertesoftware.com

 

Product delivery methods:

__x___ On-Premises

__x___ SaaS

_____ Hosted by Vendor

 

BEST FIRM FIT:

Competitive solution for small and mid-sized firms with some advanced workflow needs beyond the capabilities of the Traditional Workflow products without the most complex requirements of the Advanced Workflow products like multi-tiered consolidations, multi-office, etc. 

STRENGTHS:

• ProLine Tax Import offers a website to help users download and import securities transaction data from investment banks
• Pay-per-return option attractive for startup firms & those who need advanced functionality without a large up-front payment
• New organizer for trust returns, support for using organizer as a workpaper
• This year’s version adds e-filing for state partnership & corporate tax in 23 jurisdictions
• Excellent QuickBooks integration with Lacerte SmartMap tool

POTENTIAL WEAKNESSES:

• Lack of a vendor-hosted or SaaS version of this product, although some third-party hosting companies offer this service
• Client Tracker is not compatible with Windows Vista/Windows 7
• Some supporting applications in the suite are very new (ProLine Practice Management & ProLine Tax Research), and not as complete as the more established competitor products
• Other products (EasyAcct write-up solution) have limited adoption & enhancements

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & PRICING:

Lacerte Tax can handle a wide range of tax compliance issues and is intended for firms with a complex client base, high-return volume or those who are reliant on its extensive QuickBooks product integration. Pricing has been streamlined, and, for the second year, bundle-based discounts of groups of Intuit practitioner tools are being offered. All bundles include document management solutions as well as entry-level tax planning. Bundles include a various mix of individual and business return modules and range in price from $5,049 to $12,949. Modules may be purchased separately, with business modules starting at $1,579. Per-return-pricing is also available.

 

4.75 – CORE PRODUCT FUNCTIONS/FEATURES

• ·         Product depth/multi-state
• ·         Navigation/ease of use
• ·         Support for special situations
• ·         Analytical review
• ·         Electronic filing

4.25 – INTEGRATION

• ·         w/in publisher’s own suite
• ·         w/tax research tools & guidance
• ·         w/other or external programs
• ·         w/practice management
• ·         w/external services

4.5 – PAPERLESS WORKFLOW

• ·         paperless creation
• ·         paperless open items
• ·         paperless review
• ·         access control for limiting access into returns
• ·         digital document storage/mgmt.
• ·         data import/output

4 – REMOTE CAPABILITIES

• portal
• remotes access
• 1099 depot
• Outsourced document prep
• Hosting
• Web-based