2016 Review of W-2/1099 Forms Filer – 1099-Etc.

Best Firm Fit: W-2/1099 Forms Filer is part of Advanced Micro Solutions (AMS) 1099-ETC suite of related applications and is designed for accountants offering payroll and related form processing to their clients.

Product Strengths:

• Product can be used as a stand-alone product or as part of the 1099-ETC application
• Offers import capability using a variety of file formats
• Product is easily navigated

Potential Limitations:

• Users will need to purchase the entire set of modules for complete functionality

W-2/1099 Forms Filer is part of 1099-ETC, which includes a variety of modules that provide form processing functionality, including E-Filer, Forms Filer Plus, 1042-S Filer, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Filer. W-2/1099 Forms Filer is considered the base program and is required in order to run the other related applications.

From the 2016 review of W-2 and 1099 preparation and filing systems.

Basic System Functions – 4.75 Stars

W-2/1099 Forms Filer can be used as a stand-alone product. All year-end forms are generated using this product, with users able to utilize additional products from the vendor in order to support and bolster functionality of the product. Forms supported in the product include W-2, W-2C, W-3, all 1099 forms, 1096, 1098 and 5498. The product easily handles up to 1,999 separate payers/employers, and up to 99,999 employees per payer. W-2/1099 Forms Filer uses an interface screen that mimics the actual form, so data entry is quick and painless. Select fields in the forms offer calculation capability, and users can set up default values for commonly used fields such as state codes, and ID numbers. The product also creates a SSN verification file, so users can quickly verify Social Security number with the SSA. The system also creates a TIN validation file that can be submitted to the IRS.

Reporting – 4.75 Stars

All W-2 and 1099’s processed using the product are designed to print on pre-printed forms, but the optional Software Generated Forms module allows users to print year-end forms on blank paper if desired, except for Copy A of 1099 forms. Forms Filer Plus offers users access to additional federal and state tax forms, with data entry handled in a similar fashion; with users entering data directly into a form that is displayed on screen. Once the form has been completed, it can be printed as needed.

The Table Report generates hash totals of social security and tax ID numbers for quick review, and the product also handles all worksheet related reports. Users can also create client letters, recipient lists, and mailing labels from the product as well. Both certified payroll and a worker’s compensation report can be processed, and all system reports and forms can be batched printed for multiple clients if desired. Reports and other files can also be saved as an encrypted PDF file that can be emailed to clients securely.

Integration/Import/Export – 4.5 Stars

W-2/1099 Forms Filer is the base product in the 1099-ETC application, and is designed to integrate with other modules that increase product functionality. These modules include Software Generated Forms, Advanced Micro Solutions Payroll, E-Filer, and Forms Filer Plus. The product can also be used as a stand-alone product if desired. Related data can be imported using a variety of file formats which include Columnar Report File, Tab Delimited File, QuickBooks, Federal 1099 MAG File, Federal W-2 MAG File, or Lotus 123 or Microsoft Excel files.

Help/Support – 5 Stars

All system updates are available on the AMS website, with users able to download them at their leisure. The product also contains a support knowledge base as well as a list of system manuals in PDF, which can be downloaded and printed. A comprehensive list of forms and their related instructions are also available from the AMS website to access at any time. Support is available during regular business hours, with users able to request support via the website, or by telephone during regular business hours.  

Summary & System Pricing

W-2/1099 Forms Filer is part of 1099-ETC, and is required in order to run any of the other related applications. W-2/1099 Forms Filer is responsible for processing all year-end forms, with a few exceptions such as annual state returns, the 94x forms, ACA forms and the 1042, 1042S and 1042T. Additional modules are available such as E-File and Forms Filer Plus are available to handle electronic processing and form printing. All modules in 1099-ETC are priced separately, with the base system available for $79.00. A relative bargain, the entire group of modules can be purchased for less than $450.00.

2016 Overall Rating: 4.75 Stars