Filing tax returns at year's end is always a chore. QuickTax99 Personal Deluxe by Intuit Canada allows up to 18 returns to be filed in a relatively painless, almost fun fashion. This Personal Deluxe version is aimed at small and home businesses and includes business-related forms and several business-related tools. Two tax and financial planning tools are included: one a guide on deciding whether or not to incorporate, the other on whether to buy or lease a car. There are also online extracts of several books on running a business. The program's wizard, Easy Step, uses an interview process to build a profile before entering tax information to shorten the data entry process. This process can be a bit long and tedious for those with simpler returns. Data can also be entered directly in any order desired. To speed up entry, data from a 1998 file can be imported from QuickTax, HomeTax and CanTax T1 files. As well, the TaxLINK feature integrates data from two other Intuit programs, Quicken and QuickBooks. The programs must be installed on the same computer in order to import data. A preview mode allows data to be reviewed before importing, although the Macintosh version does not have this feature. Not everyone will like QuickTax's data entry screens. Each information slip is split among three categories: federal slips, receipts and Quebec slips. Data is entered into a set of data fields, with numbering and a text description of each box. Multiple slips can be entered and viewed simultaneously. The data from these slips are summed and transferred onto the relevant lines on various tax forms. Contextual help can be invoked at anytime by pressing F1 -- this will usually bring up the relevant section from the appropriate tax guide. A summary screen shows the taxpayer's situation at all times, showing key information such as money owed or refund due. The screen updates as soon as any data change is made. Once completed, the Final Review process can be invoked to check for completeness and correctness of the return. It also suggests possible tax saving tips. When printing a return, only the relevant forms will be printed. This year's release requires the CD to be in the drive in order to print, an annoying change from previous versions. Like most current software, QuickTax links to the Internet. There is an option to file electronically on the Web for those who are eligible. This is the first year Revenue Canada is allowing individuals to file electronically without going through a tax professional. Revenue Canada will let you know if you're eligible to file electronically this year when it sends you your form and address sticker. Through the Web site, QuickTax can also update itself with the latest version of the software, which will be necessary for some. The tested version required an update, as it was missing the final version of Quebec forms and the aforementioned ability to file via the Web. When the Quebec government makes the forms available, QuickTax will offer them as an update through the Web. On the personal tax side, one of the more interesting tools is the RRSP Analyzer. This tool uses a slider to show the effects of changing registered retirement savings plan contributions, instantly updating the summary screen and showing the changed tax situation. There are links to the Quicken.ca Web site to shop for RRSPs and RRSP loans. Paper documentation is sparse -- but easier to read and use than any tax guide. It informs the user in what order to perform specific installation tasks and shows the various components of the program. For previous users of HomeTax and CanTax T1, a conversion guide for the most common keys is included. Everything else is online. Reviewer's rating: 4.5 / 5 Comments: QuickTax99 Personal Deluxe makes filing taxes easy, although it does fall short of actually making it fun. Once you try it, however, it will be difficult to go back to the pen and paper method. It demonstrates what a computer can and should be used for. System requirements for Windows version: 486 or better, 8 MB RAM (16 MB recommended), 10 MB hard disk space free, 6x speed CD-ROM, SVGA monitor (256 colors), a printer. Runs on Windows 3.1, Windows 95/98, or Windows NT 4 (with Service Pack 5). System requirements for Macintosh version: 68020 or better processor, 12 MB memory, 14 MB hard disk space free, 6x speed CD-ROM, a printer, Mac OS 7.5 or later. More information: http://www.intuit.com/canada/quicktax/ Price: $24.95 Canadian -- QuickTax99 (for personal taxes) $34.95 Canadian -- QuickTax99 Personal Deluxe for Windows (small business version) $32.95 Canadian -- QuickTax99 Personal Deluxe for Macintosh (small business version) $79.95 Canadian -- QuickTax99 Incorporated Business   
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