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Review
Created:
February, 2000
Taxamatic Software's TaxWiz
(Tax Year 1999)
By Lowell Conn, Cyberwalker
Media Syndicate
There is
a zen-like bare-bones approach utilized by TaxWiz '99 that creates
an environment where users begin to feel as though they are compiling
their taxes in the old fashioned pen and paper way, only everything
is on a screen and calculated automatically.
This is about the highest compliment this reviewer could pay toward a computer-assisted tax program and TaxWiz certainly deserves high praise. It offers ease-of-use, an interface that is identical to the tax forms we're all familiar with and a logical progression that makes every aspect of the return process just one click away.
TaxWiz is not a difficult program to master and options galore reside within the program. You can view your tax situation on screen, via a tab at bottom, while you update all crucial figures. Click on a tab labeled T4 and a realistic-looking T4 screen pops up on screen. Enter the correct figures and the numbers at the bottom of your screen update swiftly.
The programmers had convenience on their mind: every tax form seems within one keystroke, making a search for obscure forms a cinch. The help menu is adequate, with Revenue Canada's tax manual available on screen.
The program's tax wizard provides an opportunity to build a profile before entering tax information. Just click on a checklist featuring financial activities the government might have some interest in. Click a button upon completion and TaxWiz takes you step-by-step through the process, ensuring all pertinent data is entered into the return.
A financial planning and what-if scenario builder also adds extra muscle to a program itching to be more than just a once-a-year utility.
TaxWiz is not without problems. The on-screen help is merely adequate, not comprehensive. And while some tax programs provide features that search out tax savings for its users, TaxWiz buyers are somewhat on their own. Users are provided a 1-800 number, for additional queries.
The program also will not run without its CD in drive. This may be a device to secure against piracy, perhaps, but not one that secures against inconvenience.
Finally, the program automatically saves each return under the filer's name. Without an option to clear an entire return of information, re-entering or re-starting one's return requires manual deletion all of the entered information, or manual removal of the saved file from the hard drive.
TaxWiz, though, has some major drawbacks. First, it does not include Quebec provincial tax return forms, essentially crossing it off the list for any Quebecers choosing tax prep programs. Also -- a disappointment for small business -- information cannot be imported from other financial programs.
Finally, while the program allows unlimited returns, it does not offer much hope for those who enter completely wrong information. Files are saved automatically by the name of the filer and there is no option to clear your return. Make many mistakes and you must resort to going through the return manually to clean it up (or change your name).
On some other programs, these oversights would be inexcusable.
On TaxWiz, the program on a whole is just so good that Canadians not residing in Quebec might still use it.
As personal tax software, this program reigns supreme. Without the ability to import information from accounting and financial software though, TaxWiz lags behind in meeting the needs of a small business.
Reviewer's
rating: 3.5 / 5
Comments: This is a great tax return program. But it does not include Quebec forms and, while ideal for personal returns, does not serve small business well.
Minimum System
Requirements: 386 processor or higher (486 recommended), Windows 3.1, 95/98 or NT, 4 MB RAM, 3 MB hard disk space, Windows compatible printer, CD-ROM. Can download demo through Internet access.
More info: http://www.taxwiz.ca
Price: $24.95 Canadian
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