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Tax software is getting friendlier with other applications.
The face of tax preparation software is changing. In fact, the face of desktop software in general is changing and tax software is part of a bigger trend as applications increasingly take on the appearance of Microsoft products.
Proprietary word processing packages are either giving way to the ubiquitous Microsoft Word, or at least getting friendlier with Word, and many tax software packages are becoming friendlier with Word and Excel. The rationale is to give users an interface they are familiar with, and there are few in business who are not familiar with the Microsoft desktop applications. So CCH is adding a worksheet interface for ProSystem fx, while Intuit chairman Scott Cook has publicly hinted that his company's ProSeries will get an Outlook interface sometime soon.
In fact, CCH isn't just plugging the Microsoft connection with ProSystem fx Tax, it is also getting more Microsoft-like with its Tax Research Network through CCH Hand, which will enable preparers working in Word or Excel to log on to TRN without leaving those applications.
Intuit hasn't said much about the Outlook interface for ProSeries, but it's likely that the overall market will increasingly see desktop business applications that resemble Outlook.
Meanwhile, Petz Enterprises underscored that operating in Windows isn't the same as having a graphical interface. The company has redesigned its CrossLink Tax software to give it a true Windows interface. Similarly, RIA is looking at ways to make the appearance of its GoSystem line more appealing. Officials say RIA is looking at improvements in screen layout and organization to make its tax application easier to use.
On the client letter side, TaxSimple is adopting Word for preparing transmittal letters, invoices, and cover pages. And while not everyone is racing to use Word to edit client letters, many vendors are working to improve their appearance, or to enhance the letters' content. Lacerte has provided a tool to give preparers the ability to more easily edit client letters so that they can customize the documents. Drake is enhancing the formatting of reports, bills, and letters, while Orrtax is provided a comprehensive client letter that can include state information for both its IntelliTax Classic and IntelliTax for Windows software. TaxWorks' new...