The taxman rings once



Author: Judy Bennett

Date: March, 1989

Keywords: tax taxes financial finances money macintax review software
application

Text:
     Lately I've heard three different people tell me in three
different ways that they ''sleep with their accountants.''  
     Now none of these people are particularly promiscuous; they are
just fortunate enough to have a spouse who does the taxes. If you are
not one of them, do I have the thing for you -- MacInTax '88.
      Once again, for the fourth consecutive year, this program is a
winner.  Each year the manual becomes a bit bigger and the program a
bit better.
     Starting at the top, MacInTax is a tax preparation program for use
on the Macintosh.  It displays exact replicas of the IRS forms and
schedules on the screen.  
     All entries are typed directly into the proper IRS line and all
calculations are done automatically.
     All printed forms, according to the vendor's advertising, are
IRS-approved.
     MacInTax links schedules and forms.  So an entry in Schedule A is
calculated and placed on the appropriate 1040 form.  
     Line itemizations are provided for those of us who don't think or
keep records in an organized fashion.  An example could be charitable
contributions on Schedule A.  A itemization worksheet is just a
double-click away. 
     As you find cancelled checks you can list them on the correct
worksheet.  The totals are then carrried forward to the schedule.
     MacInTax supplies the user with on-screen help.  Instructions
taken from the IRS manual are available by double clicking on the line
in question.
      A new addition to the program this year is the K-1 worksheet,
designed in the same format as the K-1 Schedule. It enables you to
input information from your Schedule K-1 and link the information to
the appropriate forms and schedules.
     MacInTax allows for entry of unknown values.  Rather than
abandoning a form before completion because of lack of information, you
can enter an estimate either in the form of a questionmark or a dollar
amount followed the letter ''e.''  
     A status summary worksheet is always available to show the amount
of tax owed to the refund due. 
     Error checking has been built in to the program.  If you select
single on the 1040 and then attempt to enter a spouse''s Social
Security number an ''Alert Box'' will appear to inform you of your
mistake. 
     Similar boxes appear when you attempt to type values into places
that are automatically calculated.
     MacInTax accepts data generated by other applications. The other
application must save data in ''Text'' files.  
     So, if you do your accounting with MacMoney you can export the
data to MacInTax.  
      MacInTax contains all forms, work sheets and schedules most
individuals need. This year even more  forms and worksheets have been
added to offer a total of 72.
     The printout produced by the program is of excellent quality.
MacInTax can be used with Imagewriters or laserprinters.  Printing with
an Imagewriter does take a bit of time.  Softview advocates the use of
a spooler for those who do multiple returns.
     MacInTax makes an unpleasant chore an enjoyable task. For those of
us who love to spend hours at our Macs, MacInTax is a delight.  Though
it does expedite the process, it still takes time. 
     MacInTax is produced by Softview Inc., 4820 Adohr Lane, Suite F,
Camarillo 93010, (805) 388-2626. 
     It is available from the publisher directly, with yearly updates,
or from the discounters for approximately $70. The direct-order number
is (800) 622-6829.
     (Please see ''Getting Started with Tax Software'' beginning on
page 237 of the March issue of Macworld. It contains reviews of other
tax-preparation software.The April issue of MacUser has a review of tax
preparation programs.)

Copyright © march, 1989 by Judy Bennett