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I have been using Prosystem fx for 18 years and I recently switched to Thomson's Practice CS and accounting products. I considered switching tax software as well, but I am reluctant to make the change since we are so used to Prosystem fx.

I've noticed some comments from others who have switched from Pfx to UltraTax. I am interested in your experience after making the change. Why do you think UltraTax is better, is it really less expensive, etc? Pfx tech support is fantastic and for the most part I think all tax software at this level is similar. I am trying to get comfortable using both suites, but I know integration is the key buzz word these days.

Thanks for your input.

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3 Answers

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I converted from Lacerte to CS Ultratax in 2004 and am one satisfied customer. The conversion had a few issues, however, when I called customer service they walked me through the conversion and it went so smoothly.

THeir customer service is OUTSTANDING. You actually feel as though you have a true tax partner right next to you. Their extended hours during tax time are extremely helpful. Learning curve is not bad, for it is pretty straight-forward. Their diagnostic tool is wonderful and allows you to catch errors quickly.

If you subscribe to RIA, PPC or Checkpoint with Thomson Reuters it is embedded in Ultratax, so when you need additional detailed info on an issue you have your tax research program right there. I just cannot say enough about UltraTax. It is one great product.

Also, the price is great (I use the Pay Per Return). Intuit's Lacerte is over 300% more, yes....that is right, 300% more in comparative pricing.

Diane Offutt, EA, MAcc Woodstock, GA 30189

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My firm has used both. Proseries is fine but you have to prepare more complex schedules in Exel then import them. Ultratax wins for our firm, and if price is an issue (& isn't it always a consideration) you may wish to consider using it on a Pay Per Return basis. Creative Solutions Ultratax has always given outstanding support, but we are more interested in its ease of use where you can use either input screens or forms. Frank CLAYCOMB CPA-xIRS.COM

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Thanks for responding Frank. I am using CCH Prosystem fx not Proseries. Prosystem handles complex returns without any import the same was that UltraTax does. Some users say that Prosystem is more expensive than UltraTax. I think they are both fairly equal in handling complex returns. – Linda Hamilton CPA Feb 10 at 23:58
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We had been using ProSystem FX and switched to UltraTax this year.

The conversion is a little rocky: Most of the state data doesn't come over, 990 returns don't proforma at all, AMT and 1116 carryovers got dropped, and office-in-home depreciation came over entirely wrong. While these are not trivial, I view them as relatively minor.

UT's handling of depreciation and sales of assets blows CCH out of the water. The user interface is vastly different and takes some adjustment, but going back to FX is now painful for me. UT's diagnostics are vastly superior to CCH. UT's Planner is more capable; for example, it handles multi-state plans. UT's support has been helpful, and wait times are reasonable. Overall, we are very satisfied with our decision to switch -- and it's saving us money. I would not go back to CCH now, period.

Tom

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Tom, Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. Your details will help me with my decision! – Linda Hamilton CPA Feb 11 at 13:26

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