CPA Practice Advisor

APR 2012

Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.

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SALES & USE TAX Reviews For Your Firm BNA Software – BNA Sales & Use Tax Forms & Rates 2012 OVERALL RATING BEST FIT Preparers responsible for mid-sized and larger business sales tax and use tax fi lings who have broad reporting obliga- tions across multiple, varied jurisdic- tions. T e application also provides comprehensive rates tables which can be imported into many accounting systems. STRENGTHS • Comprehensive rate tables include all U.S. jurisdictions • User-friendly web-based interface allows anytime, anywhere access • Multiple reporting, data and rate table output options • Management of compliance for mul- tiple entities • Ability to schedule rate table export POTENTIAL LIMITATIONS • Rate lookup and return preparation not integrated • No e-filing or electronic payment options T e sales and use tax programs from BNA Soſt ware are available in online versions. Available modules include tax rate lookup, exporting of tables for accounting systems, and a library of more than 3,400 ready to fi le govern- ment forms, instructions, exemption certifi cates and miscellaneous docu- ments such as powers of at orney and business registrations. The online versions of BNA Sales & Use Tax Rates and BNA Sales & Use Tax Forms are separate programs that focus, respec- tively, on rate lookup and form prepara- tion, but are both reviewed here. BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS T e Forms program is geared on direct 800-424-2938 PRACTICE ADVISOR CONNECT WITHCPA Facebook: www.facebook.com/cpapracticeadvisor Twitter: www.twitter.com/cpapracadvisor icons, plus easy access to form selection lists. Initial setup of entities and pre- parers is guided by the program. T e system can support any number of business entities, making it also appealing to professionals providing compliance services to multiple busi- nesses. Once business data has been saved to a profi le, its information is automatically populated on all returns prepared with that profi le, for all taxing agencies. The system's data entry screens are based on form replicas that automatically calculate and transfer data as needed, with right-click links to offi cial form instructions, calculation overrides and font selection. The interface for the rate lookup system is also web-based and appears more so than its counterpart system, and pro- vides options for searching the rate database by ZIP Code, state, city, county or special districts. T e system displays results on a single screen that shows applicable rates at all levels. BNA Soſt ware's database tracks prior and current rates, as well as special tax- ability notes, including maximum levels, overrides and combined/split rates. The rate tables can also be exported for use in accounting systems, including all states, cities, counties and special districts who levy sales and use taxes. T e system also contains all of the special taxability rules. T e Forms program offers more than 3,400 returns, exemption certificates and general business forms at the state and local levels, all of which can be popu- lated with general business data and tax identification numbers (although transaction data must be entered manually). BNA Soſt ware's systems do not provide e-fi ling or remit ance of collected taxes to taxing authorities, and require print preparation and fi ling of forms, or manual e-fi ling through a state's online filing website, where available. Since the programs are web-based, the tax rate tables are constantly updated by accounting and technology professionals at BNA Soſt ware. For businesses importing the rate tables into their accounting sys- tems, exporting of rates can be per- formed at any time, or can be scheduled to automatically occur at specified intervals and during off -peak times. INTEGRATION/IMPORT/EXPORT T e core integration feature is in the preparation of sales and use tax returns for all U.S. jurisdictions. Aſt er logging into the secure, web-based system, the program offers a traditional user interface that resembles a locally installed program. General navigation features include pull-down menus and providing real-time lookup during transaction entry. COMPLIANCE CAPABILITIES BNA Software claims that the rate tables include more than 58,000 jurisdictions in the United States, BNA Sales & Use Tax Rates system, which allows the tax tables to be saved into Excel, CSV, text or PDF formats. T ese tables can be imported into most general small and mid-sized accounting systems. T e program also off ers gen- eration of all reports, forms and instructions into PDF format. HELP/SUPPORT The BNA Sales & Use Tax Forms system offers generous support options, including a traditional help menu, user manual and tutorials, and right-click access to instructions for all forms. Additional online resources include FAQs, white papers, webinars and training options. Live and web- based technical support is included in pricing. SUMMARY & PRICING BNA Sales & Use Tax Rates and BNA Sales & Use Tax Forms are two separate programs which can be used individu- ally or together, depending on business needs. The Rates system provides comprehensive rate tables across all U.S. jurisdictions, and off ers exportable tables that can be imported into accounting systems. T e Forms pro- gram off ers similarly comprehensive access to print-ready returns, instruc- tions, exemption certificates and common business forms for all states and localities. Neither system off ers integrated e-filing capabilities. Together, the systems start at about $1,000 each per year or $1,800 for both, which allows unlimited access to forms and constantly-updated rate tables for all U.S. jurisdictions. www.BNAsoftware.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin/in/cpapracticeadvisor 12 April 2012 • www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com

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