ProSeries Basic - Software Cost
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Last year I purchased ProSeries Basic, which included 50 returns and 2 states, and the price was $299. Why has Intuit raised this year's price by 50% to $449?
They haven't told us yet, but I suspect it's so that they can make more money.
Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.
~Groucho Marx
Will there be the additional capability to file more than 50 returns in the price?
Making more money is an obvious motive, but 50%? Seems a bit high. There is the ability to file more than 50 returns (the additional returns are charged on a pay-per-return basis), same as last year.
David, you might consider talking with customer support. I haven't used Basic, but it seems like every day I hear about some new limitation in the Basic program that the Professional version doesn't have. Making the Basic version more fully functional (like Pro) would definitely justify a price increase. But I just don't know Inutuit's plans.
Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.
~Groucho Marx
Archie, ProSeries Basic suits my needs just fine. I just don't understand what justifies the 50% price increase.
I have no answer. :-(
Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.
~Groucho Marx
Again...are there additional capabilities or will it allow you to process more that 50 this year?
Mt. Juliet -- I answered your question above, but I'll answer it again. As far as I can tell, the capabilities of the software are the same as last year --- a limit of 50 returns, and a pay-per-return charge for each return above the 50 limit.
With that big of an increase in one year it sounds like they are trying to phase it out.
I Think IRMN may be onto something. I use the PowerTax Lite bundle, and the price on the website is $2999, which IIRC, is the same as last year. Looks like they may be moving toward a forced upgrade.
Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.
~Groucho Marx
It's not a forced upgrade for me, it's a forced "Bye Bye." Return preparation is a small part of my CPA tax consulting business. I prepare returns for only about a dozen clients, so I cannot afford to pay much more than what I paid last year and still make a profit. Intuit is forcing me to go to another software company.
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One feature that is added is electronic filing at no extra charge. I think that was $100-150 so that accounts for some of the $150 increase in price. Talk to a sales rep about your concerns or check the online renewal link. There may be discounts available.
Moderator_Lisa, you're right, but the $150 increase is much more than the $75 that I paid last year in e-filing fees. Intuit says that because electronic filing is included in the price, I'm supposed to "enjoy a greater value this year." That only applies if you e-filed more than 30 returns last year (30 returns x $5.00 e-filing fee = $150,00). I didn't.
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David I encourage clients to e-file as much as possible
This whole long harangue is over what turns out to be a net increase in cost of $75? GEEEEZ, get over it!
Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.
~Groucho Marx
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Basic unlimited has a price increase of 65% this year. I was told by customer service the price increase is due to their expansion into product lines. "I understand" is not a good response. I can't afford this type of increase. I would have no clients next year if I increased my prices by 65%.


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Sorry David I missed your answer, it is a big increase if there are no more capabilities or return filings available