ProSeries Basic - Software Cost

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.

Archie, ProSeries Basic suits my needs just fine.  I just don't understand what justifies the 50% price increase.

I have no answer.  :-(

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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%.

This may be too late. You can buy Turbo Tax for about $30 and do unlimited returns. You can E-File 5 returns. Install it on another computer and E-file 5 more. That's how I used to do it before E-filing became so popular.

Turbotax is not intended to be used professionally.  It sounds like you may be violating the terms of use.