| |
Online |
eSmartForms |
Excel Mapping |
Windows Software |
| How to enter data? |
Enter data directly, completely online |
Use Microsoft Word on your desktop, then upload online to e-file |
Prepare data in Excel, then map the coloumns online |
Use the software on your desktop, then upload online to e-file |
| Data e-filed to IRS? |
Yes |
Yes if you upload the data |
Yes |
Yes if you upload the data |
| Data e-filed to State? |
Yes, if State is part of Fed/State combined e-file program |
Yes, if State is part of Fed/State combined e-file program |
Yes, if State is part of Fed/State combined e-file program |
Yes, if State is part of Fed/State combined e-file program |
| E-file status? |
Online |
Online |
Online |
Online |
| How to print copies? |
Online, after checkout |
Print from your desktop to printer |
Download PDF copies after checkout |
Download PDF copies after upload & checkout |
| Cost? (e-file charge is the same for all) |
Based on number of forms, volume discount |
Purchase eSmartForms ($15-$100), additional charge for e-file |
E-file charge and PDF file charge separately, print/mail options |
E-file charge and PDF file charge separately, print/mail options |
| Generally used for? |
One at a time, small number of forms (<30, e.g.) |
One form at a time or Excel import of thousands of forms |
Hundreds or thousands of forms in an Excel worksheet |
One at a time or thousands of forms in Excel |
| Pros? |
Simple, direct, no software to download, file to upload, etc. |
Full control from your desktop, print, and e-file |
Easy for many forms, print/mail service options |
Full control from your desktop, print, and e-file |
| Cons? |
Manual data entry, not ideal for large number of records |
Need Word program and enable macros, software learning |
Need data in Excel, .txt or .csv format |
Install and learn the Windows software |
| |
Online |
eSmartForms |
Excel Mapping |
Windows Software |
