There are many programs that can make the W-2 software comparison process overwhelming. Finding the best W-2 tools can be even more challenging for smaller businesses that are on a budget. These businesses may be able to afford software, but they may not be able to afford a W-2 replacement if the software does not work in the way that they need. Speak directly with a vendor for your W-2 system and look into a demo or trial. It can feel easier to take someone’s word on whether their program is better than another one. Instead, make a list of the ideal and necessary W-2 software features for your business.
Advanced Micro Solutions’ base W-2/1099 Forms Filer program operates in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The system supports as many as 99,999 employees or recipients per payer.
What is the Best Method of W-2 Software Comparison?
Comparing W-2 software can become time consuming if you are not sure where to start. Create an outline for yourself or your team. It may be beneficial to consider or ask your colleagues:
What can we afford? Affordability is a great place to start as you compare W-2 software that might make sense for your business. Set aside some time to review your budget so you know exactly how much you can allocate toward W-2 management software. Some vendors may try to compel you with free programs. Keep in mind that free software often has tiers or limitations that are not necessarily apparent when you purchase it.
What features do we want and need? W-2 software comparison requires businesses to distinguish and prioritize the features that they want versus the ones that they need. Try to picture what you may need in the future before you get software. It is oftentimes reasonable to invest in an affordable long-term program that will grow with you.
How is a software program’s customer support? A strong customer support arm is a vital component of purchasing any software system. Speak with a vendor to see whether they will offer live expert support, online resources, or both. Know what you can expect with technical support before you encounter a glitch right ahead of a tax or reporting deadline.
How usable is the program? The best W-2 software comparison is done by experiencing a system firsthand. Reach out to a vendor and ask about any free demos or trials. See how the company’s data interacts with the system. Explore whether or not you will encounter a steep learning curve with your software system.
Best W-2 Software Features
The best W-2 features that exist within a software system look different for every business. There are nevertheless some universal features that everyone benefits from with W-2 software.
Scalability – You may know exactly how your business will grow or remain similar over the next five or 10 years. Or, perhaps, that is not as predictable for your business or industry. You or your team should consider how you may grow when you conduct a W-2 software comparison. Get scalable software to save the business money in the long term and help avoid doing the W-2 comparison process so soon after the first time.
Batch Printing – Printing your business’s reports and forms in batches is a good way to save resources and time for a small business. There is no reason to spend all of your time printing documents one-by-one for each individual. Batch printing frees up your time to work on other relevant business tasks.
Extensive Reports and Forms – The forms that you need now may only be a fraction of the ones that you will need later. Think about your business in the present and the future. Its size can affect what forms you submit. Check the forms and reports that a W-2 program supports ahead of time to avoid certain accessibility complications.
Local Storage – All businesses ultimately need to decide between cloud-based programs and W-2 software that allows you to locally save your data. Local storage can be a safeguard from hackers and external leaks. Weigh your options based on the sensitivity of your documents.
Get Started with AMS W-2 Software
Running a W-2 software comparison may not always be a no-brainer, but it does not need to cause stress. Download our free 1099-etc Demo software. The program gives users a thorough understanding of how the program works. It will also show users how they can add additional modules to build a full-accounting suite of tools. Our six optional add-on modules include: AMS Payroll, E-File, Forms Filer Plus, 1042-S Filer, Affordable Care Act Filer, and Software Generated Forms.