Forbes Computer Systems

The following reviews of Forbes software appeared in the 2006 Annual software supplement to Taxation magazine.

Forbes Computer Systems is an innovative independent company which has been producing the competitively priced self assessment software, ProTax since 1992.

ProTax is the well known self assessment program which allows an unlimited number of clients. Used by some 1,250 firms, the program is available in modules which can be bought individually or as a complete suite. The software handles personal tax, trusts, partnerships and corporation tax. Virtually all aspects of self assessment are handled including Lloyd's underwriters, ministers of religion, MPs, R40 repayment claims, pension planning, other 'what if' planning, form SA303 for reducing payments on account, and form SA700 non resident landlords. The forms, backing schedules, payments on account and a complete tax liability calculation are all produced. Data is entered directly on to the tax return forms or via a step-by-step wizard. Much of the data can be drawn from the Client Database module, which flows automatically into the rest of the system. Accounts details can be imported from Forbes Accounts, the company's new accounts production system, as well from many other external accounts providers. A comprehensive dividend database is available at a small additional cost. A range of standard letters and reports can also be produced, along with an information request questionnaire, which can be sent to clients.

The company is directly involved in the development of new technology and has embraced electronic filing wholeheartedly from its early days. Returns can be filed online and Forbes reckons some 60% did so in 2005-06.

Forbes Accounts is a comprehensive final accounts production system for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. Trial balances can be created instantly and the software automatically updates the data on partnership, self-employed and corporation tax returns.

The software is intuitive and easy to use. Cross product compatibility and integration has further enhanced this. Other modules include: CoSec, a company secretarial package that includes electronic filing; ProTax Planner, a planner for Schedule D cases, Tempus time recording software, ProTax P11D for expenses and benefits, Payroll and ProTax CTSA which produces the new short and long corporation tax return forms and performs all necessary computations (see review in corporation tax section).

The software comes with a manual, and comprehensive support including a free telephone help-line, customer website and newsletters. Training can be supplied at an extra cost. A demonstration version of the software can be downloaded from Forbes' website. In addition, registered users can update their software from Forbes' website, from which they also have online access to Notes online, with up-to-date technical information and news.

Forbes CTSA is a corporation tax software that completes both the tax computation and the relevant tax forms for all chargeable periods created, aimed chiefly at the high street practitioner with some company clients. CTSA produces both the new short and long corporation tax return forms as well as all the supplementary forms. The module includes an adjusted profit computation and a capital allowances program. Small companies marginal relief and non-corporate distributions are calculated automatically. ProTax CTSA also enables the user to submit all the necessary documents, including the computations and accounts, online. The software is XBRL-enabled, ready for the new advances in Internet filing currently being finalised by the HMRC. Data is entered directly on to the tax return forms. Much of the data can be drawn from the Client Database module, which flows automatically into the rest of the system. Accounts details can be imported from Forbes Accounts, the companies new accounts production system, as well as from many other external accounts providers.

Support is as outlined under Forbes' entry in the personal tax section of this supplement.