Order 936014: Proposal
tutorthammy
SampleProposal.pdf
PROPOSAL FOR CLOUD APPLICATION: TURBOTAX
Prepared by Xxxx Xxxxx
University of Florida
December 10, 2014
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ……………………………………………………………………………... i
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………… 1
Recommendation ………………………………………………………………………………... 2
Implementation Plan …………………………………………………………………………..… 5
Evaluation Plan ………………………………………………………………………………..… 6
References …………………………………………………………………………………..…… 8
Table of Figures
Figure 1 ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Figure 2 ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Figure 3 ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Figure 4 ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Figure 5 ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
TurboTax Proposal i
Executive Summary
This report recommends the implementation of TurboTax, an accounting application used
for preparing and filing personal income tax returns and tax returns for sole proprietors of small
businesses. Out of all the apps researched, TurboTax makes the most sense for our company as
all of the other apps focus on inventory and bookkeeping whereas we already have a system for
that. TurboTax will save us time and money and help increase efficiency and productivity.
TurboTax is easy to use, greatly functional, and decently priced. With TurboTax, clients who
have simple tax returns will be offered a new service where they use TurboTax to complete their
tax returns and one of our accountants will double-check the tax return for errors and file it
electronically. This will save us time and money and will also allow us to gain more clients. For
those who still want to meet in-person with an accountant, our employees can use TurboTax to
speed up the process and provide a basis for the tax return preparation. The implementation
process will last approximately one year to guarantee that everything is done properly and
successful. The implementing process will include the following steps: programming, selecting
clients for a test trial, the trial, fixing problems, advertising and launching. During the test trial,
management will take notes on how effective the new system is. Clients and employees will also
be asked to take a survey evaluating the app to ensure that everything is as hoped.
TurboTax Recommendation 1
Introduction
According to Kaye & Nicholson, the initial awareness of information technologies in the
accounting profession took place in the mid 1980s. Not everyone was fond of the advancement,
as there was a wide array of reactions (1992, p. 105). Technology is a huge part of the
accounting world and is constantly evolving. With recent development, accountants are able to
use applications to involve their clients in the process.
Accountants can now focus only on the accounting portion of their jobs and leave the
bookkeeping to the software that does the data-entry process for them. Programs have import
functions that connect to clients’ online banking and perform the coding and data-entry for the
accountant. Accountants then use the technology to prepare financial statements. Once done, the
accountant is able to securely send the information to the client via client portals; thus,
terminating the use of paper and providing the client with instant access to all statements
prepared. Therefore, accountants are able to build even stronger relationships with their clients as
they can reestablish some efficiency gains and add value to the connections with their clients
(Porterfield, 2011, p. 15).
Implementing TurboTax in our company would solve many problems that we encounter.
The app would help with problems of time, cost, and efficiency that we often face. During tax
season, our employees are completely overworked as they have way too many taxes to prepare
under the limiting time. Due to this problem, our employees are working overtime, often staying
throughout the night just to keep up with their workloads, as I know from experience. Our
employees find themselves all kinds of taxes to prepare from simple, personal income taxes to
complex, large business corporate taxes. They struggle with efficiency as they have multiple
simple taxes to return so they are busy trying to go through that process when they should really
be spending most of their time on our large accounts and the complexity of those tax returns. It is
important to consider the app so all of these problems can be solved. With the implementation of
this app and all our problems solved, our company’s name will be stronger than ever, our
productivity rates will be extremely higher, and our costs will be significantly lower as our
employees will no longer be staying overtime.
Before deciding on TurboTax, many apps were considered and evaluated. Some of the
other apps researched are QuickBooks, Kashoo, Xero, and Cheqbook. These apps were viewed
because they were most known and had the best reviews according to Google and authorities in
TurboTax Recommendation 2
the field. All of the apps include functions like bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, and reporting
while TurboTax can be used for tax return preparation and electronic filing. They were evaluated
based on criteria such as security, compatibility, user friendliness, vendor support, cost,
functionality, reliability, and efficiency. The results concluded that all of the apps had great
results on the criteria evaluated.
Recommendation
Some information presented in this section has come directly from an unpublished report
submitted to the supervisor on November 17, 2014.
I am recommending TurboTax to be implemented in our company. Out of all of the apps
researched and evaluated, TurboTax was the only app that differed from the others. Given that
we already have our own system of bookkeeping and invoicing, the other apps are unnecessary
and ineffective for our company. TurboTax is most beneficial given its evaluation of the
following criteria.
Functionality
TurboTax does everything needed for filing taxes electronically with the IRS for personal
income tax returns and sole proprietors of small businesses. There is an automatic import
function so that users can import their W2 and 1099 tax forms. The app looks through over 350
deductions and credits to ensure that users get as many deductions as possible.
Audience
Both our clients and employees will be using the app. Our clients, who either file
personal income taxes or file as sole proprietors of small businesses, will use the app to guide
them through their returns. These clients will be offered a reduced price. The employees will use
the app to double-check the tax returns that are done by clients through the app and to help speed
up the process of taxes for clients who decide not to use the app on their own.
Navigation/Usability
TurboTax is extremely simple and no prior knowledge of taxes is needed for use. In fact,
users take photos of their W-2 forms, answer simple questions about their lives, and their tax
returns are completed for them ready for e-filing, as shown in the figures below. The figures
below show the process of TurboTax from an iPhone’s perspective.
TurboTax Recommendation 3
Advantages/Opportunities
One advantages of this app
includes its detailed instructions. Users
are confident that they are doing
everything right because they are guided
through the entire process. Another
advantage is security. The app uses
advanced technology, has a strong
privacy team, and performs security
tests daily. TurboTax is accessible from
almost everywhere. There are apps that
can be found in the Apple App Store,
Google play, and Amazon that can be
used on mobile devices and tablets.
TurboTax is also available online so users
can use their laptops and computers and
login through any web browser. This
presents our company the opportunity to
offer both in-person and online services,
giving us the chance to attract customers
who do not want to pay the price of
accounting services. They can pay a
lower fee to use the app and also get the
satisfaction that a skilled accountant is
double-checking the app’s work and
ensuring that the tax return gets filed.
Disadvantages/Constraints
One disadvantage is that users
are limited to individuals and sole
proprietors. The app does not support
Figure 1: Main
Page (App Store)
Figure 2: Step 1
(App Store)
Figure 3: Step 2
(App Store)
Figure 4: Step 3
(App Store)
TurboTax Recommendation 4
medium to large sized companies and corporations. Another constraint is making a deal with
TurboTax to implement it into our company. We will have to negotiate with the developers to
come to an exclusive deal so that our company is the only one to have TurboTax implemented in
order to make our company stand out.
Accuracy
TurboTax guarantees 100% accuracy for calculations. If not, they will pay any IRS
penalties. The TurboTax program double-checks every step as the person is filling out the
information and runs various error checks.
Cost
Figure 5: TurboTax Pricing (Turbo Tax)
TurboTax Recommendation 5
The cost of TurboTax is based on the client’s needs. All of the apps are free to download,
but require a cost once the tax return is prepared to file. Rates on the app start from $14.99 for
simple state returns and increase with the complexity of each case. The pricing for the online
product is shown in Figure 5.
Furthermore, Deloitte should begin using TurboTax in order to achieve a faster turnover,
a higher productivity, enhanced results, stress-free employees, and more clients. Implementing
this app would strengthen and increase our company’s potential.
Implementation Plan
With time, TurboTax will be fully integrated into the workplace. The implementation
process will take approximately one year, giving us time to prepare for the 2016 tax season. To
ensure clients are satisfied with the new system, TurboTax will be implemented slowly to ensure
that everything is done successfully. The steps of the implementation plan are as follows:
Step 1: Application Implication
The application will be programmed into all company laptops, computers, tablets, etc.
This will take approximately 2 months to ensure that all applications are up and running to
perfection.
Step 2: Selecting Clients for Test Trial
Clients will be selected to try out this new system. We will ask our top 50 clients who
usually file personal tax returns or returns as sole proprietors of small businesses to participate.
We will explain to them how TurboTax works and the reduced fee if they wish to switch to this
process. This will take 2-3 months in order to give clients time to think about what is best for
them and to ask more clients in case our top 50 clients do not wish to participate.
Step 3: Trial for 2015 Tax Season
The selected clients will use TurboTax to prepare their tax returns. Then, our employees
will double-check that everything is right and submit the tax returns via TurboTax for electronic
filing. Employees will also use the application to complete tax returns for other clients who want
to meet in-person with their accountants. This will take 4 months, the typical length of tax
season. During this time, management will take note of employee and customer satisfaction.
Step 4: Fix any Problems
TurboTax Recommendation 6
After the trial is complete, any problems that management noted during the trial will be
fixed. This will call for a couple of months (1-2) to ensure that everything is perfect for the
public launch.
Step 5: Advertisement & Launching
Advertisements will be increased to spread the word of the company’s new program to
clients and the general public. Information sessions and online videos will be available to explain
this new system. This will attract customers and allow us to grow our database. Finally, our
application will be launched and we will be fully ready to use the new system for the 2016 tax
season.
Evaluation Plan
During step 3 of the implementation plan, evaluations will take place to see whether the
app is working as hoped. Management will oversee clients and employees and take notes on their
observations. Notes should be focused around criteria including functionality, audience,
navigation/usability, advantages, disadvantages, cost, and accuracy. In addition, clients and
employees will be asked to take a survey evaluating the application. Clients will be given an
incentive to participate such as a 10% discount if they participate. The survey will be similar to
the following:
Evaluation Survey
Please rate the following items based on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the highest and 1 being the
lowest.
Functionality:
Navigation/Usability:
Cost:
Accuracy:
What do you like best about using TurboTax?
What do you least like about using TurboTax?
How would you improve the application?
Will you use TurboTax again next year?
TurboTax Recommendation 7
After the survey is completed by clients and employees and the notes from management
are compiled, the necessary changes will be made to enhance the app and we will go forth with
launching this new service.
TurboTax Recommendation 8
References
App Store. Apple App Store. (iOS 8). [Mobile application software]. Retrieved from
http://itunes.apple.com
Kaye, G. R., & Nicholson, A. H. S. (1992). An educational framework for
information technology in accounting and management education. Computers &
Education, 19(1), 105-112. doi:10.1016/0360-1315(92)90016-X
Porterfield, T. G. (2011). Technology changing the accounting profession.
Arkansas Business, 28(38), 15.
TurboTax Online. (n.d.) Retrieved November 24, 2014, from https://turbotax.intuit.com
