System & User Requirements
BROWSER RECOMMENDATIONS
We have designed and tested our application for the following browsers:
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Google Chrome
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Mozilla Firefox
If you prefer another default internet browser, you can easily install either of the above browsers to run beside your favorite.
OPERATING SYSTEMS
We have tested our product on the following applications:
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Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11
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Ubuntu
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Mac OS X
Other operating systems can be used as well. However, our tax product is written for our supported browsers.
CPU / MEMORY / HARD DRIVE
Faster is always better. We recommend a dual-core or quad-core CPU at 1.0 GHz or higher as our product is designed to make use of internet worker threads when performing tax calculations. You should have about 500 MB of free space for the browser cache. Our cloud-based tax product will still work with small cache sizes, but your experience will be diminished due to increased downloads.
VIDEO REQUIREMENTS
Our video requirements are different from other applications because we aren’t OS based, and our forms scroll in the browser. For the best experience, we recommend a video monitor that supports a screen width of 1440 or higher.
Have More Questions?
Contact Customer Support via live chat, email, or phone for questions about MyTAXPrepOffice.
COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIREMENTS & RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TAX PROS
Advanced Tax Solutions applications are designed for tax professionals. Our system requirements are based on the assumption that professionals upgrade their computer hardware and operating systems approximately every 3 years.
MyTAXPrepOffice will operate on less powerful hardware and operating systems, however, it will not perform at a level appropriate for live returns in those environments. We recommend business-class computers, which commonly offer higher levels of performance than home models when running business applications.
BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
1. Basic Computer Skills
Use of computer, smartphone, and internet browsers to:
o Log in to MyTAXPrepOffice
o Complete Firm Setup
o Prepare tax returns
o Renew the MyTAXPrepOffice plan
o Utilize/claim the Add-On Fees earned (if applicable)
o Purchase items from the cart (like remote signatures)
o Pay an outstanding overdue balance
2. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Understanding of login methods and Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) to:
o Set up Google Authenticator from the App or Google Play Store
o Download, scan a QR code, and follow the screen instructions
o Log in to MyTAXPrepOffice
o Generate and enter a code that is generated by the Google Authenticator app on the tax professional’s phone
3. Google Chrome
Understanding how to download, find, and open the Chrome menu to:
o Log in to MyTAXPrepOffice
o Complete a 1-on-1 training session
o View a client’s prior year tax return
o Open a separate browser tab
o Apply a Chrome update
It is recommended that tax professionals use the latest version of Google Chrome.
4. Adjusting Screen Resolution
Finding and understanding display settings to:
o Complete the 1-on-1 training session
o Adjust screen resolution
Note: It is recommended that tax professionals use multiple 17" or larger monitors with a display resolution of 1280x1024 or higher and 100% scale.
5. Identifying Internet Connection
Understanding Internet connectivity to:
o Log in to MyTAXPrepOffice
A consistent connection is required for MyTAXPrepOffice services and features. We recommend a dedicated high-speed, business-class connection.
Note: Please consider the per-user bandwidth available based on the overall connection bandwidth divided by the total number of users and devices sharing that connection.
6. Printer Setup & Troubleshooting
Understanding how to print from a PDF to:
o Print a tax return, form, schedule, or worksheet
Note: It is recommended that tax professionals use a laser printer.
Notes for Mobile Devices
o An Apple iOS device (iOS 15.0 or higher) or Android device (Android OS 10.0 or higher) is required
o A cellular or Wi-Fi data connection is required
o For device storage, each mobile app may range between 2 MB and 30 MB
Minimum Skills Required for a Conversion
Basic Computer Skills
1. File Navigation: Ability to locate folders and files on the computer.
2. File Uploading: Understanding how to select and upload a folder using a web interface.
3. Follow Instructions: Ability to read and follow step-by-step instructions.
Software Skills
o Basic File Explorer Knowledge: Knowing how to access the computer's file management system (e.g., Windows File Explorer, Mac Finder).
Skills for a Network Installation/Conversion
o Network Drive Awareness: Understanding how to access files stored on a network drive if the tax software was installed there.