I use the practice management software of a well known provider of tax return software but haven't decided that I want to renew my subscription. I called and politely advised that I was going to look at other providers before renewal, went away and did so and called back to say that I was going elsewhere and asked for instructions on how to extract the data to transfer the relevant details to the new program. Unbelievably (in my mind) they have told that the only way I can access the data is to pay the renewal subscription ie to pay for a full year. Is that actually legal?
I stopped using the tax return software because of their bully boy billing tactics and they have now alienated me completely. To say I am flabbergasted is an understatement.
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Sage?
You must be talking about sage, as most of the other larger suppliers give you a read only license when you leave.
It's all in their terms and conditions and as far as I can tell there is not much you can do about it. We ended paying for the twelve months, but only using to three and then having to PDF save all the documents for the last 8 years for all clients! Took us ages, but at least I didn't have to talk to sage ever again.
Don't bet on it
Years later I still get calls from the latest incumbent introducing themselves as my new account manager.. . at least I didn't have to talk to sage ever again.
Agreed, Andy
It took over 3 years to get off their 'lists' , despite numerous requests, which eventually turned into demands!
They have numerous lists, and getting removed from one list doesn't remove you from the others ... even when you ask to be taken off ALL lists. Leastways, that is the excuse I frequently received from them. :(
@OP
I have to say that I don't really understand your reluctance to name the supplier in question.
PTP - part of IRIS - there you go downhill!
I had the misfortune to have to try PTP support last week - on an 0844 number, when the call started was told "approximately 1 minute wait" after 18 minutes on hold I was then told that now "10 minutes wait" was anticipated before an advisor could be spoken to.
Clicking on help links in the software interface all ended upon web pages that were trying to sell me more of their (effectively unsupported) products.
Finding an eMaillink to ask a question seemed extremely well hidden in the software interface and was not in fact found.
From this (and previous PTP under the jack boot of IRIS) experience I have no intention of ever purchasing any 12Pay, PTP, IRIS itself or any other under the jack boot of IRIS software.
What are you moving onto?
I am still pondering about taxfiler and ditching Taxcalc as I just dont like their attitude anymore.