ATX Tax. Pay-per-return system. TaxSlayer Pro. Only for tax professionals. Drake Tax For tax professionals Drake Tax is generally known for being the tax software that offers the best value for tax professionals serving primarily mid-market clients with more complex tax circumstances and some small businesses.
Features Drake Tax is consistently on the list for best tax software because of its ease of use, simple navigation, and highly-rated customer service.
Features include: Extensive filing: Drake Tax supports simple and complicated filers. It is popular among CPA firms with small and mid-size clients and includes all relevant forms, such as forms, those for partnerships, C and S-corps, trusts and estates, and tax-exempt organizations.
Drake Tax supports the following tax forms and schedules: , NR, , , S, H, , , , SecureFilePro and paperless options: SecureFilePro, which has a dedicated paperless feature, allows users to electronically obtain source documents from their clients that they will use in the tax preparation process. E-filing and an e-signature component can facilitate an even smoother tax preparation process that can be done completely electronically. This also makes importing spreadsheets quick and efficient.
Planning and review tools: Drake Tax allows users to compare taxes from one year to the next, making tax planning easy. Archived information is made readily available in the user dashboard, and amortization scheduling is also available. Additionally, Drake Tax has built-in features to prevent oversights that could lead to IRS rejections if you make a mistake. Pricing options Drake Tax offers two platforms: A desktop version and a web-hosted version called Drake Tax in the Cloud. View now at Drake Tax.
Intuit ProSeries Professional Maximize your savings ProSeries Professional is a popular and reliable tax preparation service software created by Intuit. Features Input guidance and forms: K-1 data import automatically transfers data to individual returns. A dedicated forms bar interface allows users to input tax return information, locate errors, and locate the right tax forms with ease.
The Intuit link portal makes document collection simple. It allows clients to deliver their tax data and information in a timely and organized manner. Entry sheets, data, and e-filing: With ProSeries, quick entry sheets make data entry easier, too, with less scrolling from form to form. Undo and redo features make fixing mistakes easy and painless.
ProSeries allows users to view, track the status of, and manage various e-filed returns. Missing client data is also flagged and tracked, linking back to appropriate field locations before a return is sent. Client tools and tax planning: ProSeries allows users to create checklists for the items clients need for each year's tax return. Client-specific billing and editable invoice options are available as well, whether flat rates, hourly fees, or charges per form.
ProSeries generates a list of up to 73 tax planning suggestions specific to your client that will help them lower future taxes. The tax planner estimates withholdings, expenses, income, and tax payments for future tax years. Hosting and integration: ProSeries software can be accessed anywhere on any device, making it a convenient option for tax preparers who must work on the go. Information is stored in a cloud, allowing flexible workflow no matter where the user is located. Users can manage client signatures electronically with eSignature.
Furthermore, some client data and tax forms, such as B and INT, can be downloaded from participating financial institutions. View now. Features Ease and diagnostics: In past surveys in the Tax Advisor, ATX has rated at the top for "easiest to use" tax software programs.
Furthermore, ATX's robust diagnostic system identifies e-filing errors, overridden entries, and even omissions. Tracking refunds or balances due is easy with the Refund Meter feature. Extensive form library: ATX has over 6, forms, mostly federal, state, and local returns and corresponding schedules. One question is, why does the web application lack so many of the features that come with the desktop software?
It is possible that Olt Pro, which started out as a web-based solution, has a large number of Olt Pro Web users. Perhaps the company needs to make its desktop product comparatively more appealing. Another question is, why does the data backup feature store the backup in your computer? It would be better to employ a cloud-based backup solution. This seems like an odd choice for a company that began as a web application provider.
Customer service includes toll-free phone support, remote support online , and email support. Olt Pro also provides access to a web-hosted knowledge base with answers to various tax questions. Olt Pro's website shows that all products include support for bank products. But the bank product providers are not specified.
Summary: Tax professionals software that provides a large number of IRS forms and schedules including most business tax forms. It lacks an online application. Best suited for tax pros who require regular access to a wide variety of tax forms. ATX by Wolters Kluwer is a fairly pricey but feature-loaded professional tax software solution. It is probably best suited to a large tax preparation firm that caters to big corporate clients.
One of its top features is support for a comprehensive tax form library. Subscribers can access around 6, tax compliance forms, including most business returns. Along with the tax pro library, ATX provides a couple of research resources for finding information quickly. These include the U. The Wolters Kluwer web site does not appear to specify the rates for filing returns under the Pay—Per—Return option. The prices shown in the chart reflect the PPR filing costs from last year.
That is reflected in the price on the chart. Subscribers of other packages can purchase either of the first two features as an add-on. Return Retrieval is another purchasable add-on.
This provides a secure backup solution to guard against the loss of client files. Something that every high-volume tax practice really needs to have. This package is limited to three States and 75 free e-filings. The software has a forms-based interface that is easy to use. You also get in-line help options on the tax form entry screen. And ATX provides two alternative ways for filling out the electronic tax form.
Users can choose the direct entry method or the interview method, a feature added to the software last year. Note that it is not as comprehensive as the research tools included in the higher-priced software packages. Other features include E-Signature support, payroll compliance reporting and the Check Return Track diagnostics tool for returns. ATX Max is the company's most popular package. This ATX software version includes all state and federal returns along with unlimited free e-filing.
Overall it has the same features you will find in ATX ATX Advantage is the same, but also includes concierge care and conversion services. ATX customers can call a tech support line or email for help and information. Subscribers are not charged additional fees for customer support.
One thing ATX is lacking is an online or mobile version of their professional tax software. You will be tied to a desktop if you go with ATX. Summary: Cloud-based system suitable for virtual tax offices. Also handy for in-person consultations with clients. No corresponding desktop application available.
It offers a cloud-based tax preparation app that runs in your web browser. If you're wondering whether they offer a desktop-based application… well, no. Fortunately, you can set the tax software to offline mode, allowing you to work on a project even when you can't access an online connection.
This will update your project with the changes you made in offline mode. Given the shift to virtual office setups driven by the pandemic response, MyTAXPrepOffice is in a good position to answer the needs of today's remote workers. Though it is not alone in this. UltimateTax, Olt Pro and other applications are also viable options for a virtual tax office. Individual Pro gives you a single user account and 5GB of cloud storage.
It supports free unlimited e-filing individual s only , Federal and all States included. Other features include a client portal and a signature app.
The price is attractive, but the plan is fairly limited. If you want to file business returns, you would have to go with the Essential or Unlimited Plan. These two plans are very similar, although one is clearly aimed at small to medium businesses, and the other to a fairly large tax practice.
Essential Plan includes the features of Individual Pro, and adds support for business returns. It can be used to prepare the following tax forms: , , S, , , and Note that the Essential Plan is good for only two users and 10GB of storage. The Unlimited Plan has the same features, plus it includes unlimited user accounts and unlimited cloud storage.
It is well suited to a company running multiple teams of remote workers. You can configure the dashboard to display only the widgets you want. You can also customize the dashboard layout and the color settings to match your preferences. The Instant Form View feature lets you and your client both view the form in real time. The client will be able to see what you see, including data entries on their tax return and other such changes.
This provides a more secure way of obtaining client files and information. They can also choose to use an interview mode.
While you are in the process of preparing a return, you can consult the Guide Me feature. It provides help information that explains specific form requirements in detail.
It hosts daily live webinars as well as a library of instructional videos. Summary: Powerful tax preparation software best used in combination with other CS Professional suite programs. After your initial purchase, expect annual price increases when you renew at least for the express plan.
While it can be used on its own, it provides better value if you are using CS Professional Suite or other Thomson Reuters products. UltraTax CS can be a good option for a tax office that processes a high volume of returns—in the hundreds or higher. Thomson Reuters used to offer the UltraTax CS Express plan for small tax practices that will file or fewer returns. You need to request a quote by submitting an online form and waiting to hear from a sales agent.
If you are eligible to get this plan, you can use the software to file up to individual returns a year. It is also possible to file up to 25 business returns of these types: , , , These are hard limits. According to the Thomas Reuters site, if you want to exceed these limits, you will need to speak to a sales agent to discuss plan upgrade options. It is a single-user plan. On your initial purchase you can receive the UltraTax Navigation training course, which is included with the software purchase.
The course will be given during your onboarding process. The original UltraTax CS professional tax software is the more popular option.
It supports unlimited e-filing and unlimited users. According to the Thomas Reuters site, it includes all State returns and all applicable tax forms. The tax preparation software relies on a form-based data entry mode for completing returns.
This process is supported by built-in diagnostics. Preparers can also access the Help and How-to Center from any program screen. There is no set price for UltraTax CS. You need to request a quote via online form submission. The price will vary depending on the number of users and choice of software deployment options. For example, better document management and storage. Better paperless office support. Enhanced practice management.
This is not really the place to go into the various possibilities. You can read the CS Professional Suite if you are interested in learning more.
UltraTax CS does not have a dedicated mobile app. Price Range: Up-market software, must request quote as price varies depending on modules acquired. Summary: High-end tax pro solution priced at a premium.
Price not stated—you must request a quote, as price varies depending on modules acquired. It is a highly automated tax compliance system combined with an office manager.
It aims to maximize speed and efficiency while maintaining general ease of use. While it is technically a separate product, CCH Axcess Tax offers the same functionality, more or less.
And it is a cloud-based application available via online access from anywhere. It appears that the price can vary depending on the number of users and the specific modules obtained. Subscribers can purchase modules individually or bundled together. CCH ProSystem fx Tax customers who need tax information or technical support can call for assistance or chat with a virtual representative. They can also access an online knowledge base where they can search for help info and look up product release notes.
It supports e-filing for thousands of calculating forms and schedules. These include federal, state, city and county returns.
Among others, the software supports Forms , , , , S, , and Automatic calculations make return processing fast and efficient. Form eligibility can be checked via diagnostics, which flags any errors and omissions. The software includes a tool to check the e-file status of a return. It also supports checking the e-file status from a mobile device. The main interface of CCH ProSystem fx Tax provides quick access to the software tools, including the client list, return list, search box and a handy toolbar.
Users can customize the toolbar, adding or removing buttons until they have the configuration they prefer. You can use them together to create various synergies that can enhance your tax office workflow—particularly a digital workflow. Your tax practice can store client information, electronic workpapers and other information using CCH ProSystem fx Document. That allows users to easily research a topic without leaving their current tax return project. Summary: Offers tax business partnership packages that include cloud-based tax software along with various tax office resources.
These can help with marketing and research. Federal Direct Tax sells service packages for running a tax preparation business. Every package will include cloud-hosted software for tax professionals. It will also be bundled with a number of resources: technical support, tax preparer training and IRS registration assistance. If your main interest is the software… basically, you can expect to get the usual tax preparation toolset.
The interface is fairly easy to use, especially in interview mode. Or you can turn it off and directly enter info on the tax forms. The software supports tax return e-filing and you can track the e-file status of a return in real time. Users can enjoy unlimited Federal and State filing. The Quick Tax Estimator will speedily calculate a client's refund estimate. Each partnership package includes the same professional tax software. The main difference is in the included tax resources and services.
The Quick Start and Silver packages do have limitations. They include all individual forms and schedules, and no more. The Gold package also includes all individual State returns, plus a multi-year filing program up to 3 prior tax years.
Platinum, the costliest package, comes with all individual and business State returns, as well as individual and corporate returns. It supports Forms , , , , , and more.
You also get a more expansive multi-year filing program up to 5 prior tax years. The key selling point of Federal Direct Tax is the bundling of software with tax office assistance.
The company has an in-house team of tax professionals and IRS Enrolled Agents who can provide support for tax research and tax return preparation.
The Quick Start package is quite basic. You'll get IRS registration assistance, year-round tax support and technical support, a 6-step training course on tax preparation and a one-on-one software orientation. As they go up in price, the packages add a lot more. Gold adds backup and recovery services—something vital to every tax practice.
According to Federal Direct Tax, the Gold package is the most popular partnership they sell. Platinum offers enhanced marketing programs and an immigrant tax filing program which includes training and support. This is also the only partnership package which includes both desktop and web-based software for tax preparers. Technical support is available over the phone. This can be coupled with a browser-based HelpDesk app that shares your screen with the support technician. Bank product integration is not available, but you can make use of rapid tax refund options.
It's highly affordable and user friendly, especially for tax preparers managing a low volume of returns. The software is incredibly easy to use and navigate, making it a good option for those newly entering the tax preparation scene. You can opt for a cheaper option in TaxAct Pay-Per-Return, but it is more limited and does not support corporate returns. Also consider making your purchase several months before the tax season, when discounted rates may be available.
They both offer unlimited e-filing and a host of other great features for a competitive price. Another possible option is the ATX Package, although it is limited to three state returns and 75 free e-filings. That might be enough for a new firm, but it is something worth careful consideration. UltimateTax is the most affordable choice among all these.
TaxSlayer is best for tax prep of individual income tax returns. It has only limited support for corporate returns call them for further details. TaxWise features comprehensive Spanish language support, having over 60 forms and schedules available in Spanish. Customers can expect bilingual tech support services. UltimateTax also has Spanish forms available on all product versions. You can apply the user-friendly interview mode in assisting your Spanish-speaking clients to fill data entry fields.
It gives you unlimited corporate return e-filing. These are high-end software solutions and are priced accordingly. One possible third option is Lacerte Tax, not reviewed here. This is an Intuit software product similar to ProSeries. List of Professional Tax Software. Prices reflect December 30, Did we get something wrong? Tax Software Product Evaluation: A Checklist Our in-house team has done extensive research and hands-on testing on the tax software programs listed here.
In performing their analyses, the team members relied on a shared set of criteria for evaluating tax professional software, presented as follows: Most Essential Features: No program made it on the list if it lacked most of the features seen as crucial to professional tax preparation software. A Word About Price Comparison The key measures of tax software comparison revolve around usage and functionality.
Professional Tax Software Reviews. Personalized Service If you think about it, there's one great advantage of using a less than mega-popular product. Easy-to-Use Tax Software But what about the product itself? UltimateTax Pay-Per-Return Four different UltimateTax packages are made available to meet the needs of several different types of users, from new tax preparers to industry veterans.
Customer Support and Bank Products UltimateTax places a strong emphasis on customer support, offered through its Service.
Drake on the Desktop Whatever package you choose, Drake on the Desktop will equip you with a set of various software tools. Drake in the Cloud The online software package includes cloud-based hosting on the Right Networks accounting platform. Customer Support and UltimateDR If a subscriber has issues using the tax preparation software, they can get support via phone or email. Bank product integration does not appear to be a feature of Drake Tax at this time.
Price Breakdown for TaxWise With the two products sharing many similarities, customers are left to look at how their prices compare. Purchasing Add-On Features Software users can shell out a little more to activate additional features. A Strategic Approach It's a little funny that a tax software product so simple and straightforward should offer all these complicated pricing, packaging and add-on options.
TaxWise Software Functions Getting back to the tax software itself, TaxWise indeed has a simple and straightforward look and feel. Help and Support A number of help and support options are packaged into your TaxWise subscription. CrossLink Price Range: Not available.
Requires long phone call with sales representative. CrossLink Desktop CrossLink features an attractive interface that should appeal to the tech inclined. CrossLink Business CrossLink Business is available in a joint package with the desktop software. ProSeries Professional at a Glance ProSeries Professional is a tax preparation solution that includes support for 3, tax forms and schedules.
ProConnect Tax Online Intuit provides a cloud-based professional tax preparer software option. Classic also supports the following forms: , , , , , , S, Other features of TaxSlayer Pro Classic include online bank integration, cloud-based reporting, multiple user access, a client retention database and an IRS refund estimation tool.
TaxSlayer Pro on the Cloud TaxSlayer Pro Web is a cloud-based application that has the same features as Premium, except it does not include corporate tax software. Tech Support and Bank Products The TaxSlayer Pro website hosts a searchable information base with solutions to problems related to their desktop and cloud-based software.
Purchasing a Federal Edition adds support to your choice of the following forms: , , , , S, Another option is to purchase the Complete Bundle. Tech Support and Bank Products Technical support is available through phone and email.
Other Services Customer service includes toll-free phone support, remote support online , and email support. While online filing is a popular choice, not every taxpayer has access to the Internet or wants to submit sensitive data electronically. A program that offers both online and print and mail options leaves this decision up to the customer.
When you file taxes, you must declare two types of taxable income: earned income and unearned income. It includes:. For most individuals who are paid a salary or wage, the amount of money you earn before taxes are deducted is known as your gross income. The amount of money that you actually take home each week is known as your net income.
Accuracy The most important feature of any tax software program is accuracy. Error check: Most tax software programs run an error check prior to filing the tax return. Accuracy guarantee: Companies typically offer an accuracy guarantee, which ensures that the calculations the program completes are accurate. Professional review: Some programs allow taxpayers to pay an additional fee to have their return reviewed by a tax professional.
Ease of use No matter how accurate and well priced a tax software program is, if it isn't easy-to-use then customers will take their business elsewhere. Online programs: Web-based software programs eliminate the need for a local software installation, which reduces compatibility problems. Interviews: The most popular tax software programs use an interview approach to gather tax data; this makes tax preparation a simple and hassle-free process.
Table of contents: In addition to the interview approach, many of the more popular programs allow taxpayers to pick and choose specific forms. This is a great feature for more experienced users. Data security Data security is of the utmost importance. Data security software: A completed tax return has everything an identity thief needs to set up financial accounts in your name.
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