Professional Tax Software Comparison
Whether you just want to know what features are out there, or you have years of experience and are just looking for a handy tax software comparison tool to help you identify pay per return tax software and maximize profits this season, you’ve come to the right place.
Our goal is to help you choose the best tax software pricing and features without going through the hassle of preparing a list of professional tax software.
We’ve done the professional tax software comparison for you!
Read on to compare all the popular tax prep software on the market by:
Price (Pay Per Return vs Revenue Sharing)
Features
Support
Qualifications for Use
Ease of Use
And if you agree with our assessment, you’ll find our Taxx Savage products just might be the perfect fit for your new or growing tax preparation business.
Taxx Savage Packages in Detail View DemoYour 2024 Fiscal Year Professional Tax Software Comparison Chart
| Tax Software | PTIN/ EFIN | Price | Revenue Share | Cloud | Desktop | Interview Mode | Bank Product Support | All States Included | All Federal Tax Form Included | Unlimited 1040 E- file | Corporate Returns | Run a Tax Service Bureau | Recruit PTIN & EFIN Holders |
| Taxx Savage 10xx | EFIN | $0*-$1499 | NO | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 |
| Taxx Savage Collaboration | PTIN | $0-$25 | NO | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | ||
| Taxx Savage Pro | EFIN | $0-$599 | NO | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | ||
| CrossLink | EFIN | $300-$1495 | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | |
| Drake | EFIN | $345-$1745 | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | |
| Federal Direct Tax | EFIN | $299-$2,499 | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | |
| Intuit | EFIN | $499-$1,949 | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | |||
| My Tax Prep Office | EFIN | $599-$1,195 | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | |||
| Tax Act | EFIN | $0-$139.90 | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | ||
| UltraTax CS | EFIN | $2,650 | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | |||||
| ATX | EFIN | $979-$5,439 | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | ||
| Keystone | PTIN | $99-$399 | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | ||
| Olt Pro | EFIN | $499-$999 | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | ||
| CCH | EFIN | Contact CSR | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | ||
| Tax Wise | EFIN | $1,449-$3,049 | YES | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 | 🗸 |
* Free to qualifying EFIN holders. Must meet minimum requirement of 300 bank products for Pro package.
^ Bank products are a way to help your clients have their preparation fees removed from their refund or even provide them a refund anticipation loan (RAL).
^^ Revenue sharing means that the tax preparer shares the fees they charge their client with the tax software company.
Comparing More Than Prices On Tax Software for Professionals
How much are you willing to pay for professional tax software? How much are they charging you? Is it a fair or reasonable price? Are you getting a good value for the cost and are you getting the features that you need?
Most professional tax software is geared toward the same goal; to help you prepare taxes. But some are intuitive and easy to use and others are more complicated. The software developers all struggle to make their software easy to use. They come up with different designs, gated features, and a customer support system to give users a pleasant experience. The design, features, customer support, and ease of use can all inform and provide value to software prices. More often than not, the price will follow the quality of the software. High-quality features and easier-to-use software are more expensive.
Other things that influence pricing include the market advantage and a company’s sales strategy. Market advantage is a factor in pricing simply because established brands have the luxury of determining their price range. For instance, an established company may simply decide to set a higher price tag on their subscriptions because they are a big name in the industry and they know that people don’t like to change once they are set on a certain course of action. Or they rely on the lure of the familiar.
What Criteria Was Required to Be Included in Our Tax Software Comparison?
If you’ve browsed our site, you’ll realize that before Taxx Savage existed, we were shopping for tax software ourselves. Since then, we’ve provided this handy comparison tool and updated it every year. What you’re looking at today is for the 2024 season, which is helping people file their 2023 taxes.
So each year, our professional tax software review criteria are updated and as the industry overall involves, we want to be sure you understand what is table stakes and what you should be thinking about as you compare professional tax software and everything else that is included to help you start a tax preparation business (or grow much faster).
Below is a list of what we assessed when looking at the various types of software:
Lenses We Used for Our Tax Preparation Software Review:
Ease of Use
We checked how easily a software can be installed and navigated. Whether it needs some expertise to operate and how quickly a user can learn to use it.
Critical Software Features
There are features that the most basic tax software should have. These include multi-user access, e-filing, status reports, state modules, and vital schedules and forms. The tax software that lacks these features are not included in this review.
Time & Cost Savings
How fast can you accurately and effectively do tax returns using a software? Does the software allow you access to several tax forms and the ability to file many returns at no extra cost?
Platform Availability
The software has to be available on both desktop and web. This enables diversified access.
Information Security
Customer information submitted to tax software is pretty sensitive. It is, therefore, a non-negotiable requirement that a software protects its customer information and ensures their safety.
Return Validation
One of the reasons for using tax software and avoiding the manual filing system is the ability of a software to detect and correct errors and guide you in the filing process until it’s complete.
Customer Support
Software may have features that the user does not know how to use. Because of this, it’s really important that the software provides excellent technical support.
Add-On Services
Is a tax software capable of collecting IRS refunds through bank products? Which products are these? Are they the bare basics or is their software more ‘extra’?
Tax Prep Business Growth Tools
Does the package you choose make it 100% your job to figure out how to market yourself and create new client relationships? Or are you investing in a suite of services that give you the tax prep tools and marketing and sales training and tools?
EFIN Requirement
If you are starting out as a tax preparer, you have to have a PTIN but many products require you to also have an EFIN. Some products have an EFIN sharing program, however.
Taxx Savage Review
A relative newcomer to the industry, Taxx Savage is aiming a mighty punch at the pillars that have upheld the entire financial sector for decades; namely high costs and unclear terms and conditions.
Taxx Savage introduced a brand new package just for PTIN holders. The $25 Taxx Collaboration package has everything for beginner and even advanced tax preparers who are looking to file with no EFIN. Our EFIN assistance program is for you. This is a huge step forward and gamechanger in the tax preparation industry. A true ‘business in a box’ solution if you include the optional upgrades like the Savage Solutions Suite (marketing tools) and the Taxx Savage Academy.
Savage Solution Suite is also available for separate purchase for PTIN or EFIN users with a set up fee and monthly subscription to get most of what is being offered to people who purchase the Taxx Collaboration package.
The Taxx Savage 10X package, now called Taxx 10XX, targets high-earning tax professionals managing over 500 tax returns with an EFIN. This package offers advanced tools to expand your brand reach, providing branded software for your clients and helping PTIN holders access tax prep tools.
With the Taxx 10XX, you can boost your services and revenue with comprehensive support. The process is designed for efficiency and success, with service bureaus typically handling over 1,000 bank products per season. This package emphasizes the importance of both mindset and productivity in reaching performance goals, offering a step-by-step strategy for long-term success.
This higher-tier option, priced at $1499, is a robust solution for those looking to scale and offer white-label tax software to their clientele, adding significant value to Taxx Savage’s overall offerings.
Taxx Savage has three packages that are designed to meet the needs of every type of tax professional. They are affordable and possibly the cheapest in the industry, especially when you consider that they often have sales and coupons that cut the costs even lower.
TAXX
Collaboration
$25/ year
Start a tax business with NO EFIN, NO REVENUE SHARING. You are given the tools here to look like a major franchise. Available to new PTIN clients.
🗸 PTIN (Required)
🗸 EFIN Support Service
🗸 Unlimited Users
🗸 Mobile APP
🗸 Technical Support
🗸 Software Training
🗸 IRS-Approved Courses
🗸 Basic Tax Law Training
🗸 Cursory Reviews
🗸 Bank Products Available
🗸 Audit Protection
🗸Tax Season Support
🗸 Professional Tax Software
🗸 Corporate Link Available
Current offerings for the 2025 tax season (filing clients’ 2024 taxes):
The Taxx Collaboration package at $25
The TAXX PRO package at $599
The Taxx Savage 10XX at $1499
Taxx Savage is one of only two companies we could find that offers additional marketing services for newer tax professionals, such as logo creation, style guide creation, social media designs, website designs, and more.
- Free unlimited e-filing
- Forms, including 706, 709, 990, 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120-S, and 5500 filing
- Tax returns can be exported and saved in PDF
- Digital files can be shared between the various tools to create a paperless workplace that keeps digital files saved after being scanned
- Mobile app
- Client portal
- Digital signature tool
- All 50 states included in all packages
- Refund Calculator for estimating client refunds
- Unlimited Licenses
- Multi-office capability
- Cloud-based reporting
- An online bank integration
- A client retention database
- A tax return status checker
- Earn rebates
- Your company name or logo can be branded on the pages and media
TAXX PRO
COLLABORATION
$599/ year
Start your own tax prep business and go big. EFIN required. This software package is designed for PROS who are seasoned in the tax game.
🗸 PTIN (Required)
🗸 EFIN Required
🗸 Unlimited Users
🗸 Mobile APP
🗸 Software Training
🗸 IRS-Approved Courses
🗸 Bank Products Available
🗸 Audit Protection Available
🗸 Tax Season Support
🗸 Earn Rebates
🗸 Professional Tax Software
🗸Additional Services
Additional Features:
- Audit Protection Service
- IRS approved courses
- Tax prep training
- Software training
- Marketing add-on
Taxx Savage has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, with many praising the company not only for its innovative tax preparation software but also for the integrity and dedication with which they operate. Year after year, Taxx Savage consistently evolves, adding new features and refining their offerings to meet the growing and changing needs of tax professionals. This dedication to continuous improvement has positioned them as a trusted provider in the industry, with many customers noting that the company delivers exactly what they promise.
Rating: 5/5
Additionally, Taxx Savage’s marketing add-ons are a key differentiator, offering new tax professionals branding tools like logo creation, style guides, and social media designs—resources that typically aren’t available from larger, more traditional tax software providers. This focus on helping tax preparers grow their business is further enhanced by their affordable prices, which remain some of the lowest in the industry.
Taxx Savage Packages in DetailTAXX 10xx
$1499/ year
Are you already doing 500+ tax returns a year? Brand our tax software with your brand name & recruit PTIN & EFIN clients to your business.
Grow your enterprise. EFIN REQUIRED. NO REVENUE SHARING. This software package is designed for PROS who are already strong on sales & marketing in tax preparation.
🗸 PTIN Required
🗸 EFIN Required
🗸 Unlimited Users
🗸 Mobile APP
🗸 Software Training
🗸 IRS-Approved Courses
🗸 Bank Products Available
🗸 Audit Protection Available
🗸 Tax Season Support
🗸 Earn Rebates
🗸 Professional Tax Software
🗸Additional Services
CrossLink Tax Preparation Software Review
CrossLink is suitable for high-volume tax preparation. Their primary product is the CrossLink 1040 desktop. The software also has an online version which you must learn about through its demo.
CrossLink 1040 is used for the preparation of individual income tax returns. For business returns, a package containing CrossLink 1040 and CrossLink Business is suitable.
CrossLink has a range of packages priced at different rates:
| Unlimited | Pay-Per-Return | PPR+ Business Pay-Per-Return | Standard | |
| CrossLink 1040 Desktop | $1,495 | $349 (includes first 5 returns, $40 per Federal individual return, $35 per State individual return) | $898 ($65 per Federal business return, $60 per State business return) | – |
| CrossLink 1040 Desktop + CrossLink Business | $2,494 | – | – | $2,095 ($35 per Federal business return, $0 per State business return) |
| CrossLink 1040 Online | $1,495 | $349 (includes first 5 returns, $40 per Federal individual return, $35 per State individual return) | – | – |
Some prices have been modified to reflect a package’s actual cost. This creates a difference with what is provided on the website as in the latter; the prices are listed differently. It is, therefore, prudent that for an in-depth understanding of the CrossLink pricing, you contact a sales rep.
This version is supported by either Windows 8 or 10. Its features are:
- An attractive interface
- The standard set of tools used for preparing taxes
- A diagnostic tool that identifies data entry errors, preventing you from having your return rejected. It also makes the software have an increased efficiency with minimal mistakes. This tool is referred to as Point-and-Shoot Error Correction
- E-filing program
- E-filing status checker
- Enabled IRS responses which are viewable immediately they are made
- Automatic Calculator which can automatically calculate returns for schedules A, C, E, F, and K-1. Forms 2106 and 4835
- All states and cities returns
- Accessible on mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers, and tablets
- Enables you to create and supervise your subsites from one location
- Electronic signature pads or handheld scanners to enter data
- Ability of syncing a client’s tax returns with their documents
- Xero integration and Quick books
Having the ability to be used for both personal and commercial tax filing, CrossLink has received worthwhile recognition. Its lack of various features, such as a Proweb, reduces its appeal to other users. It is therefore not a surprise that its rating suffers due to that among other reasons despite providing good customer support.
CrossLink gives free usage of a taxpayer based mobile app and ERO app when purchasing their packages (depending on which you purchase). However they only support working through Santa Barbara TPG bank and have no chat support. They do offer instructional videos on their website.
Rating: 4/5
Drake Tax Preparation Software Review
Drake Software has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 1997 and maintains a high BBB rating, indicating good customer service and conflict resolution practices.
They offers different pricing plans, including a Pay-Per-Return option for occasional users and Unlimited and Power Bundle plans for those with more extensive needs. While it can be cost-effective for some, it’s essential to compare pricing with your specific requirements. They offering support for PTIN setup and renewal, as well as EFIN registration and status tracking for e-filing purposes.
Unlike a lot of the software tax preparation programs, Drake includes all the same features in all three options.
There are three pricing options. The options are decently expensive for the power bundle, but come with many features. There are fees to add the software from the previous year. There are also fees to add the 2022 version.
Packages | Pro | 1040 – New! | Pay-Per-Return |
| Price | $1,970 | $1,620 | $355 $29.00/ additional returns. You can convert it to Unlimited after 85 returns(75 additional returns). |
Here are some of the options:
- Many tax form options
- All state packages
- E-Filing
- Organizers
- Schedules
- Data Conversion
- Productivity Tools
- Easy backups
- Prior year tax form autofill
- A double checking feature
- Import/Export options
- Online research on taxes
Here are some of the planning features:
| Drake Tax Planner – Show clients how marital status, dependents, income, etc. can affect their taxes. Save multiple scenarios, and tweak reporting options as needed. | Compare filing joint vs. separate – See at a glance which filing status would be more beneficial. | Quick Estimator shows your client’s refund in just a few clicks. |
| Compare taxes year to year – Analyze multiple tax yeas in a convenient worksheet. | Return archiving – Create a version of a return for comparison and safekeeping. Revert to a version with just a click. Helpful for a testing different return scenarios. | Amortization schedules – Figure loan payment amounts, interest or loan length. |
Most of the customers were fairly happy with Drake Tax. Most people seemed to be satisfied with the support options. However, some users needed to contact Drake about application bugs in the software.
Overall, Drake Tax provides value as a tax preparation software. It is expensive, but it comes with many valuable features.
Rating: 4/5
Intuit Pro Connect/Series Tax Preparation Software Review
Intuit ProConnect’s series, including ProSeries, is designed for tax professionals who hold both a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) and there are three plan options with Intuit. There are a lot of customizations. However, it is a little hard to figure out the total cost with all the optional features.
| Lacerte | ProConnect | ProSeries |
| Only one plan listed online with a price. | – | – |
FastPath: 450 per year Pricing is by the number of returns.Pricing is by the number of returns.
Some of the pricing is not listed online.
Further Plan Pricing:
Lacerte
This is all that was able to be uncovered about Lacerte pricing online. Like many companies, they obfuscate their pricing online in order to convince you to call in and talk to a pushy salesperson.
| Lacerte 200 Federal 1040 | Lacerte Unlimited Modules | Lacerte REP (Fast Path Only) |
| A comprehensive collection of form sets best suited for preparing fewer than 200 individual federal returns. | The same features of Lacerte 200 Federal 1040, plus unlimited individual and business returns. | Pay -as-you-go is perfect for preparing a lower volume of individual, state, and business returns. |
| Call for pricing 833-967-5754 | Call for pricing 833-967-5754 | $469/ year |
ProConnect
The pricing for individuals and businesses includes discounts, with a 35% limited-time offer for new customers and a 45% discount for the purchase of 50-99 individual or business returns until 2/29 2024.
| Individual Returns | Business Returns |
| 1040 Includes e-file for federal, state, multistate and municipal returns | 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120S, 990 Includes e-file for federal, state, multistate and municipal returns |
| 1-9 returns | 1-9 returns |
| 10-49 returns | 10-49 returns |
| 50-99 returns | 50-99 returns |
| 100-199 returns | 100-199 returns |
| 200-299 returns | 200-299 returns |
| 300+ returns $24.02 | 300+ returns $26.62 |
ProSeries
Pro Series Basic
Entry-level tax software packages for completing individual returns.
| Basic 20 | Basic 50 | Basic Unlimited |
$579 per year Need more than twenty 1040s? Pay-per-return at $53 per return | $939 per year Need more than fifty 1040s? Pay-per-return at $53 per return. | $1,459 per year |
Pro Series Professional
Expert tax software packages for professionals who handle individual and business returns.
| Pay-Per-Return | Choice 2003 | 1040 Complete | Power Tax Library |
$409 per year Individual Tax Form 1040 Returns, Individual Tax Form 1040NR Returns $57 each | Call 833-234-4127 for pricing | $2,129 per year $49 each state business returns | Call 833-234-4127 for pricing |
With many plans with Intuit, there are many fees based on the amount of returns. This is especially true for the ProConnect software, which bills by return.
Here are three advantages:
Other features include:
- Workflow management
- Pay by refund
- Audit protection
- The tax pro center information
- Integration with other Intuit products
- Banking partners
- Virtual portal for clients
- Tech support
- Tax planning
The reviews of this software are mixed. Some people struggled to deal with support and ease of use of the platform. The pricing options on the website are not listed, making it hard to figure out exactly what you will be charged.
Rating: 3/5
Users reported that this software simplifies the process. Customer service problems and website bugs were common. This software might be helpful for tax preparers with a lot of variation in clientele.
Federal Direct Tax Services Software Review
Federal Direct Tax Services also provides resources for those interested in starting a tax preparation business. They offer income tax office training, software, and marketing support for individuals looking to enter tax preparation business. They offers resources for tax professionals to enhance their services and grow their businesses, including tools for PTIN and EFIN registration.
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.
There are several options with the Federal Direct Tax software. The cheapest option is the Quick Start option, with three more expensive plans.
| Quick Start | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
| $299 | $599 | $999 | $2,499 |
Here are the quickstart features:
- Interview based tax software
- All Individual Forms & Schedules
- IRS Registration Assistance
- Year Round Professional Tax Support
- Year Round Technical Support
- Cloud Based Tax Software
- 1-on-1 personalized software orientation
- 6-step Tax preparer training
- Taxpayer refund advance program
The Silver Plan adds:
- Current + 2 years back tax years software
- Budget matching for marketing
The Gold Plan adds:
- Professional Individual tax software
- All Individual States
- All Individual Forms & Schedules
- Current + 3 years back tax years software
- Tax Office Marketing Resources
- Marketing campaign budget matching
The Platinum Plan adds:
- Complete Tax Office Solution
- Current + 5 years back tax years software
- Enhanced Marketing Programs
- Immigrant tax filing program, training & support
- Backup & Recovery Services
People like this software program but there are a few downsides. Some users said the software was hard to learn. Training could be improved, especially for new users.
Federal Direct Tax is a common software choice. It is not available in a few states. Federal Direct also does not have a mobile app. In order to have all-state access you have to purchase the gold plan, which can be prohibitively expensive for many smaller to medium sized offices. It also requires platinum level for business forms, preventing those smaller tax businesses from helping larger clientele and growing their company. On the other hand, they do have some very nice marketing options available and are one of two software companies we’re aware of that offer any marketing support at all. It would be nice if they provided marketing, all states, and business forms for all levels.
Rating: 4/5
My Tax Prep Office Software Review
MyTaxPrepOffice operates as a cloud-based system that fits well with virtual tax offices. It works through your web browser on any device, including a laptop and mobile phone. The software, however, lacks a desktop-based application. The software has an offline mode that can be used without an internet connection. The work done in the offline mode is automatically synced with the cloud when an internet connection is restored.
MyTaxPrepOffice provides three packages; Individual Pro, Essential and Unlimited Plans.
| Individual Pro | Essential Plan | Unlimited Plan |
| $595 | $895 | $1,195 |
The Individual Pro plan is cheap but limited. For instance, it can’t be used for business returns.
The Essential plan provides two accounts and initial storage space of 10GB which can be expanded at a rate of $20 per 5GB. $20 is required for every additional account.
Individual Pro
Features:
- Unlimited Tax Preparation
- Free Unlimited E-filing
- Federal and All States Included
- Prior Tax Years 2020, 2021, & 2022
- Integrated Bank Products
- Client Portal
- Free Remote Signatures*
- Signature Pad App
- INDIVIDUAL RETURNS ONLY
- Individual (1040)
- Multi-Office Management
- Single User Account
- 5 GB of Storage
Essential Plan
Additional Features:
- Business & Specialty Modules
- 1065, 1120, 1120S, 1041, 990, 706 & 709
- After-the-Fact Payroll
- Two User Accounts
- 10 GB of Storage
Unlimited Plan
Additional Features:
- Multi-Office Management
- Unlimited User Accounts
- Unlimited Storage
This software may not be suitable for super complex returns but works well for individual and some business returns.
MyTAXPrepOffice supports various bank products, including the Refund Advantage, EPS Navigator, and Santa Barbara Tax Products Group.
MyTAXPrepOffice provides customer assistance through phone and email support. In addition to this, there are instructional videos uploaded daily to its website. These videos form part of technical training conducted by the MyTAXPrepOffice team.
Rating: 3/5
Tax Act for Professionals Tax Preparation Software Review
Professional Federal Editions support all the 2021 Federal tax forms, including forms 990, 1120, the 1120S, 1040, 1041, and 1065. The federal returns are independently purchased. TaxAct charges $150 for every Federal Edition.
State Returns are purchased separately from the Professional Federal Editions at a rate of $35 for each State Edition.
The Editions available for purchase are forms 1120s, 1120, 1065, 1041, and 1040.
TaxAct is high on its Professional bundles. Last year, it offered a Pay-Per-Return bundle alongside the Professional one. This bundle went for $35 per state return and $15 per e-filed federal tax return. However, the PPR version is currently nowhere on their website. To know if it is still available, you must call a TaxAct sales representative.
TaxAct for professionals offers four packages for its users:
File on your own
| Free | Deluxe | Premier | Self- Employed |
| $0 | $50.95 | $74.95 | $99.95 |
Add expert help
| Free | Deluxe | Premier | Self- Employed |
| $39.95 | $90.90 | $114.90 | $139.90 |
- Tax planning tools
- A client manager
- Professional report tool
- E-filing. Including unlimited e-filing for 1040 Federal returns in some packages
- Software assistants that provide help during the data entry process, among other things. These assistants include the stock and topic assistants and an import wizard which transfers data taken from a different software app
- A single-user license and a multi-user network
- An optional cloud storage space
- Online data backup
- High-volume filing of 1040 returns
- All State and Federal returns
- Includes other forms such as 990, 1120, 1120S, 1040, 1041, and 1065
- A multi-user network
- An online data backup
- Optional cloud storage
TaxAct for professionals has received a mixed bag of reviews. It has a good number of pros as well as a tangible number of cons. Just to pick an example of both: Most users have termed it as good for business but not for personal tax filing. This may even be described by its title. On the cons side, client reviews have accused TaxAct of using ‘technical titles’ that leaves them clueless most times. With these and many more, TaxAct as a software has a support rating of almost 5 stars.
Rating: 4.6/5
TaxAct for professionals supports the Republic Bank refund transfer program.
Customers can receive assistance either via phone or email. Consultation is also available on their website.Their most notable detraction is that their software is not available from anywhere and it must be installed on each individual computer used, making it complicated for remote teams or even smaller offices.
UltraTax CS Tax Preparation Software Review
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)
There are two options with the UltraTax software. This software claims to simplify the tax process through limiting data entry.
| UltraTax CS Express 100 | UltraTax CS |
| $2,650/year | Varies by plan features |
UltraTax CS Express 100
Features:
- Single User
- 100 total federal tax returns (including up to 25 business returns)
- $26.50 per return
- 5 forms (1040, 990, 1120, 1065, 1041) and unlimited entity types
- Corresponding state returns for up to 10 unique states
UltraTax CS
Features:
- From 2 to unlimited users
- From 101 to unlimited tax returns
- From 6 to All forms and unlimited entity types
- From 11 to All applicable states and jurisdictions
There is an add-on fee for e-signatures. With the UltraTax CS version, there are fees depending on which features you choose.
The features differ between the basic and comprehensive plans. The comprehensive plan caters to large corporations.
UltraTax CS not only integrates EFIN but also offers features like automated ERO PIN entry and configuration options for electronic filing processes.
The support on these programs is decent. They offer demo videos. Customers reported that they were generally satisfied. Our tax software comparison found this program is probably better for larger customers. Some users complained about product functionality and it does not offer a mobile app.
Rating: 3.5/5
UltraTax is expensive, without much to differentiate them from other programs. The pricing is a bit vague.
ATX™ Tax Preparation Software Review
ATX is a tax compliance application by Wolters Kluwer, primarily designed for small to mid-sized accounting firms that process uncomplicated returns. It offers features like a comprehensive forms library, a user-friendly interface, interview and checking tools, and multi-tasking capabilities, making it suitable for CPAs and small firms.
A tax professionals software that provides a large number of IRS forms and schedules including most business tax forms.
| ATX 1040 Package | ATX™ MAX® Package | ATX Total Tax Office Package | ATX Advantage Package |
| $979 | $2,239 | $3,319 | $5,439 |
ATX 1040 Package
- Includes Federal 1040, User Guide PDF, 1040 State (1-3 States), 2 (Two) Concurrent User Licenses; 75 Free Returns; then $6.50 per Federal Return Filed-Fed/State Comb, eSignature capability for current year 1040 returns, and PDF CPE Course Bundle, Plus CCH AnswerConnect Mini Bundle – US Master Tax Guide Online and primary sources.
ATX™ MAX® Package
- Includes Federal 1040, User Guide PDF, Business States (All), 1040 State (All States), Federal Business and Specialty, Payroll Compliance Reporting, US Master Tax Guide Book, 3 (Three) Concurrent User Licenses, Unlimited E-filing (Current Year), eSignature capability for current year 1040 returns, and PDF CPE Course Bundle. Plus CCH AnswerConnect Prime – US Master Tax Guide Online, top level federal topic pages, basic CodeConnect, Tax News highlights and briefings and Client Letter Toolkit.
ATX Total Tax Office Package
- Includes 5 (Five) Concurrent User Licenses, 1040 Package, 1040 State (All States), Business States (All), Federal Business and Specialty, User Guide PDF, Payroll Compliance Reporting, US Master Tax Guide Book, Unlimited Efiling (Current Year), eSignature capability for current year 1040 returns, and PDF CPE Course Bundle. Plus CCH AnswerConnect Expert – U.S. Master Tax Guide Online, complete Federal and State topic pages, Basic CodeConnect, Client Letter Toolkit with over 400 client letters, the full set of calculators, interactive research aids, and Tax Prep Partner for 1040, 1120, 1120S and 1065 returns with detailed explanations, examples and compliance tips, plus hundreds of practice aids and productivity tools to boost efficiency.
ATX Advantage Package
- Includes 6 (Six) Concurrent User Licenses, Federal 1040, Federal Business and Specialty, Business States (All), 1040 State (All States), Payroll Compliance Reporting, User Guide PDF, Advanced Calculation and Compliance, Conversion Services, Concierge Care, Enhanced Asset Management, Unlimited eFile (current year), eSignature capability for current year 1040 returns and PDF CPE Course Bundle. Plus CCH AnswerConnect Expert (which includes the following: U.S. Master Tax Guide Online, complete Federal and State topic pages, Basic CodeConnect, Client Letter Toolkit with over 400 client letters, the full set of calculators, interactive research aids, and Tax Prep Partner for 1040, 1120, 1120S and 1065 returns with detailed explanations, examples and compliance tips, plus hundreds of practice aids and productivity tools to boost efficiency).
ATX customers have the option to contact a tech support line or send an email to obtain assistance and information. Subscribers do not incur any extra charges for accessing customer support.
However, one limitation of ATX is the absence of an online or mobile version of their professional tax software. If you choose ATX, you’ll be restricted to using it on a desktop platform.
Rating: 4/5
Keystone Tax Solutions Tax Preparation Software Review
Keystone Tax Solutions offers professional tax software designed to simplify the tax preparation process and enhance efficiency for tax preparers, which could indicate a commitment to providing quality solutions. They caters to the needs of both PTIN and EFIN holders, offering assistance and support for a seamless tax preparation process.
Great/easy-to-use software. Clients were able to offer advances, checks, and also fast money cards from using this software.
| Partnership Packages | All In One Software Package |
| Starting at $99 | Starting at $399 |
All In One (Bank product users only) $399
- This package includes all 1040, Schedule C, and state. Enjoy unlimited returns in all 50 states and D.C, add an unlimited amount of additional users, and 3 prior year return access.
Partnership Packages:
Beginner $299 (60/40) Put $99 Down!
- This package is designed for the tax professional who has little experience in the tax preparation business and desires each and every tax return to be reviewed, in its entirety, before the tax return is electronically filed through our E-filing Service.
Intermediate $499 (70/30) Put $199 Down!
- This package is designed for the beginner who does not have experience with tax preparation and desires each and every tax return to be reviewed, in its entirety, before the tax return is electronically filed through our E-filing Service. Keystone Tax Solution is registered with the IRS Authorized e-file providers.
Pro $799 (80/20) Put $300 Down!
- This is far and away our most popular package and is designed for the tax prep business entrepreneur who, generally, has some experience or exposure with the tax preparation business or is otherwise confident about his ability to prepare tax returns without the necessity of each and every return being reviewed.
Expert $2,499 (90/10)
- Partners is responsible for marketing its tax prep business, preparing tax returns, reviewing each tax return for accuracy and IRS compliance, and e-filing tax returns for its tax business directly to the IRS. This package is for the Partners who has previous clientele and knows their ability to reach high volume during the tax season or the partners that is willing to work hard and build their clientele. Partners keeps 90% of its prep fees. Our Best Package.
The support on these programs is decent. They also provided a lot of training and webinars to help everyone understand everything. Keystone Tax Solutions is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since August 1, 2019. Our tax software comparison found this program is probably better for small and large customers.
Rating: 4.5/5
Olt Pro Tax Preparation Software Review
Olt Pro started as a cloud-based tax preparation solution, but now it also offers desktop software. It could stand to be more user-friendly. Not ideal for high volumes of corporate returns. OLT PRO aims to maximize efficiency, affordability, and reliability for tax professionals, making it suitable for both PTIN and EFIN holders.
The software appears to offer an affordable solution for tax professionals, which can help in cost-effective tax preparation.
| Olt Pro 25 RETURN | Olt Pro WEB | OLT Pro Desktop |
| $499 | $849 Unlimited Web Returns | $999 Unlimited Desktop Returns |
OLTPRO 25 Return
- Web based software only. For preparers who do not file a large number of returns, our 25 Return product is for you! Start Evaluation”
OLTPRO Web
- A completely web based software that is user friendly; yet provides comprehensive software for your tax office. If you are a preparer on the go or just need a tax software that is maintenance free with nothing to download, this product is for you! Create a multi-user office without the hassle of a server, and start growing your business today! Start Evaluation”
OLTPRO Desktop
- Desktop offers a downloadable preparer software that is ideal for the single preparer office or multi-user access. Network Capabilities included. Request Demo CD”
OLT Pro is described as a budget-priced tax software, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious tax filers. The price typically ranges from $10 to $16 for most tax filers and offers flat-fee pricing for 1040 returns, making it a suitable choice for those who are confident about the credits and deductions they can claim.
Rating: 4.5/5
The CCH® ProSystem fx® Suite Tax Preparation Software Review
High-end tax pro solution priced at a premium. Delivers greater functionality when integrated with other CCH ProSystem fx Suite applications. Price not stated—you must request a quote, as price varies depending on modules acquired.
CCH® ProSystem fx® Tax
(For product pricing contact the account’s designated Sales Representative. Call 1-800-739-9998)
- CCH ProSystem fx Tax is an industry-recognized tax prep and compliance system, and acts as the cornerstone of the CCH® ProSystem fx® Suite — a robust set of integrated tax, accounting and audit, and workflow solutions that lets public accounting firms of all sizes maximize productivity and profits. It helps facilitate a Digital Tax Workflow, with thousands of automatically calculating forms and schedules for federal, state, county and city entities, which speeds up tax return processing as data is shared across documents.
Users have found it to be a valuable tool for tax and audit purposes. It’s considered user-friendly and offers good support.
Rating: 3.5/5
Tax Wise Tax Preparation Software Review
Taxwise is suitable for companies with complex taxing processes, mainly multi-branch enterprises, as well as smaller-scale companies that need a fast accounting solution that addresses their needs. TaxWise is compatible with both PTIN and EFIN holders, supporting the necessary requirements for tax preparation professionals.
Many companies have employed TaxWise, mainly for its accounting functionality. Small but moderately successful businesses such asTurner Tax and Veracity Financial benefited from supported customization.
.
| 400 Package | Unlimited Package | 100 Package | Pay-Per-Return Package |
| $3,049 desktop $3,049 online | $3,339 desktop $3,339 online | $1449 desktop $1449 online | $619, $300 non-refundable desktop $299 online |
- Add-on fees
Here are the standard features:
| 400 Package | Unlimited Package | 100 Package | Pay-Per-Return Package |
| 400 tax returns Federal and State Individual Taxes and E-File $20 for more returns $40 for some Business returns Support Functions Office Manager E-Signature $59 Fees Interview a Pro | No limit on tax returns Federal and State Individual Taxes and E-File Support Functions Office Manager E-Signature $59 Fees Interview a Pro | 100 tax returns Includes 100 Tax Returns Federal and State Individual Taxes and E-File $20 for more returns $40 for some Business returns Support Functions Office Manager E-Signature $59 Fees Interview a Pro | Individual |
- $29 processing fee
- $20 federal tax return
- $12 per state return
Business
- $29 processing fee
- $35 federal tax returns
- $18 per state return
Here are some options to access the software.
Some other advantages are:
- E-Signing
- Return checks through your tax return
- Refund estimate calculator
- A Mobile app
- White glove service, if paid for
TaxWise is a specific system and database that contains extensive tax information and the program is aimed at small businesses and individuals and includes extensive customer assistance.
Users will need to acquire other software suites to enhance their experience with the program. While the annual fee is much cheaper than other solutions, the initial fee is very hefty and might intimidate smaller companies
Rating: 4/5
In order to receive the most benefits from this software, you will need to purchase other software suites to improve your experience with the application, and that means extra costs.
