What Is the Best Tax Software for a Small Accounting Firm? 

If you run a small accounting firm, you understand better than anyone how critical it is to choose a cpa accounting software that works for your firm.  Your swiss army knife, your tax software is the tool that helps bring in revenue, the tool that you use to create the finished product for your clients. Once that finished product is created, an all-in-one practice management solution like TaxDome can help enhance the client experience by giving them an easy to use client portal, but in this article we’re going to focus on the accounting software for accountants itself. 

The best tax software for a small accounting firm depends on your requirements, needs, and wants.

How We Chose the Best Tax Software for Small CPA Firms 

At TaxDome, we’ve compiled a review of the best small business accounting software for accounting firms based on information gathered from ten different tax software options for small accounting firms. Software programs were chosen based on user experience, cost, customer reviews, software popularity, and available options for both technical and tax support.

Professional Tax Software Comparison for a Small CPA Firm in 2021

The best professional tax software for your business is the one that is best suited for your business and client needs. Tax preparers should know which software for accounting firms is the best of the best in order to streamline business operations. The four tax software options we are going to cover include the following: Drake Tax, Intuit ProSeries Professional, ATX Tax, and TaxSlayer Pro.  

Drake Tax

Drake Tax software allows you to be proactive in your business by helping you quickly and efficiently prepare and process customer returns. Drake Tax is a quality tax management software designed for small to medium-sized accounting firms and small businesses. The software helps speed up the tax preparation process because of its use of shortcut keys and macros, allowing users to reduce keystrokes to get the job done faster. 

Pros and Cons 

The list of pros and cons was gathered based on customer reviews and testimonials so you can have an in-depth understanding of the software and its usefulness. 

Drake Tax Features

The features of Drake Tax provide your firm with a competitive advantage. By using the software, you can expect to gain access to the following features: 

• Organized Return Viewing
• K-1 Tax Information Export
• Schedule D (Form 1040) Import
• Automatic Data Flow
• 8165 Tax Information Export
• Compare Taxes by Year
• Taxpayer Forms in Spanish 
• Import W-2s and K-1s
• 2D Barcode Scanner
• Shortcut Keys and Macros
• Tax Planner
• Return Archiving
• Quick Estimator
• Drake E-Sign
• E-File States
• PIN and Consent Screens
• Attach PDFs to Returns
• E-Filing 

Drake Tax Pricing

Curious about Drake Tax pricing? Below is a table with each plan’s price point: 

*Please note that these prices are subject to change.

Drake Tax Benefits

The benefits of using Drake Tax software include instant return calculations, accurately displayed errors, tax form imports and online tax return submissions. Once you finish preparing the return, the calculation results pop up. After reviewing the results, you will have the option to see if the return is eligible for e-filing. 

Drake Tax users will be able to quickly see if there are any errors in the calculation of returns. These error messages will provide instructions on how the users can correct the errors to avoid causing a red flag with the IRS, resulting in the form being rejected. Using Drake Tax software, you can import tax forms such as W-2, K-1, and 1040 into the software. The software also has an e-filing feature, allowing users to submit their tax returns online. To reduce paper waste, there is also an e-signature option for customers to use to approve the forms. Note – unlimited e-signatures are included in every TaxDome license.

Intuit ProSeries Professional

Intuit ProSeries Professional tax software is an ideal software for small to mid-sized accounting firms needing to handle personal and business forms for customers. There is a Basic and Professional option for businesses to use; however, we will just be covering the Professional software in this review. 

Pros and Cons

The list of pros and cons was gathered based on customer reviews and testimonials so you can have an in-depth understanding of the Intuit ProSeries Professional software and its usefulness. 

Intuit ProSeries Professional Features

The features for Intuit ProSeries Professional help give you a competitive advantage by being able to quickly and efficiently file tax forms. By using the software, you can expect to gain access to the following features: 

• e-Signature capabilities (paid)
• Importing from Fixed Asset Manager
• Hosting for ProSeries (Cloud Benefits) 
• Importing from QuickBooks and TXF Files
• Downloading Data from Financial Institutions (1099-B, 1099-INT, & 1099-DIV) 
• Client Integration with SmartVault 
• Constant On-Screen Help
• K-1 Data Import
• Download Next Year’s Product
• Line-Sensitive Help in Intuit ProSeries Tax 
• Quick Entry Sheets
• Splitting Married Filing Jointly Returns 
• E-file Status
• And so much more 

Intuit ProSeries Professional Pricing

Want to know Intuit ProSeries Professional pricing? Below is a table with each plan’s price point: 

*Please note that these prices are subject to change.

Intuit ProSeries Professional Benefits

The benefit to using Intuit ProSeries Professional software is that users will gain online access with remote hosting options, so you don’t have to worry about IT or security issues. The software is known to catch errors and data omissions to reduce the rate of form rejections, optimizing each and every return to improve client-to-business relationships. There are over 3,700+ forms to choose from, and the data input provides an easy-to-read display that is easy to present to clients. Users have access to on-screen help so if you have any questions, your answer can be solved by someone who can visually see what’s occurring with the software.

ATX Tax

The ATX Tax Preparation Software is ideal for CPAs and small firms who want easy-to-use tax software. ATX from Wolters Kluwer offers multiple packages for each client to choose from. The software is meant to be used as an on-premise application with Windows 8.1+ needed for implementation. There are also cloud hosting options for businesses wanting system access from anywhere outside the office. 

Pros and Cons

The list of pros and cons was gathered based on customer reviews and testimonials so you can have an in-depth understanding of ATX Tax software and its capabilities. 

ATX Tax Features

The features for ATX Tax allow businesses to rest easy knowing they can file advanced returns fast with intuitive, professional tax software. By using the software, you can expect to gain access to the following features:

• Comprehensive Forms Library (over 7,000 forms available)
• User-Friendly Interface 
• Interview & Checking Tools
• Multi-Tasking Platform (allows up to 3 open return forms at the same time) 
• Exceptional Support 
• Robust Diagnostics 
• Identify E-filing Errors or Omissions

ATX Tax Pricing

Want to know about ATX Tax pricing? Below is a table with each plans price point: 

*Please note that these prices are subject to change.

ATX Tax Benefits

With ATX Tax software, tax firms have access to over 7,000 forms to conduct the documentation process with ease. The library also assists accountants by ensuring they can handle their clients’ tax needs with access to a wide variety of material. The user-friendly interface allows users to easily navigate through fields and even up to 3 forms at once. With multitasking capabilities, users can now finish more forms at once and maximize productivity. 

TaxSlayer Pro

TaxSlayer Pro is a cloud-based professional tax prep software that allows small firms to prepare and handle tax returns from anywhere. TaxSlayer Pro is dedicated to empowering tax preparers to grow their businesses while they develop the tax practices of tomorrow. 

Pros and Cons

The list of pros and cons was gathered based on customer reviews and testimonials so you can have an in-depth understanding of the TaxSlayer Pro software and its usefulness. 

TaxSlayer Pro Features

The features for TaxSlayer Pro allow businesses to conduct tax preparation operations from the office or the comfort of their homes. By using the software, you can expect to gain access to the following features: 

• Mobile App
• Cloud-Based Hosting 
• Unlimited Support (less than a 60-sec wait time)
• Integrated Bank Products 
• Unlimited 1040 Program
• Free Unlimited E-filing
• All States Included
• Digital Signature Compatibility 
• Client Portal 
• Pull Forward Prior Year Data

TaxSlayer Pro Pricing

Want to know about TaxSlayer Pro pricing? Below is a table with each plan’s price point: 

*Please note that these prices are subject to change.

TaxSlayer Pro Benefits

The benefit to TaxSlayer Pro is that it’s cloud-based software, giving your business the option to do business on-premise or at home. The all-inclusive software grants you the option to prepare 1040 federal, state, and local tax returns for your clients. With renowned customer support that responds in less than 60 seconds, you will never have to wonder if your questions are going to be answered. The mobile app allows your clients to securely send you their tax information without having to go to your office. They can conduct business with you at their fingertips!

Want the Best in Tax Software? 

All the options we presented are great solutions for preparing tax documents. However, for all other operations in working with clients as a small tax firm, you need TaxDome to perform quality business operations. We are an all-in-one platform for CPAs, bookkeepers, and accounting firms that grant you a powerful workspace to manage your business. Our software integrates with tax programs, has an outstanding client portal, includes a CRM, grants workflow and automation, and so much more. 

Watch Cassandra Centeno, owner of Total Tax Services on how she doubled client base with TaxDome: