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Best Tax Software for Accountants

· 9 min read

Professional tax software is the backbone of any accounting firm’s compliance practice. The right platform handles everything from individual 1040s to complex multi-state corporate returns, and the difference between a good tool and a great one often comes down to workflow efficiency during the crush of tax season.

This guide covers 19 tax software solutions used by accounting professionals, grouped into three categories: tax preparation software for filing returns, tax management and workflow tools, and tax compliance and automation platforms. Whether you are a solo practitioner filing a few hundred returns or a large firm handling thousands, there is a solution here for your practice.

Tax Preparation Software

These are the core platforms accountants use to prepare and file tax returns for their clients.

Lacerte

Lacerte from Intuit is one of the most widely used professional tax preparation platforms in the US. It handles the full range of return types with deep calculation support, making it a go-to choice for firms that deal with complex tax situations including multi-state filings, partnerships, and trusts.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive return coverage: individual, business, partnership, trust, estate, and non-profit
  • Powerful diagnostics that flag errors and missed deductions before filing
  • Integration with QuickBooks and other Intuit products
  • Multi-state return processing with automatic allocation
  • E-filing for federal and all supported states

Best For

Mid-size to large firms handling complex returns that need deep calculation capabilities and broad return type coverage.

Drake Tax

Drake Tax is known for its speed, value, and strong customer support. It offers a flat-fee pricing model that makes it particularly attractive to firms that process high volumes of returns without wanting per-return charges eating into margins.

Key Features

  • Flat-rate pricing regardless of return volume
  • Fast data entry with interview-style workflow and shortcuts
  • Built-in document management and client organiser
  • E-filing with real-time status tracking
  • Pay-per-return option for lower-volume preparers

Best For

Small to mid-size firms that want powerful tax preparation at a predictable, flat-rate price point.

CCH Axcess Tax

CCH Axcess Tax from Wolters Kluwer is a cloud-native tax preparation platform built for firms that want anytime, anywhere access. It is part of the broader CCH Axcess suite, allowing tight integration with workflow, document management, and research tools.

Key Features

  • Fully cloud-based with no local installation required
  • Integration with CCH Axcess Workflow, Document, and Knowledge Coach
  • Comprehensive return type support including international
  • Real-time collaboration with multiple preparers on the same return
  • Advanced analytics and firm-wide reporting

Best For

Larger firms invested in the Wolters Kluwer ecosystem that want cloud-native tax preparation with deep suite integration.

CCH ProSystem fx Tax

CCH ProSystem fx Tax is the desktop counterpart to CCH Axcess Tax. It offers the same deep tax calculation engine in a locally installed format, preferred by firms that want maximum control over their infrastructure.

Key Features

  • Desktop-based with optional cloud access
  • Extensive return type support with complex calculation capabilities
  • Integration with the CCH ProSystem fx suite of tools
  • Research integration with CCH tax research libraries
  • Batch processing for high-volume filing periods

Best For

Firms that prefer desktop software and are already embedded in the CCH ProSystem fx ecosystem.

UltraTax CS

UltraTax CS from Thomson Reuters is a flagship professional tax solution known for its automation capabilities and integration with the CS Professional Suite. It is designed for firms that want to streamline the entire return preparation process from data import to e-filing.

Key Features

  • Automated data import from prior-year returns and third-party sources
  • Integration with Thomson Reuters CS Professional Suite tools
  • Paperless workflow with electronic review and sign-off
  • Comprehensive multi-state and multi-entity support
  • Advanced diagnostics and review tools

Best For

Firms using the Thomson Reuters CS ecosystem that want tight integration across tax, accounting, and practice management.

ProSeries

ProSeries from Intuit occupies the middle ground between TurboTax and Lacerte. It provides professional-grade tax preparation at a lower price point than Lacerte, making it a popular choice for small firms and sole practitioners.

Key Features

  • Straightforward interface designed for efficient data entry
  • Individual and business return preparation
  • Integration with QuickBooks and Intuit products
  • E-filing with status tracking
  • Lower price point than Lacerte with solid return coverage

Best For

Small firms and solo practitioners who want reliable Intuit tax preparation without the higher cost of Lacerte.

GoSystem Tax RS

GoSystem Tax RS from Thomson Reuters is an enterprise-grade, web-based tax compliance system designed for the largest firms. It handles high-volume, complex return processing with centralised management and advanced security.

Key Features

  • Web-based platform built for enterprise-scale firms
  • Centralised return management across multiple offices
  • Advanced security with role-based access controls
  • Complex entity and multi-jurisdictional support
  • Integration with the broader Thomson Reuters tax and audit suite

Best For

Large firms and national practices that need enterprise-scale tax compliance with centralised control and security.

Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE

Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE is a comprehensive tax technology platform that goes beyond return preparation into tax provision, indirect tax, and global compliance. It serves firms and corporate tax departments managing complex, multi-jurisdictional tax obligations.

Key Features

  • Tax provision (ASC 740) and compliance in a unified platform
  • Indirect tax determination and returns
  • Global tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions
  • Data integration and analytics dashboards
  • Transfer pricing documentation support

Best For

Large firms and corporate tax departments handling international, multi-jurisdictional, or provision-heavy tax work.

TaxAct Professional

TaxAct Professional offers professional tax preparation at a competitive price point. It covers individual and business returns with a clean interface, making it accessible for firms that want to keep costs low without sacrificing core functionality.

Key Features

  • Affordable per-return pricing
  • Individual and business return preparation
  • Step-by-step guidance and built-in error checking
  • E-filing with status tracking
  • Data import from prior-year returns

Best For

Cost-conscious small firms and sole practitioners who need reliable preparation for straightforward returns.

ATX Professional

ATX Professional from Wolters Kluwer is a desktop-based tax preparation solution aimed at small to mid-size firms. It provides strong return coverage at a more accessible price point than the CCH Axcess and ProSystem fx platforms.

Key Features

  • Desktop-based with straightforward installation
  • Individual, business, and payroll return support
  • Integration with other Wolters Kluwer products
  • Client organiser and document management
  • E-filing for federal and state returns

Best For

Small to mid-size firms that want Wolters Kluwer quality in a simpler, more affordable desktop package.

TaxSlayer Pro

TaxSlayer Pro is a cloud-based tax preparation platform known for its competitive pricing and ease of use. It is popular among independent tax preparers and small firms that value simplicity and affordability.

Key Features

  • Cloud-based access from any device with a browser
  • Competitive per-return pricing
  • Individual and business return support
  • Built-in error checking and diagnostics
  • E-filing with real-time acknowledgment tracking

Best For

Independent tax preparers and small firms that want affordable, cloud-based tax preparation without complexity.

CrossLink Professional Tax targets high-volume tax preparation shops and multi-location operations. Its strength is speed and efficiency in environments where preparers need to move through returns quickly.

Key Features

  • Optimised for high-volume return processing
  • Dual data entry modes: interview and forms-based
  • Multi-location office management
  • Bank product integration for refund transfers
  • E-filing with batch processing capabilities

Best For

High-volume tax preparation businesses and multi-office operations focused on speed and throughput.

TurboTax

TurboTax from Intuit is primarily a consumer product, but its professional extensions and business editions serve sole practitioners and small firms that handle simpler returns. It is the most recognised brand in tax software and offers a familiar interface for preparers transitioning from DIY to professional work.

Key Features

  • Intuitive, guided interview format for data entry
  • Individual and small business return support
  • Integration with the broader Intuit ecosystem
  • E-filing with refund tracking
  • Extensive knowledge base and support resources

Best For

Sole practitioners handling straightforward individual and small business returns who value ease of use.

Tax Management and Workflow

Canopy

Canopy bridges tax preparation and practice management by combining tax resolution tools with workflow automation. It is the only platform on this list that offers IRS transcript pulling and notice tracking alongside full practice management capabilities. See our practice management guide for more on Canopy’s workflow features.

Key Features

  • Automated IRS transcript retrieval
  • Tax notice tracking and resolution workflow tools
  • Practice management with task templates and deadlines
  • Client portal with secure document exchange
  • Time tracking and billing

Best For

Firms that handle tax resolution work and want their tax management and practice management in one platform.

Tax Compliance and Automation

These platforms focus on specific areas of tax compliance, from sales tax calculation to information return filing.

Sovos

Sovos provides tax compliance software covering sales tax, VAT, and regulatory reporting. For accounting firms, it is particularly relevant when advising clients on indirect tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Features

  • Sales and use tax determination and filing
  • VAT compliance across international jurisdictions
  • 1099 and information return reporting
  • Regulatory reporting and compliance tracking
  • API integrations with ERP and accounting systems

Best For

Firms advising clients on multi-jurisdictional indirect tax compliance and regulatory reporting.

Tax1099

Tax1099 specialises in information return filing, specifically 1099s, W-2s, and related forms. It simplifies the process of collecting data, generating forms, and e-filing with the IRS.

Key Features

  • Bulk 1099 and W-2 preparation and e-filing
  • TIN matching and verification
  • Recipient portal for electronic delivery
  • Integration with accounting and payroll platforms
  • Correction filing and reprint capabilities

Best For

Firms and businesses that need to file high volumes of information returns efficiently.

Avalara

Avalara automates sales tax calculation, filing, and remittance. Accounting firms use it both internally and recommend it to clients who sell across multiple states and need automated tax rate determination at the point of sale.

Key Features

  • Real-time sales tax calculation across 12,000+ jurisdictions
  • Automated filing and remittance for sales and use tax
  • Integration with major e-commerce, ERP, and accounting platforms
  • Exemption certificate management
  • Audit-ready reporting and documentation

Best For

Firms advising e-commerce and multi-state clients who need automated sales tax compliance.

Vertex

Vertex provides enterprise-grade tax technology covering indirect tax, payroll tax, and income tax compliance. It serves firms and corporate tax departments managing complex tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions and countries.

Key Features

  • Indirect tax calculation for transactions across global jurisdictions
  • Income and payroll tax compliance
  • Tax data analytics and reporting
  • Integration with major ERP platforms including SAP and Oracle
  • Continuous compliance monitoring for regulatory changes

Best For

Large firms and enterprise clients with complex, multi-jurisdictional indirect and corporate tax needs.

TaxCalc

TaxCalc is a UK-focused tax preparation and compliance platform covering self-assessment, corporation tax, and accounts production. It is a popular choice among UK practitioners for its combination of features and value.

Key Features

  • UK self-assessment and corporation tax return preparation
  • Accounts production with HMRC and Companies House filing
  • Personal tax planning and forecasting tools
  • Trust and partnership returns
  • Integration with UK accounting software

Best For

UK accounting firms and tax practitioners handling self-assessment, corporation tax, and accounts production.

How to Choose Tax Software for Your Firm

The right tax software depends on your firm’s specific situation:

Conclusion

For most mid-size US firms, Lacerte and Drake Tax represent the strongest all-around choices for tax preparation, balancing depth and usability. Enterprise firms will find their needs best served by UltraTax CS, GoSystem Tax RS, or CCH Axcess Tax, depending on their existing ecosystem.

Beyond preparation, tools like Avalara and Sovos handle the indirect tax compliance that increasingly affects accounting firm clients. And if your firm needs to manage the workflow around tax preparation, our practice management guide covers the platforms that keep your firm running smoothly year-round.