Best Tax Software

General
1

I know this question has been asked a lot on here, and there probably isn’t a right answer. A friend who is retiring wants to give me his small book of business. I’ve used UltraTax and Drake at previous firms. I liked both—Drake was more user-friendly, but UltraTax was better for multi-state and complex returns.

My friend uses ProSeries and is happy with it, but his clients mostly have basic returns.

In the long term, I want to grow the business, so I don’t want to pick a more affordable/basic software that fits my current situation but would be hard to scale. I’d prefer software that handles PTEs and multi-state returns with ease.

Any recommendations on the best software for complex returns and pricing?

2

CCH is the best but pricey. For growth, UltraTax is a solid choice. Drake is fine for simple returns, but complex ones require extra work.

3

I was grandfathered in on Lacerte pricing when I bought my first firm—still pay around 50% of a new license. Intuit might do the same for ProSeries. I prioritize functionality over price, but TR is too costly, and Drake often lags on tax law updates. I hate Intuit but wouldn’t switch from their tax software.

4

@Chancey
Same

5

@Chancey
I use ProSeries, and I hate Intuit too. Are you joining the Wednesday webinars?

6

Jade said:
@Chancey
I use ProSeries, and I hate Intuit too. Are you joining the Wednesday webinars?

Not sure I can after they tried undercutting my clients with their national marketing.

7

@Chancey
Darn autocorrect—meant Intuit

8

ProSystems is great for high-income, multi-state, and foreign tax credit returns.

9

I’ve used UltraTax, ProSeries, ProConnect Tax Online, Drake, and Lacerte. Lacerte is my favorite, though UltraTax is better for depreciation and multi-state. Lacerte feels the most intuitive overall.

10

I use ProConnect Online (a cloud version of Lacerte). It handles complex returns well and I like not having to run updates myself.

11

Cai said:
I use ProConnect Online (a cloud version of Lacerte). It handles complex returns well and I like not having to run updates myself.

To add, you can host Lacerte with Rightworks to make it cloud-based.

12

Lacerte Gang!

13

Drake has been my top choice for cost and customer service. Multi-state could improve, but that’s not an issue for most of my clients.

14

I use UltraTax and tried Drake. For higher volumes and complex returns, UltraTax is better for productivity and diagnostics, though it’s expensive. Drake is good for smaller practices, with lower cost and great customer service. UltraTax works best for us with hundreds of returns, including multi-state.

15

Whatever you choose, ask about pricing now. Many companies offer big discounts this time of year.

16

From my experience: 1) CCH Axcess, 2) Lacerte, 3) UltraTax. I ranked UltraTax last because it struggles with complex California returns.