13 Best Tax Software for Tax Preparers to Improve Taxes

Tax season – a phrase that sends shivers down the spine of many. But for tax preparers, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Are you struggling to keep up with complex regulations and searching for a way to streamline your workflow? You're not alone.

The good news? Best tax software for tax preparers can save you time, minimize errors, and maximize client satisfaction.

But with many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

This in-depth review dives into the top contenders, ranking them based on features, ease of use, and value for busy tax professionals. Dive in and discover the tax software that's your perfect match!

Top 13 Best Taxation Software

Choosing the perfect invoicing software is like finding your business's financial power suit. It should be sleek, functional, and perfectly tailored to your needs.

But with a vast array of options boasting an alphabet soup of features, where do you even begin? Let's take a look at the 13 best taxation software.

1. Bonsai

Bonsai is one of the best tax software for tax preparers in the market. Bonsai Tax will help you manage your complicated tax situation, especially if you’re a freelancer. 

This app will help you know the estimation of your tax payments, send you tax file reminders, and scan bank statements to discover possible tax write-offs. 

Bonsai

• Invoicing
• Accounting & taxes
• Project management
• Expense tracking

Novice tax preparers will have access to various training and research resources. You may learn from a knowledge base, a corporate blog, videos, and tutorials. Bonsai will also help you streamline your business's invoicing.

The firm is also active on social media, where consumers can get helpful information and prepare for tax season.

Bonsai is a very accurate professional tax software with substantial features that both novices and highly skilled professionals can use. 

Keep in mind that you cannot purchase Bonsai tax separately. You need to purchase one premium plan and then choose the tax feature as a premium add-on.

It's a simple method of submitting your taxes without having to jump through a lot of hoops. Thanks to the clean interface, you won’t face any navigational problems. 

Last but not least, the customer support team is also highly responsive. You can contact them via live chat or email, and they are quick to resolve your queries. 

2. TaxAct

If you run a small accounting firm, look no further than TaxAct. This best tax software for tax preparers is known for its dedicated support and superb features. 

In addition to accounting firms, TaxAct can benefit individuals who calculate taxes independently. Its robust features will undoubtedly capture your attention. 

TaxAct

• 100% guaranteed accuracy
• Deductions and credits
• Reliable customer care
• Unlimited free support

This tax software also comes with a fully functional mobile application. This way, you can do your taxation and e-filing wherever you want. 

The mobile application is super easy to use. Even people without too much taxation knowledge can use it easily. Thanks to the simple interface, you can save a lot of time. 

The pricing structure of TaxAct is super confusing. They have different pricing plans for individual tax filing and enterprise tax filing. Thus, make sure you visit their website for more information.

The technical assistance is also really helpful. If you want personal tax assistance, contact the staff by email or telephone. 

If you do not wish to speak with them, there is a vast knowledge base and a page where you may troubleshoot your difficulties.

TaxAct also has automation features. It will help you give professional tax preparation suggestions to your clients. It will also give suggestions you and your clients can follow while filing taxes. 

3. TurboTax

Investors would find TurboTax highly convenient. This is one of the best tax software for tax preparers who want multiple features within one platform.

Some of the best features of TurboTax include reliable cloud services, audit tracking, deduction finder, etc. 

TurboTax

• Secured cloud services
• Deductions finder
• Maximized refund
• Tracking audit risks

TurboTax is straightforward with less complexities. You can also import the investment documents without any problem. 

TurboTax is your software if you’re not concerned about itemizing deductions and don't receive Social Security or W-2 income.

People on active military service will enjoy certain perks, including free access to premium plans. To access these plans, you must visit their site and input your rank.

Overall, the product may be rather pricey. But, for tax preparers who manage investment spending alongside their tax returns, this tool may be beneficial.

4. E-File

If you’re looking for tax prep software options that are both economical and efficient, you’re in for a treat. Make sure you consider trying E-file. 

This is another best tax software for tax preparers. E-file allows you to file taxes in less than 15 minutes, saving time and money. 

E-file

• Online filling support
• Free federal e-filling
• IRS audit assistance
• Deduct mortgage interest

E-file is essentially a DIY tax program. It links you to numerous financial institutions and allows you to review your taxes thoroughly. 

E-file can provide you with helpful tools if you want to edit or submit taxes. These tools will help you file taxes properly while allowing you to maintain control.

The UI is simple and easy to navigate. When you first access it, you will face no complications. So, if you're a newbie, you'll have no trouble exploring it. 

Remember that E-file frequently introduces different types of coupons and offers. In fact, when I was searching for the price, I saw that they are offering a 25% discount.

Furthermore, E-file covers nearly every tax circumstance of the most popular alternatives. The names include Bonsai and TurboTax. 

5. H&R Block

Coming next in my list of best tax software for tax preparers is H&R Block. If you want something that has similar features to TurboTax, choose H&R Block. 

H&R Block is an excellent competitor of TurboTax because of its affordability. Moreover, with H&R Block, you will get multiple types of income access, a reliable tax pool system, full documentation access, and more. 

H&R Block

• Free online filling
• Full access to documents
• Multiple income types
• Simple importing

H&R Block is an excellent alternative for new professional tax preparers. The file application is simple to use and may help you complete tasks promptly and orderly.

H&R Block specifically targets those with an open Health Savings Account. It also advises customers on how to optimize credits and deductions while filing. 

This tax software offers free federal and state income tax returns. Additionally, it supports a variety of forms that you may require during the tax preparation process.

The assistance center is very prompt and efficient in providing factual information, making H&R Block a suitable choice for first-time filers. 

It's simple and economical, making it an excellent choice for small and medium-sized businesses.

6. TaxSlayer

As the name suggests, TaxSlayer will help you slay taxes. This tax software comes in professional and commercial products, covering all aspects of your business. 

TaxSlayer has numerous beneficial features that help it stand apart from the crowd. For starters, it will give you detailed reports for more transparency. 

TaxSlayer

• Tax return
• Return reviewing
• Unlimited e-filing
• Depreciation module

Tax Slayer offers unlimited business returns, so you may file as many tax returns as needed. As you won’t face any limitations, you can use this software to file as many client’s taxes as you want. 

The tax preparation software is cloud-based and compatible with iOS. It can be connected to various devices as long as you have a secure Wi-Fi connection.

TaxSlayer also has a mobile application. Thus, you can calculate taxes without a computer. This helps you assist your client anywhere, regardless of location. 

Keep in mind that TaxSlayer is dedicated to tax professionals. While you can use it to file your own taxes as a tax professional, it’s not worth filing taxes only for one person. 

7. Drake Tax

Coming next is Drake Tax. Professionals looking for an affordable solution with superb features will find Drake Tax highly beneficial. 

As Drake Tax has been in the business industry since 1977, they have extensive experience in managing taxation. Compared to other tax software, Drake Tax is more user-friendly. You will also find multiple useful features. 

DrakeTax

• Hardware add-ons
• SecureFilePro
• E-filing
• Look-back feature

Perhaps the most notable feature of Drake Tax is its automated data input. This feature will automate numerous aspects of tax filing, saving time and effort. 

Drake Tax also offers excellent e-filing options through SecureFilePro. This specialized paperless function allows you to receive the necessary documentation for tax preparation. 

It lets you obtain client forms, use tax research programs, and create simple electronic e-signature components.

Drake Tax's tax planner is likewise quite efficient. You can compare your data from the prior tax year to get a better picture of your future tax years.

Drake Tax is particularly popular among small and medium-sized CPA firms because it includes all the forms required by a tax practitioner. It handles basic and difficult filers, making tax preparation more straightforward.

Drake Tax allows you to choose between two platforms. You may use the desktop version if you have a personal computer and often use it for tax preparation.

8. Intuit ProSeries Professional

Intuit ProSeries Professional is another addition to my list of best tax software for tax preparers. This software is made specifically for experienced tax preparers and professionals. 

It distinguishes itself from other tax software packages owing to its wide features. Professionals may use this software to manage many parts of tax preparation in an effective manner, streamlining and increasing productivity.

Intuit ProSeries

• E-filing
• Data import/export
• Client management
• Intuit link client portal

Users may file both federal and state returns online. This will result in shorter processing times and remove the need for manual submission.

Tax preparers frequently rely on Intuit ProSeries Professional due to its capacity to manage difficult circumstances. This software also offers sophisticated computations and detailed form assistance, assuring reliable results even in complex tax scenarios. 

Furthermore, it provides specialist tools such as depreciation calculators and multi-state return capabilities, which make it easier to prepare complex returns.

One of the most notable benefits of Intuit ProSeries tax software is its user-friendly interface. This interface provides an easy navigation to improve user experience. You can also locate your desired features quickly. 

9. Jackson Hewitt Online

Next, Jackson Hewitt is another best tax software for tax preparers. It offers a range of features that can streamline your tax filing process. 

The software has an easy-to-use interface for quick navigation and data entry. It's simple to use even if you're not technologically skilled.

Jackson Hewitt

• Guaranteed biggest refund
• 100% certainty
• Local tax professionals
• Secured data storage

Jackson Hewitt Online allows users to import data from various sources, including W-2s, 1099s, and other financial records. This functionality saves time and reduces mistakes.

The program offers built-in error-checking algorithms that assist in identifying errors or missing information prior to sending returns. This assures accuracy and adherence to tax requirements.

Jackson Hewitt Online performs computations in real-time as you enter data. This tool gives fast feedback on refunds and obligations, allowing for swift modifications if necessary.

Jackson Hewitt will also protect your client’s sensitive information. The platform uses advanced encryption protocols to protect the data from online threats. 

10. Credit Karma

Credit Karma is one of the most popular tax software programs for tax preparers. Unlike some other options on my list, It is known for its reliability and convenience. 

With Credit Karma, you can leverage the benefits of free tax filing options. Whether you have one or multiple clients, Credit Karma will help you save significant money. 

Credit Karma

• Maximum refund guaranteed
• Easy tax filing
• Expert help
• Seamless refund

It helps users file state and federal taxes without any additional expenses. This will benefit both the clients and the tax professionals in the end. 

This tax software supports different schedules and forms, including those related to common deductions like student loan interest or capital gains. 

Credit Karma Tax offers some basic audit assistance resources, including information and tools to help you prepare for an IRS audit. While not a substitute for professional help, it can provide some guidance in case of an audit.

If you already use Credit Karma for credit monitoring, your tax information can be pre-populated with some basic details like your Social Security number and address, saving you some time during setup.

11. Awaken Tax

Awaken Tax distinguishes out for its AI-like software, which essentially automates tax returns and cryptocurrency tracking at your command. 

The tax software supports over 10,000 NFT and DeFi protocols and several cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, Coinbase, and Solana. 

Awaken Tax

• Exchange integration
• Multiple De-Fi protocols
• NFT tracking
• Automated tax calculations

Awaken Tax does not charge for uploading wallets or reading tax summaries. You are only charged for downloading the tax reports. 

With built-in automation and compatibility for numerous exchanges, Awaken Tax makes it easier to file taxes on cryptocurrency. 

Awaken Tax is simple to use and excels in tax reporting, making it an ideal tool for assisting you in complying with tax rules. 

You can also manage your tax information on the go with the Awaken Tax mobile app. However, keep in mind that the availability will vary by region.

12. ProConnect Tax Online

If you're a frequent QuickBooks Online user, you'll undoubtedly enjoy ProConnect Tax Online. This software is mainly built to provide tax preparation functions for organizations. 

The applications interact seamlessly and may be handled from a single dashboard within QuickBooks Online Accountant.

ProConnect Tax

• IRS transcripts direct access
• Performance insights
• Customized client letters
• Google Drive and Dropbox integration

ProConnect software for accounts was formerly expensive for small businesses, but the Value 100 and Value 200 packages have made it more affordable. 

It is not the most economical program available, but if you manage your customers through QuickBooks Online tax, the ProConnect Tax premium is well worth it.

QuickBooks Online ProAdvisors can use ProConnect for free and only pay once the return is submitted. Its robust software can generate returns for Forms 1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, 990, and 709. 

However, it cannot prepare Form 5500 or 706 returns. Its main disadvantage is that the pay-per-return option is costly for businesses that require more than 200 total returns or 50 company returns.

13. Lacerte

Lacerte is Intuit's high-end tax preparation software for the most complex tax returns, including consolidated returns and oil and gas company filings. 

It supports importing balances from QuickBooks Desktop and integrating with Intuit Practice Management. 

Lacerte

• Intuit tax advisor
• Calculations and diagnostics
• Audit checkmarks
• Multi-user performance

Lacerte is expensive, but with sophisticated returns, you should be able to recover the costs through client fees.

You may prepare all individual and company tax forms, including Forms 1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, and 990. 

It can also do gift and estate tax filings, forms 709 and 706, and 5500 benefit plan returns.

It has time-saving capabilities, including importing paperwork from financial institutions, importing capital gain/loss transactions from spreadsheets, and connecting with QuickBooks Accountant Desktop.

Ready to use the Best Tax Software for Tax Preparers?

Now that you know the best tax preparation software and their capabilities in detail, you can decide based on your needs. Consider simplicity of use, accuracy, customer support, price options, and interaction with other tools in your tech stack. 

You may expedite your tax preparation process and increase productivity by choosing the top tax software options from our suggested list. 

Frequently Asked Questions