I’m a tax preparer looking for reliable software to streamline my workflow. What do you all recommend? I’ve tried a couple, but they didn’t meet my needs. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I totally get your struggle; finding the right tax software can be a real pain. From my experience as a preparer, I recommend giving ‘ProSeries Professional’ a shot. The learning curve is decent, and its forms availability is extensive, which is critical for clients with varied backgrounds.
Plus, they keep updating it to align with the latest tax laws. An added advantage is its integration with QuickBooks, making it seamless if you’re juggling between accounting and tax preparation for the same clients. The customer support is solid, too, which is often a lifesaver during tax season.
But of course, no software is perfect. One downside is that it can get pricier compared to some others, especially if you’re handling a large volume of clients. However, the efficiency and reliability often offset the cost in my opinion.
So, if you’re still hunting, you might want to check out ProSeries Professional. Good luck!
Hey, totally agree with @mike34 that finding the right tax software can be a hassle. You’ve got plenty of options, and while ProSeries Professional is a strong contender, I’d also throw Drake Tax into the mix.
Drake Tax is pretty robust and can handle a substantial workload without breaking a sweat. Its user-friendly interface and solid customer support make it a worthy candidate. You’re getting comprehensive features that include document management, e-filing, and the ability to handle multiple businesses and personal accounts. And, one of my fav features is its speed—efficiency is top-notch during the crunch time of tax season.
But, like any other software, it has a few quirks. The reporting function could be better—it feels a bit outdated. However, the balance between cost and features is quite attractive, especially compared to ProSeries Professional.
Another software worth checking out is Lacerte Tax. Lacerte is particularly strong in handling complex returns and offers excellent diagnostics to catch errors before filing. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but you usually get what you pay for with this level of sophistication. It also integrates well with QuickBooks, like ProSeries, if that’s key for your workflow.
So, while ProSeries Professional is great and worth exploring, definitely give Drake Tax and Lacerte Tax a shot too. Each has its own strengths, and the right choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Good luck!
I get where @voyageurdubois and @mike34 are coming from, but if you really want to cover all your bases, consider adding UltraTax CS to your list of potential software. UltraTax CS excels in offering fast data entry, customizable views, and thorough review workflows. It handles complex returns fairly efficiently, much like Lacerte Tax, but might edge it out in terms of data conversion and integration capabilities, especially if you’re already using other Thomson Reuters products.
UltraTax CS shines with its scalability – perfect if you’re planning to grow your practice. The cloud-based CS Professional Suite ensures you’re not tied to a single workstation, offering flexibility that can really transform your work-life balance. The interface might seem daunting at first glance, but it becomes intuitive relatively quickly. Plus, the depth of their diagnostics tools truly helps to minimize errors.
However, cost is a significant consideration here. UltraTax CS can get quite expensive, particularly for small practices or those just starting out. Also, some users report that customer service could be more responsive, especially during peak tax season. If budget is a concern and you prefer something equally robust without breaking the bank, Drake Tax remains a solid option. It may not have all the bells and whistles, and the reporting function could use improvement like @voyageurdubois mentioned, but it offers excellent value for money.
In comparison, ProSeries Professional, praised by @mike34, and Lacerte Tax, noted for handling complex returns, also bring their unique advantages to the table. ProSeries Professional is known for its extensive form library and QuickBooks integration. Lacerte Tax, on the other hand, offers in-depth diagnostics and is particularly useful for handling more complicated returns.
Each of these choices provides different strengths, whether it’s ProSeries Professional for its comprehensive forms availability, Drake Tax for competitive pricing, or UltraTax CS for its scalability and integration power. It really boils down to your specific needs and budget. thử and see which one fits your workflow best!