The Tax Preparation Software market was valued at USD 9,490.38 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 12,562.77 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.2 per cent between 2025 and 2033. This growth reflects a structural shift in how tax and accounting firms operate. As compliance requirements expand and filing volumes increase, tax preparation has become increasingly system-driven, with software shaping efficiency, review cycles, and risk management during filing seasons.
To understand how this system-driven shift translates into day-to-day operational impact, let’s take an example of two CPA firms operating within this environment.
Firm A processes a high volume of individual returns each season, where throughput, consistency, and review efficiency under compressed timelines are critical. Firm B manages a smaller client base, but with significantly higher complexity, including multi-state filings, partnerships, trusts, and entity structures.
In this case, diagnostic depth, form coverage, and controlled review workflows take precedence. Both firms rely on professional tax software, yet the demands placed on their tax preparer software differ materially.
This is where many software comparisons fall short. Feature lists and pricing tiers alone do not capture how tax preparation software for professionals performs across different operating models. Tools that support volume-driven workflows can introduce friction in entity-heavy environments, while software designed for complex filings may be disproportionate for simpler practices.
This professional tax preparation software comparison therefore focuses on practical fit. It evaluates widely used professional tax software based on firm suitability, filing complexity, pricing structures, and support availability, with the objective of helping CPAs assess alignment rather than identify a universal best solution.
Software
TurboTax / ProSeries
Drake Tax
UltraTax CS
Lacerte Tax
ProConnect Tax
Best Fit
Solo and small firms
Small to mid-sized firms
Mid to large firms
Mid to large firms
Small to mid-sized firms
Complexity Level
Low to moderate
Moderate
High
High
Moderate
Comparison of Professional Tax Software Used by CPAs
Each software is reviewed using a consistent framework to ensure clarity and comparability. This approach helps CPAs quickly identify which professional tax preparation software aligns with their current practice model, whether the priority is high-volume compliance, complex entity filings, or a balance of both.
1. TurboTax (Intuit ProSeries / TurboTax Professional)
TurboTax Professional, offered by Intuit through products such as ProSeries, is a widely used tax preparer software for CPAs handling federal and state returns. It is commonly adopted by firms that prioritise structured workflows and guided preparation for individual and small business filings.
Ideal CPA Firm Type
This software is best suited for solo practitioners and small CPA firms managing a high volume of individual returns. It aligns well with practices that have limited exposure to complex entity structures or multi-jurisdictional filings.
Key Strengths
TurboTax Professional offers an intuitive interface with step-by-step data entry and dependable diagnostics for standard compliance work. Integration with the broader Intuit ecosystem supports efficient data flow across accounting and bookkeeping functions.
Pricing Model
The pricing typically follows a subscription or per-return structure, with costs increasing based on the number of returns and the number of state filings included. Additional modules and advanced features may be priced separately.
Operational Considerations
The software is designed to follow a predefined preparation sequence that works well for standard individual and small business returns. In cases where filings require frequent manual adjustments, non-standard allocations, or professional discretion beyond built-in prompts, CPAs may find the preparation flow less flexible.
Support Availability
Support is available through Intuit’s professional channels, including documentation, training resources, and live assistance during filing season. Access levels depend on the edition and support plan selected.
2. Drake Tax
Drake Tax is a widely adopted professional tax preparation software known for its comprehensive form of coverage and cost-effective positioning. It is commonly used by small to mid-sized CPA firms seeking broad compliance capabilities without premium pricing.
Ideal CPA Firm Type
Drake Tax fits small and mid-sized firms handling a mix of individual and business returns. It is particularly suitable for practices that manage moderate complexity without requiring highly customised workflows.
Key Strengths
The software offers extensive coverage of federal and state forms, with strong diagnostics and built-in review checks. Its all-in-one pricing model appeals to firms looking for predictable costs during filing season.
Pricing Model
Drake Tax typically follows a flat-fee or unlimited return pricing structure. This model provides cost certainty, especially for firms with steady or high filing volumes.
Operational Considerations
Drake Tax emphasizes efficiency and broad form of coverage across return types. As a result, firms that require highly segmented internal processes, layered reviews, or advisory-led engagement workflows may experience constraints in tailoring the preparation process. The platform remains strongly oriented toward compliance execution rather than customized practice operations.
Support Availability
Drake provides phone and email support, along with training materials and updates throughout the filing season. Support responsiveness is generally consistent during peak periods.
3. UltraTax CS (Thomson Reuters)
UltraTax CS is a professional tax software designed for firms managing complex compliance requirements. It is part of the broader Thomson Reuters CS Professional Suite and supports integrated firm workflows.
Ideal CPA Firm Type
This software is well-suited for mid-sized to large CPA firms handling complex entity structures, multi-state filings, and recurring client work. It aligns with practices that require depth over simplicity.
Key Strengths
UltraTax CS offers robust diagnostics, advanced review tools, and strong support for partnerships, corporations, and trust returns. Its integration with other CS modules supports end-to-end firm operations.
Pricing Model
Pricing is typically subscription-based and varies based on modules, entities, and state coverage. Costs can increase as firms scale or add specialized features.
Operational Considerations
The platform is structured to support complex entity work and recurring engagements at scale. For firms with simpler compliance profiles or smaller teams, the depth of configuration and process controls may introduce additional setup time and training overhead. The operational model is most effective when complexity and repeatability are central to the firm’s service mix.
Support Availability
Thomson Reuters provides structured support, training programs, and professional guidance. Support quality is strong, particularly for firms already using the CS ecosystem.
4. Lacerte Tax (Intuit)
Lacerte is a professional tax preparation software positioned for firms handling complex tax scenarios. It is widely used by CPAs who require advanced diagnostics and the ability to handle intricate filings.
Ideal CPA Firm Type
Lacerte suits mid-sized to large CPA firms managing complex individual and business returns. It is often preferred by practices that deal with high-net-worth clients and complex entity structures.
Key Strengths
The software is known for its calculation of accuracy, detailed diagnostics, and flexibility in managing complex tax situations. Integration with other Intuit products supports broader firm workflows.
Pricing Model
Lacerte follows a premium pricing structure, often based on return volume and modules. It represents a higher investment compared to entry-level professional tax software.
Operational Considerations
Lacerte provides extensive control for handling intricate tax scenarios and detailed calculations. Firms whose client base is largely composed of straightforward individual or small business returns may find that the level of capability exceeds day-to-day requirements. CPAs should evaluate whether the operational investment aligns with the complexity they routinely manage.
Support Availability
Support includes access to Intuit’s professional assistance, training resources, and seasonal help. Higher tier plans typically receive priority support.
5. ProConnect Tax (Intuit)
ProConnect Tax is a cloud-based professional tax software designed for flexibility and remote accessibility. It is commonly used by firms seeking modern, browser-based tax preparation workflows.
Ideal CPA Firm Type
This software is well-suited for small to mid-sized firms with distributed teams or remote operations. It is suitable for practices that value mobility and real-time collaboration.
Key Strengths
ProConnect offers cloud accessibility, automatic updates, and integration with Intuit’s accounting platforms. It supports efficient collaboration without on-premise infrastructure.
Pricing Model
Pricing is generally per-return, with additional costs for state filings and advanced capabilities. This model works well for firms with variable filing volumes.
Operational Considerations
The cloud-based architecture supports remote access and real-time collaboration across teams. Firms that require extensive offline access, firm-specific process controls, or deeper customization within the preparation environment may need to assess whether a browser-based system meets their operational preferences. The model favors flexibility over granular internal control.
Support Availability
Support is available through Intuit’s cloud support channels, including documentation and live assistance. Response times vary by plan and filing season.
How CPAs Should Evaluate Professional Tax Software
When comparing professional tax software, CPAs should move beyond feature lists and focus on operational fit. The following factors consistently determine whether tax preparer software performs well in practice.
- Filing complexity
Assess whether the software supports the firm’s mix of individual, entity, partnership, trust, and multi-state returns without excessive workarounds. - Workflow alignment
Evaluate how returns move from preparation to review and finalization, especially in multi-preparer environments. - Pricing structure
Look beyond upfront costs and understand how subscription models, per-return pricing, and add-ons scale with volume. - Integration capability
Consider compatibility with existing accounting, document management, and practice management systems. - Support availability
Verify the accessibility and responsiveness of tax preparation software support during peak filing periods.
The most effective professional tax preparation software is not the one with the most features, but the one that aligns with how a CPA firm operates day to day.
Closing Perspective: Applying the Comparison in Practice
Revisiting the two CPA firms described earlier clarifies how this comparison should be used. Firm A, operating at scale with high-volume individual returns, benefits most from professional tax software that prioritizes speed, guided workflows, and predictable review cycles. For this firm, efficiency under compressed timelines matters more than deep configurability.
Firm B operates under different pressures. Multi-state filings, partnerships, trusts, and entity structures place greater emphasis on diagnostic depth, form of coverage, and controlled review processes. Here, tax-preparation software must handle complexity without introducing risk or excessive manual intervention.
Both firms may evaluate the same professional tax software and reach different conclusions, not because one tool is better or worse, but because their operating models differ. This is the practical lens through which any professional tax preparation software comparison should be read.
The value of this comparison lies in alignment. When tax preparation software for professionals reflects how a CPA firm actually works, decision-making becomes simpler, workflows remain stable, and filing seasons become more predictable. That alignment, rather than feature count or brand familiarity, is what ultimately determines long-term suitability.
At Accounting TO TAXES, we work with CPA firms to streamline tax preparation operations, improve review discipline, and align technology choices with real-world filing complexity. Whether your practice is scaling high-volume compliance or managing complex, multi-entity engagements, our team helps ensure your tax processes remain efficient, compliant, and predictable.
Get in touch with us today.
