Tax software for beginning tax preparer?

Question

Can anyone recommend some good and easy to use tax software for a beginning tax preparer? I am looking at Intuit's ProSeries - are there any other programs I need to consider? I will be doing 1040's and state taxes. Thanks!

Answer 1

Check out the annual tax software review in the AICPA's Journal of Accountancy.

ProSeries is popular, but pricey. How many returns do you plan on doing? If you are doing a bunch, the price may be worthwhile.

I've been using TaxACT Preparer's Edition (both federal and various states) for probably 7 or 8 years and am quite happy with it for my small client base. (Tax preparation and accounting are sidelines for me. My real job keeps me busy enough.) Price is about $100 for federal and I believe about $20 per state or $80 for all states.

Good luck

Answer 2

Proseries is a good program. You'll run into problems when you get into multiple state returns, but then again unless you go top tier every program has this problem. The biggest issue is generally getting the credit for taxes paid to other jurisdictions to work correctly and sourcing the income to the non resident states.

The person who said to look at the AICPA's list gave you good advice too.

Lacerte has a decent software package.

Turbo tax off the shelf is a waste for a tax preparer, it is good for what it is designed for the do it your selfer with a W-2 and a simple return. (I think Judy is correct about the liscensing problem - not to mention that it will not allow you to fill out the paid preparer section)

Answer 3

If you buy a copy of Turbotax, read the license agreement carefully - it won't allow you to run a tax service. People who are doing so are most likely doing it illegally.

Answer 4

I've done taxes for years. And my choice, because I can freely navigate already is always Turbo tax. You get one free state, any extras cost more.

Answer 5

I use Turbotax and have for years.