Quick Overview
- 1#1: ExpressTax Exempt - Cloud-based platform specializing in e-filing IRS Forms 990, 990EZ, 990N, 990PF, and 990T for nonprofits.
- 2#2: Tax990 - Online software for preparing, reviewing, and e-filing Form 990 series returns with guided interviews and error checks.
- 3#3: FormLab - Desktop application designed specifically for generating and printing IRS Form 990 returns for tax professionals.
- 4#4: Aplos - Cloud accounting software for nonprofits that automates Form 990 preparation and e-filing integration.
- 5#5: CCH Axcess Tax - Enterprise tax preparation software with comprehensive support for complex Form 990 filings and state returns.
- 6#6: UltraTax CS - Professional tax software offering robust Form 990 modules with diagnostics, e-filing, and multi-state compliance.
- 7#7: Drake Tax - Affordable professional tax prep software supporting Form 990 series with import capabilities and e-file.
- 8#8: Lacerte - Intuit's high-end tax software for preparers handling Form 990 returns with advanced calculations and workflows.
- 9#9: ProSeries - Professional tax preparation tool from Intuit that supports Form 990 e-filing and data import from accounting software.
- 10#10: QuickBooks Online Nonprofit - Accounting platform with nonprofit features to track finances and generate data exports for Form 990 preparation.
Tools were ranked by evaluating features (e.g., form support, automation, e-filing), quality (accuracy, error checks), ease of use (user interfaces, guided workflows), and value (affordability, scalability for professionals or small nonprofits).
Comparison Table
This comparison table highlights popular 990 tax software tools, such as ExpressTax Exempt, Tax990, FormLab, Aplos, and CCH Axcess Tax, along with other options. Readers will learn key features, usability, and suitability for varying organizational needs, making it easier to select the right software for 990 filing. It simplifies the process of evaluating tools to streamline compliance efforts.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ExpressTax Exempt Cloud-based platform specializing in e-filing IRS Forms 990, 990EZ, 990N, 990PF, and 990T for nonprofits. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | Tax990 Online software for preparing, reviewing, and e-filing Form 990 series returns with guided interviews and error checks. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | FormLab Desktop application designed specifically for generating and printing IRS Form 990 returns for tax professionals. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Aplos Cloud accounting software for nonprofits that automates Form 990 preparation and e-filing integration. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | CCH Axcess Tax Enterprise tax preparation software with comprehensive support for complex Form 990 filings and state returns. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | UltraTax CS Professional tax software offering robust Form 990 modules with diagnostics, e-filing, and multi-state compliance. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Drake Tax Affordable professional tax prep software supporting Form 990 series with import capabilities and e-file. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 8 | Lacerte Intuit's high-end tax software for preparers handling Form 990 returns with advanced calculations and workflows. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | ProSeries Professional tax preparation tool from Intuit that supports Form 990 e-filing and data import from accounting software. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Online Nonprofit Accounting platform with nonprofit features to track finances and generate data exports for Form 990 preparation. | enterprise | 5.8/10 | 4.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 5.5/10 |
Cloud-based platform specializing in e-filing IRS Forms 990, 990EZ, 990N, 990PF, and 990T for nonprofits.
Online software for preparing, reviewing, and e-filing Form 990 series returns with guided interviews and error checks.
Desktop application designed specifically for generating and printing IRS Form 990 returns for tax professionals.
Cloud accounting software for nonprofits that automates Form 990 preparation and e-filing integration.
Enterprise tax preparation software with comprehensive support for complex Form 990 filings and state returns.
Professional tax software offering robust Form 990 modules with diagnostics, e-filing, and multi-state compliance.
Affordable professional tax prep software supporting Form 990 series with import capabilities and e-file.
Intuit's high-end tax software for preparers handling Form 990 returns with advanced calculations and workflows.
Professional tax preparation tool from Intuit that supports Form 990 e-filing and data import from accounting software.
Accounting platform with nonprofit features to track finances and generate data exports for Form 990 preparation.
ExpressTax Exempt
specializedCloud-based platform specializing in e-filing IRS Forms 990, 990EZ, 990N, 990PF, and 990T for nonprofits.
Advanced PDF import that extracts data from scanned prior-year 990 forms for quick population.
ExpressTax Exempt is a specialized cloud-based e-filing platform designed exclusively for tax-exempt organizations to prepare and submit IRS Form 990 series returns, including 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, 990-PF, and 990-T. It offers robust data import from Excel, prior-year XML, and even scanned PDFs, along with advanced error-checking diagnostics and direct IRS transmission for instant approvals. The software emphasizes compliance, accuracy, and efficiency, making it ideal for nonprofits streamlining their annual filings.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for all 990-series forms with bulk filing capabilities
- Powerful import tools from Excel, prior returns, and PDFs
- Affordable pay-per-return pricing with volume discounts and free 990-N filing
Cons
- No native integrations with major accounting software like QuickBooks
- Customer support primarily via email/tickets, not 24/7 phone
- Web-only access requires reliable internet, no offline mode
Best For
Nonprofits, tax preparers, and organizations filing multiple 990 returns who prioritize cost-effective, accurate e-filing.
Pricing
Pay-per-return: 990-N free, 990-EZ $14.99, 990 $99.99, 990-PF $129.99; volume discounts and 30-day free trial available.
Tax990
specializedOnline software for preparing, reviewing, and e-filing Form 990 series returns with guided interviews and error checks.
Browser-based step-by-step wizard that handles complex schedules automatically, reducing errors for non-expert users
Tax990 is a cloud-based e-filing software specialized for IRS Form 990 series returns, including 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, 990-PF, and associated schedules for nonprofit organizations. It features a step-by-step interview process that guides users through data entry, automatic calculations, error checks, and direct electronic submission to the IRS. The platform eliminates the need for software downloads, offering accessibility from any device with internet access while ensuring compliance with modern e-filing mandates.
Pros
- Intuitive guided interview mimicking TurboTax for quick setup
- Affordable pay-per-return pricing with volume discounts
- Reliable direct e-filing with instant IRS acknowledgment
Cons
- Limited integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks
- No advanced analytics or donor management tools
- Support primarily via email and chat, no live phone option
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits and freelance tax preparers seeking a simple, cost-effective 990 e-filing solution without complex needs.
Pricing
Pay-per-return: 990-N free, 990-EZ $149, 990 $249, 990-PF $299; multi-return bundles start at $199/return with discounts up to 50%.
FormLab
specializedDesktop application designed specifically for generating and printing IRS Form 990 returns for tax professionals.
Advanced IRS-compliant validation engine that flags errors before submission, reducing rejection rates significantly
FormLab is a dedicated cloud-based software platform for preparing and e-filing IRS Form 990 series returns, including 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and related schedules for non-profit organizations. It provides tools for efficient data entry, automatic calculations, error validation, and secure electronic submission directly to the IRS. The software supports amendments, extensions, and multi-year data import, making it suitable for tax professionals handling non-profit compliance.
Pros
- Robust e-filing with high acceptance rates
- Comprehensive support for all 990 schedules and PF forms
- Strong validation tools to minimize IRS rejections
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations (e.g., no QuickBooks direct sync)
- Pricing can add up for high-volume users
- Steeper learning curve for first-time users compared to general tax software
Best For
Tax preparers and non-profits focused on Form 990 compliance who prioritize accuracy and IRS e-filing reliability over broad accounting integrations.
Pricing
Pay-per-return model starting at $49 for 990-N, $149 for 990-EZ, and $299+ for full 990; volume discounts and subscriptions available for firms.
Aplos
specializedCloud accounting software for nonprofits that automates Form 990 preparation and e-filing integration.
Direct auto-population of Form 990 schedules from live accounting data, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for nonprofits, offering fund accounting, donor management, and integrated tools for preparing IRS Form 990 tax returns. It automates data import from financial records to generate schedules, financial statements, and e-file-ready 990 forms, minimizing manual work. Ideal for organizations needing an all-in-one platform beyond just tax filing.
Pros
- Seamless integration of accounting data into 990 forms
- Intuitive interface with strong nonprofit-specific features
- Reliable e-filing and audit-ready reporting
Cons
- Higher pricing for advanced plans and add-ons
- Limited customization for very complex nonprofit structures
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume donors
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits looking for an integrated accounting and 990 filing solution without needing separate tax software.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Basic), $99/month (Growth), $199/month (Pro); additional fees for payroll ($35+/mo) and payments (2.9% + $0.30/transaction).
CCH Axcess Tax
enterpriseEnterprise tax preparation software with comprehensive support for complex Form 990 filings and state returns.
Advanced 990 compliance diagnostics with automated proxy tax calculations and Schedule B donor aggregation
CCH Axcess Tax from Wolters Kluwer is a cloud-based professional tax preparation software that excels in handling IRS Form 990 series returns for non-profits, including 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, and 990-N, along with all required schedules. It provides advanced diagnostics, compliance checks, and e-filing capabilities tailored to complex non-profit tax scenarios like unrelated business income and executive compensation reporting. Integrated with practice management tools, it supports efficient workflows for tax professionals serving multiple non-profit clients.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for all 990 variants, schedules, and non-profit-specific calculations
- Robust diagnostics, error-checking, and state filing integration
- Cloud-based access with real-time collaboration and secure data management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- High pricing that may not suit small practices or low-volume filers
- Occasional interface lag during peak tax season
Best For
Mid-to-large tax firms or CPAs specializing in complex non-profit returns needing enterprise-level compliance and workflow tools.
Pricing
Subscription-based; starts at around $5,000-$10,000 annually for core tax modules, scaling with users, add-ons, and non-profit specific features.
UltraTax CS
enterpriseProfessional tax software offering robust Form 990 modules with diagnostics, e-filing, and multi-state compliance.
Advanced diagnostics engine with one-click error resolution and 990-specific compliance checks
UltraTax CS is a professional-grade tax preparation software from Thomson Reuters designed for CPAs and accounting firms, providing comprehensive support for Form 990 series returns including 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, 990-PF, and related schedules. It features automated calculations, advanced diagnostics for error detection, and seamless e-filing with federal and state authorities. Integrated with the CS Professional Suite, it enables efficient data import from trial balance and prior-year returns, streamlining workflows for nonprofit tax compliance.
Pros
- Extensive support for all 990 variants and complex schedules
- Powerful diagnostics and quality review tools reduce errors
- Reliable e-filing and automatic compliance updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High cost with quote-based pricing
- Dated user interface compared to modern competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large CPA firms handling high volumes of complex nonprofit 990 returns requiring robust diagnostics and integration.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting around $5,000 annually for core modules, scaling to $10,000+ with states, users, and add-ons.
Drake Tax
enterpriseAffordable professional tax prep software supporting Form 990 series with import capabilities and e-file.
Unlimited e-filing for 990 series returns at no extra cost
Drake Tax is a professional tax preparation software suite from Drake Software that supports the full range of IRS Form 990 series returns, including 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and 990-PF for non-profit organizations. It provides efficient data entry, automated calculations, error-checking diagnostics, and direct e-filing capabilities to streamline non-profit tax compliance. Designed for tax professionals, it integrates federal and state filing with robust import/export options for prior-year data.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with unlimited returns and e-filing
- Strong support for all 990 series forms including schedules
- Reliable diagnostics and error-checking tools
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-based competitors
- Limited advanced analytics for very complex non-profits
- Windows-only desktop application, no native mobile access
Best For
Small to mid-sized tax firms or preparers handling straightforward to moderately complex 990 returns for non-profits.
Pricing
Single-user suite starts at ~$1,495 for unlimited federal/state returns; multi-user and pay-per-return options available.
Lacerte
enterpriseIntuit's high-end tax software for preparers handling Form 990 returns with advanced calculations and workflows.
Advanced diagnostics engine that proactively flags 990 compliance issues and auto-populates schedules from imported trial balance data
Lacerte, from Intuit's ProConnect suite, is a professional tax preparation software that fully supports Form 990 series returns (990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-N) for tax-exempt organizations, including all major schedules and state filings. It provides automated calculations, error diagnostics, and direct e-filing to the IRS, making it suitable for complex nonprofit compliance. Ideal for tax pros handling mixed return types, it integrates with QuickBooks and other Intuit tools for streamlined data import and workflow.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for all 990 forms, schedules, and state variations
- Robust e-filing with high IRS acceptance rates and real-time diagnostics
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for financial data import
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its broad, professional-grade interface
- Higher cost compared to 990-specific tools like Tax990
- Less optimized for simple 990-N or low-volume filers
Best For
Experienced tax professionals preparing complex 990 returns alongside individual and business taxes in high-volume practices.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at ~$1,299/year for 100 returns (Diamond plan), with per-return fees ~$1.50-$3; unlimited plans from ~$2,500/year.
ProSeries
enterpriseProfessional tax preparation tool from Intuit that supports Form 990 e-filing and data import from accounting software.
Intuit's advanced diagnostics engine that proactively flags 990-specific compliance issues and suggests corrections
ProSeries by Intuit is a professional-grade tax preparation software designed for CPAs and tax pros, supporting Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, and related schedules for non-profit organizations alongside a broad range of other federal and state returns. It features automated calculations, diagnostics, error checks, and electronic filing capabilities to streamline compliance. While reliable for mixed workloads, it's not exclusively tailored for non-profits, making it suitable for firms with diverse client bases.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for all 990 series forms and schedules with automatic data flow
- High e-file acceptance rates through Intuit's MeF integration
- Strong diagnostics and error-checking tools for compliance
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-based alternatives
- Higher pricing may not justify use for 990-only filers
- Steeper learning curve for users new to desktop tax software
Best For
Tax professionals and firms handling a mix of individual, business, and non-profit returns including Form 990.
Pricing
Starts at $449/year for unlimited federal returns; state and bundle options add $200–$1,000+ depending on modules.
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit
enterpriseAccounting platform with nonprofit features to track finances and generate data exports for Form 990 preparation.
Multi-class fund accounting that simplifies tracking restricted/unrestricted funds for accurate 990 reporting.
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for nonprofit organizations, offering fund accounting, donor management, and financial reporting tools. While it excels in day-to-day bookkeeping and generates reports that support Form 990 preparation, it is not a dedicated 990 tax software and requires exporting data to specialized tax tools for actual filing. It helps nonprofits track revenue, expenses, and grants but lacks built-in e-filing or automated 990 form generation.
Pros
- Strong fund accounting with class and location tracking for 990 schedules
- Generates customizable financial reports and P&Ls useful for 990 data compilation
- Cloud accessibility and mobile app for real-time nonprofit financial management
Cons
- No direct Form 990 preparation, e-filing, or tax form generation
- Requires integrations or manual exports to true 990 tax software
- Higher cost relative to dedicated 990 tools, especially for small nonprofits
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits seeking integrated accounting software that supports 990 data gathering alongside general bookkeeping.
Pricing
Nonprofit pricing starts at $75/month (discounted from standard rates) for Plus plan; Advanced at $150/month; annual discounts available.
Conclusion
The review of 990 tax software showcases a strong lineup, with ExpressTax Exempt leading as the top choice for its specialized focus on cloud-based e-filing of various 990 forms, ensuring efficiency for nonprofits. Tax990 stands out for its guided interviews and error checks, ideal for thorough preparation, while FormLab excels for desktop users needing professional document generation. Each tool meets distinct needs, offering reliable options for accurate 990 filings.
Ready to simplify your Form 990 process? Start with ExpressTax Exempt, our top-ranked tool, or explore Tax990 or FormLab to find the perfect fit for your needs—either way, these tools deliver the reliability you require.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.