Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lacerte - Advanced professional tax preparation software with comprehensive support for complex business returns, diagnostics, and integrations.
- 2#2: UltraTax CS - Full-featured tax compliance suite for professionals handling business entity taxes, states, and payroll with seamless workflow automation.
- 3#3: Drake Software - High-value professional tax software supporting all business forms, e-filing, and advanced error checks at an affordable price.
- 4#4: CCH Axcess Tax - Cloud-based enterprise tax solution for large firms with robust business tax preparation, collaboration, and compliance tools.
- 5#5: ProSeries - Reliable desktop tax software for small to mid-sized firms preparing business partnerships, S-corps, and C-corps efficiently.
- 6#6: GoSystem Tax RS - Cloud-hosted tax prep platform optimized for complex business filings with secure sharing and multi-user access.
- 7#7: TaxSlayer Pro - Cost-effective professional software for business tax returns with fast e-filing and strong customer support.
- 8#8: TurboTax Business - Desktop software simplifying tax filing for small businesses, sole proprietors, partnerships, and S-corporations.
- 9#9: H&R Block Premium & Business - User-friendly tax prep for self-employed and small businesses with guidance for federal and state business taxes.
- 10#10: TaxAct Professional - Affordable online and desktop tax filing for businesses including LLCs, partnerships, and corporations with basic features.
Tools were ranked based on critical factors including feature robustness for complex business returns, usability across different firm scales, reliability in error checking and compliance, and overall value, ensuring a balanced assessment for users.
Comparison Table
Business tax filing demands efficient tools, and selecting the right software is critical for accuracy and time management. This comparison table examines top options including Lacerte, UltraTax CS, Drake Software, CCH Axcess Tax, ProSeries, and more, outlining their key features. Readers will learn how to match these platforms to their firm's needs, whether for simplicity, advanced capabilities, or scalability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lacerte Advanced professional tax preparation software with comprehensive support for complex business returns, diagnostics, and integrations. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | UltraTax CS Full-featured tax compliance suite for professionals handling business entity taxes, states, and payroll with seamless workflow automation. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Drake Software High-value professional tax software supporting all business forms, e-filing, and advanced error checks at an affordable price. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | CCH Axcess Tax Cloud-based enterprise tax solution for large firms with robust business tax preparation, collaboration, and compliance tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | ProSeries Reliable desktop tax software for small to mid-sized firms preparing business partnerships, S-corps, and C-corps efficiently. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | GoSystem Tax RS Cloud-hosted tax prep platform optimized for complex business filings with secure sharing and multi-user access. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | TaxSlayer Pro Cost-effective professional software for business tax returns with fast e-filing and strong customer support. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | TurboTax Business Desktop software simplifying tax filing for small businesses, sole proprietors, partnerships, and S-corporations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 9 | H&R Block Premium & Business User-friendly tax prep for self-employed and small businesses with guidance for federal and state business taxes. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | TaxAct Professional Affordable online and desktop tax filing for businesses including LLCs, partnerships, and corporations with basic features. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
Advanced professional tax preparation software with comprehensive support for complex business returns, diagnostics, and integrations.
Full-featured tax compliance suite for professionals handling business entity taxes, states, and payroll with seamless workflow automation.
High-value professional tax software supporting all business forms, e-filing, and advanced error checks at an affordable price.
Cloud-based enterprise tax solution for large firms with robust business tax preparation, collaboration, and compliance tools.
Reliable desktop tax software for small to mid-sized firms preparing business partnerships, S-corps, and C-corps efficiently.
Cloud-hosted tax prep platform optimized for complex business filings with secure sharing and multi-user access.
Cost-effective professional software for business tax returns with fast e-filing and strong customer support.
Desktop software simplifying tax filing for small businesses, sole proprietors, partnerships, and S-corporations.
User-friendly tax prep for self-employed and small businesses with guidance for federal and state business taxes.
Affordable online and desktop tax filing for businesses including LLCs, partnerships, and corporations with basic features.
Lacerte
enterpriseAdvanced professional tax preparation software with comprehensive support for complex business returns, diagnostics, and integrations.
Precision diagnostics engine that proactively identifies errors, missed deductions, and optimization opportunities across all forms
Lacerte Tax, from Intuit's ProConnect suite, is a premium professional tax preparation software tailored for CPAs and tax firms handling complex business tax returns including partnerships, S-corporations, C-corporations, and multi-state filings. It provides extensive support for federal and state forms, automated calculations, e-filing, and direct deposit services. The software excels in diagnostics, error-checking, and workflow optimization to streamline high-volume tax preparation.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for over 10,000 forms and complex business entities
- Advanced diagnostics and quality review tools that minimize errors
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks and robust e-filing capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High pricing that may not suit solo practitioners
- Occasional performance lags with very large datasets
Best For
Established CPA firms and high-volume tax professionals preparing intricate business returns.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$1,500/year for 100 returns; unlimited plans from $4,000+ annually, with pay-per-return options.
UltraTax CS
enterpriseFull-featured tax compliance suite for professionals handling business entity taxes, states, and payroll with seamless workflow automation.
Intelligent Diagnostics engine that automatically flags errors, omissions, and compliance risks across returns
UltraTax CS is a professional tax preparation software from Thomson Reuters designed for CPAs and accounting firms specializing in business tax returns, including C-corporations (1120), S-corporations (1120S), partnerships (1065), and multi-state filings. It offers automated computations, e-filing, diagnostics, and integration with practice management tools like CS Professional Suite. The platform ensures compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements through robust error-checking and quality review features.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for all major business entity types with multi-state compliance
- Advanced diagnostics and Smart Diagnostics for error prevention and quality assurance
- Seamless e-filing, direct deposit, and integration with Thomson Reuters ecosystem
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and relational data entry
- High subscription costs that scale with firm size and modules
- Primarily desktop-based with limited cloud or mobile options
Best For
Mid-sized to large accounting firms and tax professionals handling high volumes of complex business returns.
Pricing
Module-based subscription pricing starts at around $3,000-$5,000 annually for basic business packages, scaling up based on users, returns, and add-ons; custom quotes required.
Drake Software
enterpriseHigh-value professional tax software supporting all business forms, e-filing, and advanced error checks at an affordable price.
SuperFast e-filing with guaranteed rapid acceptance rates and built-in error-checking for business returns
Drake Software is a professional-grade tax preparation platform specializing in business tax filing, supporting key forms like 1065 for partnerships, 1120 for C-corporations, and 1120S for S-corporations, along with numerous schedules and state returns. It offers electronic filing, data import/export capabilities, and diagnostic tools to ensure compliance and accuracy. Designed for tax professionals, it emphasizes reliability, speed, and cost-effectiveness during peak tax seasons.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage of federal and all 50 state business tax forms
- Exceptional customer support with live help during tax season
- Cost-effective pricing with high value for high-volume filers
Cons
- Outdated graphical user interface compared to modern competitors
- Limited advanced workflow automation and integrations
- Steeper learning curve for new users without prior tax software experience
Best For
Mid-sized tax firms and professional preparers seeking reliable, affordable business tax filing without needing cutting-edge UI.
Pricing
Starts at $1,495 for base business package (purchase) or $595/season lease; per-return pricing from $4-$10, with unlimited e-filing plans for $2,000+.
CCH Axcess Tax
enterpriseCloud-based enterprise tax solution for large firms with robust business tax preparation, collaboration, and compliance tools.
Integrated Axcess Workflow Manager for end-to-end automation of tax prep, review, approval, and delivery processes
CCH Axcess Tax is a cloud-based professional tax preparation software from Wolters Kluwer, tailored for tax firms handling complex business tax filings such as Form 1120, 1065, and 1120S. It provides comprehensive support for federal, state, and local returns with advanced diagnostics, error-checking, and e-filing capabilities. The platform integrates workflow automation, document management, and research tools to streamline operations for accounting professionals.
Pros
- Robust support for complex business tax forms and multi-state compliance
- Cloud-based accessibility with real-time collaboration and strong security
- Advanced automation, diagnostics, and integration with practice management tools
Cons
- High cost with custom pricing that may not suit small firms
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Occasional performance lags during peak tax season
Best For
Mid-sized to large tax firms and CPAs specializing in corporate, partnership, and S-corp tax returns.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on firm size, users, and return volume; typically starts at $5,000–$10,000 annually for small firms and scales to $50,000+ for larger practices.
ProSeries
enterpriseReliable desktop tax software for small to mid-sized firms preparing business partnerships, S-corps, and C-corps efficiently.
Advanced asset and depreciation management with automated AMT calculations
ProSeries by Intuit is professional tax software tailored for CPAs and tax preparers, enabling efficient preparation of federal and state tax returns for individuals and various business entities like partnerships (1065), S-corporations (1120S), and C-corporations (1120). It offers robust tools for data entry, error diagnostics, e-filing, and bank product integration to expedite refunds. The software emphasizes accuracy and compliance with IRS guidelines through automated calculations and review workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for complex business forms and schedules
- Strong error-checking diagnostics and e-filing reliability
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for client data import
Cons
- High subscription costs for full business modules
- Desktop-only installation with limited cloud flexibility
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
Best For
Mid-sized accounting firms and tax professionals handling high volumes of business entity returns.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at around $1,500-$3,000 per user depending on modules, with business packages higher.
GoSystem Tax RS
enterpriseCloud-hosted tax prep platform optimized for complex business filings with secure sharing and multi-user access.
Relational database structure that allows seamless data propagation and consistency across interconnected returns and entities
GoSystem Tax RS from Thomson Reuters is an enterprise-grade tax preparation software tailored for professional accountants handling complex business tax returns, including C-corporations, S-corporations, partnerships, and multi-state filings. It features a relational database architecture that enables efficient data sharing across related entities, advanced diagnostics, and seamless e-filing. The platform supports high-volume processing and integrates with other Thomson Reuters tools for enhanced workflow efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for complex business entities and multi-state returns
- Powerful relational database for data consistency across returns
- Robust diagnostics, error-checking, and e-filing capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Higher pricing suited only for larger firms
- Interface can feel outdated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large tax firms preparing high volumes of intricate business and partnership returns.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $5,000-$10,000+ annually per user, scaled by firm size, return volume, and modules.
TaxSlayer Pro
specializedCost-effective professional software for business tax returns with fast e-filing and strong customer support.
Exceptional value pricing with full business form support starting under $2,000 for entry-level pros
TaxSlayer Pro is professional-grade tax preparation software tailored for tax pros handling business and individual returns, supporting key forms like Schedule C, 1065, 1120, and 1120S for federal and multi-state e-filing. It offers tiered packages with tools for data import, error checks, and client management to streamline workflows. Ideal for firms seeking reliable, cost-effective solutions without the complexity of enterprise-level software.
Pros
- Affordable tiered pricing for various firm sizes
- Strong e-filing success rates and multi-state support
- Responsive customer support with live chat and training resources
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and planning tools
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Desktop version requires local installation and updates
Best For
Small to mid-sized tax firms or independent preparers prioritizing value and simplicity in business tax filing.
Pricing
Tiered annual plans from $1,295 (Bronze, up to 100 returns) to $4,995 (Platinum, unlimited returns), with per-return fees for additional states.
TurboTax Business
specializedDesktop software simplifying tax filing for small businesses, sole proprietors, partnerships, and S-corporations.
Direct QuickBooks import that populates forms automatically from financial data
TurboTax Business is a desktop software solution from Intuit designed specifically for small business owners filing returns for partnerships (Form 1065), S-corporations (1120S), C-corporations (1120), and multi-member LLCs. It offers step-by-step interview guidance to simplify complex business tax preparation, with support for e-filing federal and state returns. The software excels in importing data directly from QuickBooks, reducing manual entry errors.
Pros
- Intuitive step-by-step interview process familiar to TurboTax users
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automatic data import
- Maximum refund guarantee and live expert support options
Cons
- Desktop-only (Windows required), no online or mobile access
- High one-time cost with no subscription discounts
- Does not support sole proprietorships or single-member LLCs (Schedule C)
Best For
Small business owners of partnerships, S-corps, or C-corps seeking guided, DIY tax filing with QuickBooks integration.
Pricing
One-time purchase around $190 for federal + state e-file (2023 pricing).
H&R Block Premium & Business
specializedUser-friendly tax prep for self-employed and small businesses with guidance for federal and state business taxes.
Seamless handling of both personal and business returns in one package, including direct e-filing for complex forms like 1065 and 1120S
H&R Block Premium & Business is a desktop tax software solution tailored for individuals with complex personal tax situations and small business owners needing to file returns for sole proprietorships (Schedule C), partnerships (Form 1065), S-corporations (1120S), and C-corporations (1120). It features a step-by-step interview process, automatic calculations for depreciation and assets, and support for multi-state filings. The software ensures accuracy with built-in error checks and offers e-filing for both federal and state business returns.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for multiple business entity types including partnerships and S-Corps
- User-friendly guided interview with import from prior years and QuickBooks
- Includes Worry-Free Audit Support and accuracy guarantees
Cons
- Desktop-only software with no robust online or mobile alternative for business filings
- Requires full upfront purchase without free trial option
- Higher pricing compared to personal tax software editions
Best For
Small business owners and self-employed individuals handling both personal and straightforward business tax returns without needing professional-grade enterprise tools.
Pricing
$115 for federal + state (desktop download; additional states $40 each)
TaxAct Professional
specializedAffordable online and desktop tax filing for businesses including LLCs, partnerships, and corporations with basic features.
Unlimited e-filing for all supported business forms at no extra cost per return
TaxAct Professional is a robust tax preparation software tailored for accountants and tax professionals handling business tax returns, supporting forms like 1120, 1065, 1120S, and 1065K-1. It provides e-filing, multi-client management, and tools for partnerships, corporations, and sole proprietorships. The platform emphasizes efficiency with batch printing, error checks, and integration options for practice workflows.
Pros
- Affordable pricing compared to competitors like Drake or CCH
- Comprehensive support for federal and state business forms
- Reliable e-filing and error-checking tools
Cons
- Interface feels dated and has a learning curve for new users
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics features
- Customer support primarily through self-help resources
Best For
Small to mid-sized tax firms and independent preparers seeking cost-effective business tax filing without premium bells and whistles.
Pricing
Starts at $1,449 for the 1120 bundle (includes unlimited federal returns); pay-per-return options from $10-$100 per form.
Conclusion
The top 3 tools in business tax filing software stand out for their unique strengths, with Lacerte leading as the premiere choice due to its advanced capabilities in handling complex returns and offering robust support. UltraTax CS shines as a full-featured suite ideal for professionals managing entity taxes, states, and payroll, while Drake Software delivers high value and affordability for those prioritizing error checks and e-filing. Together, they cater to diverse needs, ensuring no business is left without a tailored solution.
Don’t miss out—start with Lacerte, the top-ranked tool, to simplify and elevate your business tax filings today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.