{"id":59827,"date":"2025-05-12T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/taxprocenter.proconnect.intuit.com\/?p=59827"},"modified":"2025-09-03T10:39:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T15:39:03","slug":"shopping-for-new-tax-software","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/accountants.intuit.com\/taxprocenter\/practice-management\/workflow-tools\/shopping-for-new-tax-software\/","title":{"rendered":"Shopping for new tax software?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For several months after the busy season deadline ends, firms evaluate their tax software for its effectiveness during the most recent season. For example, did your tax software integrate with your accounting program to enable maximum efficiency? What was your ROI with regard to the time spent learning the software and actually using it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every firm is different because the variables to consider are always different. I went to members of the Intuit\u00ae Tax Council for their input when it comes to bringing on new software, and here’s what they had to say.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Accountant<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Nick Boscia, CPA, EA<\/strong>\u2014Boscia & Boscia PC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are five key qualities I prioritize when evaluating tax software, drawn from my experience transforming Boscia & Boscia PC into a tech-forward, workflow-optimized firm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Robust reliability and accuracy<\/strong>. First and foremost, tax software must be dependable. At Boscia & Boscia, we handle complex individual and business returns, so accuracy is non-negotiable. Software should handle the nuances of federal and state regulations without glitches or surprises. Our foundation was built on Intuit Lacerte\u00ae Tax<\/a>, and even as we\u2019ve modernized every other aspect of the firm, our confidence in reliable tax software remains critical.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Cutting-edge updates to stay ahead of tax law changes<\/strong>. Being part of the Intuit Tax Council, I value software that doesn\u2019t just react to change\u2014it anticipates them<\/em>. The best platforms integrate the latest legislation and provide timely alerts, calculators, and guidance. In our firm, staying ahead of evolving tax law isn\u2019t just compliance\u2014it\u2019s part of the proactive advisory value we deliver.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Seamless workflow integration and admin reduction<\/strong>. The software must plug into our broader tech ecosystem, enabling us to reduce admin time and improve internal collaboration. We integrate Lacerte with SmartVault<\/a> for secure document management, and use Financial Cents<\/a> to manage workflows. When these systems talk to each other, our processes become exponentially more efficient\u2014allowing us to complete more returns in less time without burning out the team.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Ease of use for rapid team onboarding<\/strong>. We hire interns and new staff regularly, so our tools must be intuitive. We don\u2019t have time for steep learning curves; our focus is on building a repeatable, scalable process. Software that offers logical workflows, built-in training resources, and responsive support helps new team members become productive within days, not weeks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Enhanced client experience tools<\/strong>. Client experience is everything. Our firm relies heavily on tools that support e-signature<\/a>, digital organizers, and secure portals<\/a>. For example, SmartVault and Lacerte enable clients to upload documents, review returns, and sign 8879s from their phones. Clients want fast, easy, and secure\u2014and the right tax software must support that.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    H. Randy Hughes, CPA<\/strong>\u2014Counting Pennies, LLC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When I evaluate tax software, I\u2019m not just looking at bells and whistles\u2014I\u2019m looking at whether it actually works for my business:. First, it has to be functional<\/strong>. That means full form coverage, seamless e-filing, and intelligent diagnostics that don\u2019t leave me cleaning up behind a machine during crunch time. Second, I consider pricing with scalability<\/strong> in mind. Some systems look affordable on the surface, but bleed you dry with hidden fees as your client base grows or changes. And finally\u2014non-negotiable\u2014data security and accessibility<\/strong>. Our team works across multiple locations, so I need cloud-based software that\u2019s encrypted, backed up regularly and automatically, and allows multiple users to access real-time data without bottlenecks or issues. When you\u2019re managing seven-figure businesses, “hope for the best” is not a data strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Al-Nesha<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Al-Nesha Jones, CPA, MBA<\/strong>\u2014ASE Group<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. It must be cloud-based. <\/strong>I don’t want myself, my team, or my clients to be restricted by location. Flexibility is non-negotiable. We’re not IT pros either, so I need updates to happen automagically<\/em> in the background without us having to worry about it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. It needs to create real efficiencies and make life easier. <\/strong>I’m always looking for ways to streamline the process with less manual data entry and more smart integrations. Does it play nicely with the other tools we already use? Can it scan and upload documents without turning it into a whole project? If I put info into one spot, will it auto-fill where it needs to go? That matters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. It has to be easy to use for our team and our clients. <\/strong>It shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to navigate it. The platform should feel intuitive and logical, not overwhelming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Pricing should be clear and simple. <\/strong>I don\u2019t enjoy feeling nickel-and-dimed. I appreciate pricing models that are straightforward enough that even a non-accountant could easily understand what they\u2019re paying for\u2014no surprises or fine print traps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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      \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

      John Jordan, CPA PA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Almost four of these really relate to time savings directly or indirectly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Automations: <\/strong>What can the software do for me to make the tax prep process faster and more accurate? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Integrations:<\/strong> What other tools I use can it work with? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. IT Management:<\/strong> As a small firm, does the software allow me to manage it and easily scale it as needed, or is it going to require more cost via hosting or a managed service provider?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Value: <\/strong>Compared to other tax software on the market, does it provide me with the tools and features I need for a reasonable price? This allows me to provide insights and more value to my own clients.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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        \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

        Megan Leesley, CPA<\/strong>\u2014Dark Horse CPAs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        When looking at tax software options, I\u2019m looking for a few key things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n