Shopping for new tax software?

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?

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

Nick Boscia, CPA, EA—Boscia & Boscia PC

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:

1. Robust reliability and accuracy. 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® Tax, and even as we’ve modernized every other aspect of the firm, our confidence in reliable tax software remains critical.
2. Cutting-edge updates to stay ahead of tax law changes. Being part of the Intuit Tax Council, I value software that doesn’t just react to change—it anticipates them. The best platforms integrate the latest legislation and provide timely alerts, calculators, and guidance. In our firm, staying ahead of evolving tax law isn’t just compliance—it’s part of the proactive advisory value we deliver.
3. Seamless workflow integration and admin reduction. The software must plug into our broader tech ecosystem, enabling us to reduce admin time and improve internal collaboration. We integrate Lacerte with SmartVault for secure document management, and use Financial Cents to manage workflows. When these systems talk to each other, our processes become exponentially more efficient—allowing us to complete more returns in less time without burning out the team.
4. Ease of use for rapid team onboarding. We hire interns and new staff regularly, so our tools must be intuitive. We don’t 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.
5. Enhanced client experience tools. Client experience is everything. Our firm relies heavily on tools that support e-signature, digital organizers, and secure portals. For example, SmartVault and Lacerte enable clients to upload documents, review returns, and sign 8879s from their phones. Clients want fast, easy, and secure—and the right tax software must support that.

H. Randy Hughes, CPA—Counting Pennies, LLC

When I evaluate tax software, I’m not just looking at bells and whistles—I’m looking at whether it actually works for my business:. First, it has to be functional. That means full form coverage, seamless e-filing, and intelligent diagnostics that don’t leave me cleaning up behind a machine during crunch time. Second, I consider pricing with scalability 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—non-negotiable—data security and accessibility. Our team works across multiple locations, so I need cloud-based software that’s encrypted, backed up regularly and automatically, and allows multiple users to access real-time data without bottlenecks or issues. When you’re managing seven-figure businesses, “hope for the best” is not a data strategy.

Al-Nesha Jones, CPA, MBA—ASE Group

1. It must be cloud-based. 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 in the background without us having to worry about it.
2. It needs to create real efficiencies and make life easier. 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.
3. It has to be easy to use for our team and our clients. It shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to navigate it. The platform should feel intuitive and logical, not overwhelming.
4. Pricing should be clear and simple. I don’t enjoy feeling nickel-and-dimed. I appreciate pricing models that are straightforward enough that even a non-accountant could easily understand what they’re paying for—no surprises or fine print traps.

John Jordan, CPA PA

Almost four of these really relate to time savings directly or indirectly:

1. Automations: What can the software do for me to make the tax prep process faster and more accurate? 
2. Integrations: What other tools I use can it work with? 
3. IT Management: 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?
4. Value: 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.

Megan Leesley, CPA—Dark Horse CPAs

When looking at tax software options, I’m looking for a few key things:

• Cost of implementation. Obviously, the cost of the software is always going to be a consideration, but a higher-priced option may not be an immediate no; it really depends on the value I am getting for the money.  For example, if I know we can increase our efficiencies by 25% or offer new/better advisory services that command a higher price point from our clients, I’m going to look at the delta between the actual cost of the software and the estimated increased revenue that we could bring in upon implementing that software.
• Ease of implementation. What is the learning curve? How is customer support during and after implementation? Is the software user friendly and intuitive, or am I going to have to expend valuable time on learning materials and training sessions in order to achieve full team adoption and competent use of the software?
• Partnership with the company: We want to work with software providers who want to work with us. Moving the public accounting industry forward, especially in tax where so many of the processes are stuck in the past, is a team effort and we want to be on the forefront of that effort.  Partnering with companies who want, and will use, our feedback to continually improve and innovate—and who can help us do the same—is vital in moving toward this goal.
• Actual functionality of the software. This last one goes without saying, but still worth mentioning. In particular, I want to know how the software will make my life and my team’s life easier. What gap(s) does it fill?  What automations are in place to take mundane or non-value add tasks off our plates so we can focus on the work that matters most to us and our clients?

Shahab Maslehati, ChFC, CFE—owner of Seed Money Consulting

Security: I look for best practices around information technology security. Since Intuit ProConnect™ Tax is cloud based, it is compliant with our policy to only use cloud-based applications and maintain no data at local workstations. This minimizes the risk of losing control of data, since access to workstations can be remotely terminated and the access rights also terminated. The other benefit to the cloud-based application is team efficiency.

Power: The other item that is a must is not cutting corners with technology. You must understand how to integrate the strongest and most powerful applications into your practice out of a duty for your clients. ProConnect Tax is outstanding because it integrates with accounting and planning software. The differentiator is the ability to use Intuit Tax Advisor, which allows practitioners to build a pro-forma tax return and annual financial plan. The plan provides a unique perspective on how administering investments directly or indirectly impacts your annual tax rate.

Ease of Use: The intuit GUI environment is really a common sense point-and-click type organization. The company has technicians and customer support standing by in case you need help with any settings adjustments or how to use the program in general. The system of care makes this application easily adoptable by new staff.

Tania Santos, EA—Platinum Tax, Payroll, and Bookkeeping

1. Help in recognizing potential errors in the return (diagnostics).
2. Easy navigation: I want to be able to move from one window/place to another fast and easy, and be able to return to where I was.
3. Customer service: Machines only do what you tell them to do, so if they are not following my instructions or I am not instructing correctly, I’d love help from the customer service team.

Tatiana Tsoir, CPA—Linza Advisors

• I look for it being cloud; I never want the responsibility of managing my own server and we are all Mac-based, so being in the cloud is critical.
• I look for a strong company with ample resources for cybersecurity.
• I look for the software to be able to have complex forms and scenarios, and robust diagnostics and recommendations.
• Strong support that picks up the phone, resolves stuff, and sees through the resolution of an issue.

What do you look for when shopping for tax software? Leave us a comment below to let us know.