A Definitive List of IRS-Approved Tax Software for Preparers in 2025

Finding the right software can help tax professionals streamline the tax return preparation and filing process. 

Selecting an IRS-approved provider of tax software for preparers in 2025 will ensure compliance with federal regulations while offering features that enhance accuracy and efficiency, ensuring your taxes are filed by April 15.

There are solutions to meet every need, from platforms designed for high-volume firms to budget-friendly options for independent preparers. 

This guide explores the top IRS-approved tax software for 2025, helping tax professionals make an informed choice.

What Makes a Good Definitive List of IRS-Approved Tax Software for Preparers in 2025?

When choosing IRS-approved tax software for 2025, tax preparers should consider efficiency, security and cost-effectiveness, as well as the rewards, benefits and protections each platform offers to improve their workflow and safeguard client data.

Intuit ProConnect Tax

Intuit ProConnect Tax is a cloud-based professional tax software designed for flexibility and efficiency. 

It provides tax preparation tools, including more than 21,000 critical diagnostics and more than 5,700 forms, bank-level encryption and tax advisory insights. It also supports remote collaboration. 

Intuit ProConnect Tax offers four packages, depending on your firm’s client base, that include all federal, state and business returns. 

The Essentials package starts at $3,525 for firms that file mostly individual returns. It allows you to complete 100 total returns, including up to 25 business returns. 

The Plus package, starting at $6,390, is suitable for firms that file both individual and business returns. It allows you to prepare 200 total returns, including up to 50 business returns. 

You’ll have to call for pricing on the Advanced and Enterprise packages, which accommodate firms that file higher volumes of individual and business returns. 

Why We Picked It: The software integrates with QuickBooks Online Accountant and automatically generates strategies from clients’ prior-year tax returns. It offers direct access to IRS Transcripts, 1040 import and the ability to review and adjust QuickBooks balances.

TaxSlayer Pro

TaxSlayer Pro, which offers cloud-based and desktop solutions, allows professional tax preparers to file individual and business tax returns. 

Its features include 1040 federal, state and local tax return preparation and integrated bank products for faster client refunds and quicker preparer payments.

TaxSlayer Pro offers resources and tax education, including training seminars, IRS tax forums and a blog, to help tax preparers stay updated and proficient. 

TaxSlayer Pro offers tax preparers three packages, and you can test them out for free. 

The Classic package, which costs $1,395, includes almost everything a tax preparer needs and allows you to file unlimited tax returns. You get year-round support in English and Spanish at no additional cost. 

For $1,595, its Web package allows you to prepare and e-file individual tax returns on multiple devices. The flat rate allows you to prepare and file unlimited tax returns. Its depreciation module makes it easy to enter your clients' assets, select the correct depreciation method and transfer the calculated depreciation expenses to the proper line on the return.

TaxSlayer Pro Premium, priced at $1,695, supports many tax forms that allow you to file federal and state corporate business returns. It also includes Adpack, where you get production-ready print media for your office, including banners, promotional handouts, mailers and email templates to brand your tax business. 

Why We Picked It: The software’s TaxesToGo mobile app allows clients to send you their tax information, eliminating the need for in-office visits. 

TaxAct Professional

TaxAct Professional caters to tax professionals with its comprehensive online and desktop software suite designed to streamline tax preparation. 

The software supports various tax forms, including 1040s, business returns and multistate filings. It offers features like unlimited e-filing, free technical support and bank product integration to improve tax preparers' workflow. 

Its user-friendly interface and error-checking features minimize the risk of costly mistakes. The software also includes tools for client management, allowing preparers to track client data and manage their practice efficiently.

The platform’s online version, TaxAct Professional Online, allows remote access and collaboration, while the desktop version offers a more traditional experience.

Whether you’re a one-person shop or have multiple people working on tax preparation, TaxAct Professional has a package suitable for your needs. Prices range from $149.99 for the 1040 Pay-Per-Return Edition to $2,295 for the Complete Enterprise Bundle, accommodating multiple users and unlimited e-filings for supported IRS forms.

Why We Picked It: TaxAct Professional provides secure data storage and automatic updates to ensure tax professionals always have the latest tax forms and regulations. 

Drake Tax Software

Drake Tax Software offers desktop and cloud-based options to meet the diverse needs of professional tax preparers. 

It supports a range of tax forms, including 1040s, business returns and multistate filings. It’s known for its extensive features, such as unlimited e-filing, integrated bank products and a user-friendly interface that simplifies complex tax calculations. 

The software has built-in diagnostic tools that minimize errors and ensure compliance with the latest tax laws. Drake Tax also provides extensive support resources, including live chat, phone support and online training, to ensure tax professionals can get help when needed. Its commitment to customer service and regular software updates has earned Drake Tax a reputation for reliability and performance. 

Drake offers flexible pricing options on packages for single and multiple users to suit different practices.

Why We Picked It: The Drake Tax Planner allows you to analyze different tax scenarios and compare filing options for the best results.

ProSeries Tax

ProSeries Tax, developed by Intuit, is tax software designed for tax professionals who manage a variety of client portfolios. 

It offers both desktop and online solutions to provide flexibility and accessibility. ProSeries is known for its comprehensive features, including support for various tax forms, multistate filings and complex tax calculations.

ProSeries offers various packages and pricing options suitable for different practice sizes and needs. You can pre-order a free trial to see if ProSeries is right for you.

Why We Picked It: You can show your clients their bottom line, income and deductions, as well as comparisons to previous years. You can also generate up to 73 tax planning suggestions to help clients reduce their future taxes. 

Lacerte Tax

Lacerte Tax, another Intuit product, is designed for experienced tax professionals handling complex returns. It caters to firms dealing with high-net-worth individuals and complex business tax situations. 

Lacerte supports various tax forms, including advanced forms for partnerships, corporations and estates, to ensure thorough and accurate tax preparation.

The software excels at performing complex calculations and in-depth diagnostics to minimize errors. Its integration with other Intuit products, such as QuickBooks, streamlines data transfers. Lacerte also offers features like customizable client letters and secure document management. 

The software also offers specialized modules and add-ons, allowing professionals to customize the platform for their needs. 

Why We Picked It: Lacerte offers various training courses and how-to video tutorials to help you get started. New users can also participate in its Easy STart First-year onboarding program to get the most out of the software. 

CCH Axcess Tax Essentials

CCH Axcess Tax, a product of Wolters Kluwer, is a cloud-based tax preparation software designed for small tax firms that need advanced capabilities. 

It can handle complex tax situations and supports various tax forms, including individual, corporate, partnership and estate tax returns. The software uses automation to reduce manual data entry and streamline tax preparation. 

CCH Axcess Tax’s advanced features include automated tax planning and sophisticated reporting capabilities that enable tax professionals to advise their clients strategically. 

The software improves efficiency and streamlines the last mile of the tax process by automating tasks like batch calculations, batch printing and batch filing extensions. It also allows for e-signature collection for any document. 

The interface allows you to display four tabs and windows at a time, so you can see multiple worksheets and forms simultaneously. Your navigation history is recorded to easily revisit worksheets and forms opened earlier in the session. 

Why We Picked It: Alerts notify you of incomplete returns or tasks, changes that need to be reviewed and conflicts that need to be resolved.

How We Chose These IRS-Approved Tax Software for Preparers in 2025

Benzinga considered software features aligned with common professional needs, including multistate support, business tax capabilities, integration with accounting software and diagnostic tools. We looked at pricing structures and support options and factored in software updates and whether the software adapts to evolving tax laws. 

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