This presentation discusses some of the important consideration to think about when evaluating and purchasing professional tax preparation software.for your new tax practice.

1. TAX PREPARATION
SOFTWARE
Charles Davidson, Accelerated Tax
Systems

2. This presentation discusses some important
considerations when purchasing professional tax
preparation software.
If you have questions, please contact:
Charles Davidson
Accelerated Tax Systems
davidson@acceleratedtaxsystems.com
www.acceleratedtaxsystems.com
Accelerated Tax Systems
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

3.  Software is one of the biggest expenses you
have in this business
 Annual license fee between $100 and $4,500
 Wide variety of quality and features
 Average license fee is about $2,500/ year
 Additional costs may include e-filing, state
modules, and business return modules
Tax Preparation Software
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

4.  Can’t I just use Turbo Tax?
 No!!!!!
 Doesn’t have professional features
 Limited number of returns possible
 Turbo Tax license not for professional use
 Cannot enter PTIN and preparer information
 Violates IRS regulations
Tax Preparation Software
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

5.  Pricing Models
 Up-Front License
 Pay a large license fee one-time
 Unlimited number of tax returns
 Pay-per-Return
 Pay a smaller up-front license fee
 Pay a small fee to complete every tax return
 Extra Fees and Upgrades
 Electronic Filing Fees
 Bank Products
 State Modules
 Advanced Returns (business, estates, trusts, etc.)
Tax Preparation Software
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

6.  Preparation Method
 Interview
 Question and answer format
 Preparers need very little training
 Slower, more involved process
 Forms-based
 Use actual forms to prepare return
 Ability to do more complex returns
 Can be faster with experienced preparers
Tax Preparation Software
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

7.  Considerations
 Licensing – single site vs. office licenses
 Network capability
 Platform - Desktop vs. web-based
 Add-Ons
 Additional state modules
 Business, corporate, or complex return modules
 Importing and Conversion
Tax Preparation Software
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

8.  Features you need
 Client management dashboard
 Integrated e-filing
 Integration with bank products
 Prior-year client importing
Tax Preparation Software
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

9.  Demonstration Versions
 Released every year in October
 Most companies provide demo versions
 Some allow you to prepare actual returns
 Visit vendor websites to download latest version
Tax Preparation Software
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

10.  Accelerated Tax Systems is a full-service
company that provides the products, services,
and resources that help you create and grow a
successful tax practice.
 Tax Education Training
 Software and Bank Products
 Marketing
 Operations
 Consulting Services
Accelerated Tax Systems
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

11.  Accelerated Tax Systems
 We can help you start your tax preparation
business
 Consulting and coaching
 Computer hardware and software
 Bank products
 Training and technical support
 Tax education programs for you and your staff
www.TaxBusinessDirect.com
Accelerated Tax Systems
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

12. Contact Us
Charles Davidson
Accelerated Tax Systems
2910 Weald Way No. 514
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 717-6454
davidson@acceleratedtaxsystems.com
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com
Accelerated Tax Systems
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com