Accounting software is the cornerstone of every CPA firm. Some names are practically legends in the industry, and for good reason. They consistently earn high marks for integration, ease of use and improved workflow.
Which packages are tops in the industry right now? Drake, Intuit Pro Series and ATX. Here’s how they stack up. Series and ATX. Here’s how they stack up.
#1: Drake Software
Ranked highest by accountants, Drake software is the most likely package to be chosen, according to the Journal of Accountancy. Users say simple installation and updates, data transfers with returns and ACA calculations are among the strengths that make this product a well-rounded accounting solution.
CPA Practice Advisor says Drake is an “affordable, all-inclusive professional tax preparation system.” It’s especially suited to 1040 clients and is flexible enough to fit firms of any size. It earned 4.75 stars.
Pros
- Affordable
- Solid practice management tools
- All-inclusive tax compliance for every state and entity
- Tax planning, analysis, write-up and analysis tools
- Add-on feature capable of automatic form population
- Online hosted option
Cons
- Not as agile as it could be for complex tax issues.
- No mobile apps
Software for small firms needs the ability to hit the ground running with intuitive tools and minimal training.
#2: Intuit ProSeries
For smaller to mid-size tax firms, Intuit Pro Series is one of the best-rated accounting software packages on the market. According to CPA Advisor, it earns 4.5 stars.
It offers mid-range tax solutions including client management, data collection, tax planning, document management and more, says CPA Advisor. It’s priced well, has advanced data collection and integration tools and helps eliminate bumps in the workflow.
Pros
- Easy to learn
- Integrates easily with Quickbooks
- Data collection and e-signature tools
Cons
- No mobile apps
- No remote capabilities
- Not designed for larger firms
#3: ATX Professional Software
ATX ranks in the top three of all accounting professional software for small to mid-size firms. According to Journal of Accountancy, 91.2 percent of users would recommend it to a peer or someone starting a new practice.
Ease of use is one of the consistent pros reported by ATX users. It performs well with busy-season updates, handles data transfers, facilitates electronic tax filing and has an overall rating of 4.3. Updates and installations are low-hassle, as well.
Pros
- Thousands of compliance forms
- Forms-based interface
- Integrated tax law research for easier workflow
Cons
- Support isn’t as good as it could be
- Complicated data import
- Integration with other software needs work
There have never been more software choices available for CPAs. Some of the newest packages show plenty of promise with innovative tools. But some of them also come with the usual snags that are inherent to software with little or no history.
For your firm, the choices are probably simple. Top-rated packages have proven their worth through the busiest tax seasons, and then some. The same applies to your continuing education. A trusted provider takes one more worry off your plate. Check out our CPA approved courses at PDH Academy today.
