Professional tools for an independent office.
The software you file with shapes every day of your season — how fast you prepare returns, how you serve remote clients, and how you get paid. Here's what an independent office needs, and the questions to ask before you choose.
Built for the way
you'll actually work.
Exact capabilities depend on the software package and are confirmed in writing before enrollment — we won't promise a feature your package doesn't include.
Individual returns
Form 1040 and the schedules most households need — wages, credits, dependents, self-employment and more.
Common schedules & state returns
State returns and common federal schedules, so you can serve most clients in one workflow.
E-signature
Collect signatures on authorization forms (such as Form 8879) without an in-person visit, where the software supports it.
Mobile & remote filing
Serve clients who can't come in — intake, document upload and signing from a phone.
Client document portal
A secure place for clients to upload documents instead of email or text messages.
Refund transfers & fee deduction
Where offered, an approved bank partner can deduct your prep fee from a client's refund.
Fee collection options
Collect upfront by card or cash, or through a bank product where available.
Reporting dashboard
Track returns, acknowledgments, rejections, fees and bank-product status through the season.
Business & prior-year returns
Availability depends on the package — confirmed before you enroll.
Refund-transfer and fee-deduction products, if offered, are provided by an approved bank partner and are subject to eligibility, approval, program terms, and fees. Bank partner and specific terms will be confirmed before enrollment.
How to choose professional tax software
Most professional packages can prepare an accurate 1040. The differences that matter to an independent office are coverage (forms and states), pricing model, bank-product options, remote-client tools and the quality of support in February — when everyone needs help at once.
Ask every provider these questions before you sign:
- Which federal forms, schedules and states are included — and which cost extra?
- Is pricing per return, unlimited, or a mix? What happens if you exceed a tier?
- Which bank products are available, what do they cost the taxpayer, and what are the approval requirements?
- Is remote signing, a client portal and mobile intake included or an add-on?
- What support is available during the season — channels, hours, response times?
- Can you prepare prior-year and amended returns? Business returns?
- How is client data protected, and does the setup help you meet your written security plan (WISP)?
Software is only half the decision — the bureau or partner you work through determines your bank-product terms, training and support. Learn how tax service bureaus work.
Pick the tools, then build the business.
Tell us what you file and who you serve — we'll recommend a starting point.