2020 Review of TaxSlayer Pro

From the 2020 reviews of professional tax preparation systems.

TaxSlayer Pro is the professional version of the commercial product, TaxSlayer. TaxSlayer Pro offers on-premise and cloud accessible applications and is better suited for firms that prepare a high number of returns annually. TaxSlayer Pro currently offers three plan options: Classic, Premium, and Web, with all editions offering individual and business tax preparation and filing options.

What’s New

TaxSlayer Pro includes numerous updates for tax year 2019. In addition, the latest version of TaxSlayer Pro allows users to file individual returns using the on-premise application or directly from the cloud.

Product Features

TaxSlayer Pro’s user interface includes a grid for access to tax returns, e-file returns, the help center, and the print returns option. To the right of the grid is a quick menu that offers access to other system features.  There is a series of colorful icons at the top of the screen that provide access to features like appointments, client status, and e-file status.

Users can select a client from the client list or add a new client to the application. TaxSlayer Pro mirrors the tax form during the entry process, with a menu to the left of the screen that allows users to skip to a specific area within the form.  A form finder is on the bottom left side of the screen with any diagnostic errors listed at the bottom of the form.

TaxSlayer Pro supports all individual federal and state forms as well as related tax schedules. A variety of business forms including 706, 709, 990, 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120S, and 5500 are available in TaxSlayer Pro (Classic and Premium versions) as well. The application includes unlimited e-filing of all forms, with users able to manage all e-filed forms directly from the client status screen.

TaxSlayer Pro also offers a mobile app that is available as a compliment to the Premium and Web versions of the program. The app, TaxesToGo supports both iOS and Android smart phones and tablets, and allows users basic data entry from mobile devices. The completed information is then uploaded directly to the full application, where the rest of the form can be completed and e-filed when the professional returns to the office. [GP1] Clients also have access to their return status through the Tax Status Now feature, eliminating phone calls and email queries about returns from clients. The system includes the Paper Cut Paperless Office utility for digitizing (into PDF) client returns and documents. In addition, using the paperless office option, users can scan and save all tax related client documents including W-2s and 1099s. All documents stored in Paper Cut are automatically encrypted as well, making it safe to share with clients.

Additional modules available from TaxSlayer Pro include the TaxBook Web Library, a tax and accounting research system that offers the latest tax information in an easy to search format. Also available is the TaxSlayer Pro service bureau option, which includes the ability to become a TaxSlayer reseller. Mentioned earlier, TaxSlayer Pro also integrates with a variety of banking applications including Republic Bank, Refund Advantage, Refundo, TPG, and EPS, all offering refunds for clients.

TaxSlayer Pro offers a good selection of help and support options. Users have access to a comprehensive knowledgebase, as well as a series of on-demand help and training videos. There is also a getting started guide that is updated yearly, which users can access online or download as a PDF. A demo of TaxSlayer Pro can be downloaded directly from the website, and the product offers easily accessible help and support options from within the application. Users can access a variety of support options from the TaxSlayer Pro Support page, including help videos, as well as email support. A support ticket can be created from the TaxSlayer Pro website, with users able to access general and popular support questions as well. During tax season, product support, including telephone support is available Monday through Saturday, with off season support available during regular business hours.

TaxSlayer Pro is a good fit for small to mid-sized accounting firms. The Classic version of TaxSlayer Pro is desktop focused with no app, is priced at $1,195 per year, and includes both individual and business tax returns and unlimited e-filing. The Premium plan costs $1,495 per year, with a mobile app included, and the Web plan is costs $1,395 per year with the mobile app. The Web version has limited business tax filing options.

2020 Rating – 4.5 Stars

Strengths:

• Intuitive user interface
• On-premise or web accessibility
• Mobile app available

Potential Limitations:

• Does not offer tax planning capability
• No integration with third-party accounting or tax applications