Trying to understand, fill out, and ensure accuracy across all tax forms every time can feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube.
Have you ever solved this cube as quickly as you wished?
Think of tax automation software as a solution that helps solve each layer with no stress.
Depending on the tool and plan you choose, this tool acts as your personal tax consulting firm that helps you through each step — including filling out all these endless forms with minimal or even no involvement from you.
Let’s explore what tax automation software means, how it works, and 5 tools you can test right now after reading this article!
What does tax document automation software do?
Tax automation software serves as a bridge between companies and the IRS, automating the entire tax filing process.
Equipped with calculation algorithms, these tools ensure you align with government tax regulations and rates and declare taxable income within expected guidelines.
Tax document automation software helps individuals and organizations with the following:
- Save time by automating manual data entry and calculations.
- Enhance accuracy and reduce errors, ensuring returns and reports are correct, which mitigates the likelihood of audits and penalties.
- Make sure that filings are always up-to-date and compliant with current laws.
- Save money, since using TAS is cheaper than hiring external tax professionals.
- Offers reporting to help users understand their tax situation better, including tax credits and liabilities, providing a clear picture of financial health.
5 best tax document automation software tools
There is no need to learn the complex tax system by yourself when a personal consultant is available with one click!
We’ve done the research for you — here are five of the best tax automation software options to save you time during tax seasons.
1. TurboTax
As one of the leading tax preparation software programs available, TurboTax offers a user-friendly interface that guides users through their tax returns step-by-step.
Perfect for both individuals and small businesses, TurboTax also has a live assistance feature, so you can consult certified tax professionals any time you need for an almost hands-free approach.
Pricing: The Basic plan, where you do your taxes on your own, costs up to $129. The Assisted plan, where experts help you file your taxes, costs between $89-219. Their Full Service offering, where experts do all your taxes for you, starts at $129.
G2 rating: 4.4/5
Customer support: access to phone and email support.
Free trial: allows you to start the basic plan for free until you file.
Ease of use: 4/5 depending on the selected plan.
Key features:
Document import: easy for users to import W-2 and 1099 forms directly into the platform.
Deductions finder: searches for more than 350 tax deductions and credits.
Audit support: offers audit support and representation in case of an IRS audit.
Mobile app: suitable for both iOS and Android platforms.
2. H&R Block
H&R Block is a comprehensive tax preparation software with extensive support options.
Well-known in the industry for its extensive network of physical locations, H&R Block software also offers powerful online tools for self-filers and small businesses alike.
Pricing: The Basic plan is suitable for those with simple returns and starts at $10 per month. The Deluxe plan costs $35 for federal + $37 for state ($72 total). The Premium plan is best for those who own rental properties or have significant investments. The company’s Self-employed plan costs $85 for federal + $37 for state ($122 total).
G2 rating: 4.2/5
Customer support: access to phone, email, and physical office support.
Free trial: when choosing the DIY option and depending on your tax situation, you might fall under H&R Block’s free online plan.
Ease of use: 4.5/5.
Key features:
Tax pro review: allows users to ask for a professional return review.
In-person support: offers additional help in many physical offices.
Accuracy review: triple-check your return for errors and maximize refunds.
Secure document storage: ensures users can securely store their tax documents online.
3. SurePrep
SurePrep is a perfect solution for accounting firms seeking tax automation.
SurePrep allows firms to receive an instant compatibility report with personalized product details by using its simple 6-question fit assessment tool, helping them know for sure whether this tool will benefit their tax filing process without spending hours exploring available options.
Pricing: SurePrep has customized pricing based on the size and needs of the accounting firm. Prospective customers can contact SurePrep for a personalized quote.
G2 rating: 4.5/5
Customer support: year-round support via chat, phone, email, and video call.
Free trial: when choosing the DIY option and depending on your tax situation, you might fall under H&R Block’s free online plan.
Ease of use: 4.5/5.
Key features:
OCR technology: converts scanned documents into searchable and editable data.
TaxCaddy: acts as a client collaboration platform for quick document submission.
SPbinder: digital workpapers for efficient tax preparation and review.
Automated data extraction: allows users to significantly reduce the time spent on manual data entry.
4. GruntWorx
Another option for accounting firms is GruntWorx, which provides document management and tax automation services.
Its ability to convert scanned tax documents into actionable digital data, its auto-categorization feature, and precision in data extraction ensure that even the smallest details are captured correctly, providing reliable tax preparation.
Pricing: has a free trial. Pricing models work based on a pay-per-use model, and prices vary depending on the volume and type of documents processed.
G2 rating: 3.5/5
Customer support: phone and email support.
Free trial: This is a free trial to test the software.
Ease of use: 3.5/5.
Key features:
Document organization: automatically organizes scanned tax documents.
TaxOCR: enables accurate data extraction.
Trades and populates data: automatically extracts data from brokerage statements and enters it directly into tax software.
Data verification: ensures data accuracy through multiple verification steps.
5. Jackson Hewitt Online
Jackson Hewitt Online offers a user-friendly tax filing experience with step-by-step guidance tailored to individual tax situations and personalized support.
The tool has a flexible pricing model, ensuring users only pay for the services they need.
Pricing: has a free edition with limited features. The Deluxe plan starts at $25 (plus $24 for state returns) and their Premier plan starts at $49 (plus $24 for state returns).
TechRadar rating: 4/5
Customer support: offers online, a live agent, and email support.
Free trial: has a free plan.
Ease of use: 4/5.
Key features:
User-friendly interface: for simple navigation and clear instructions.
Accuracy check: ensures calculations are accurate and users get maximum refunds.
Automatic data import: allows for automatic W-2 data import directly from employers.
Refund advance loans: for qualifying filers, the company offers the ability to get a loan based on the expected refund amount.
How PandaDoc supports streamlining tax filing and document management through automation
The PandaDoc platform enables faster document completion and reduced manual data entry through the following:
- Complete financial documents faster: allows users to fill out official tax documents using tax form templates right from the platform — no need to search further.
- Ensure document security: employs advanced security measures like role-based access control, audit trails, and encryption, ensuring documents are compliant with regulatory requirements and securely stored.
- Accessibility from any device: enables access from any smartphone or tablet and is available for both iOS and Android platforms for on-the-go updates.
- Built-in eSignatures: eliminates the need for separate eSignature solutions, allowing users to quickly e-sign tax returns within seconds.
- A rich integration library: easily blends PandaDoc with tools you already use, like QuickBooks, Xero, PayPal, Stripe, and Salesforce to name a few.
Welcome to faster and more secure financial document management
By automating calculations and data entry, tax automation tools simplify financial management for individuals and organizations.
Any time you need to fill out tax forms from ready-made templates or e-sign tax returns within seconds, PandaDoc can be quickly integrated with the tools we’ve highlighted above, or those you already have in your workflow.
Schedule a free demo to learn how the platform can benefit your tax document creation and automation processes.
Disclaimer
PandaDoc is not a law firm, or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. This page is not intended to and does not provide legal advice. Should you have legal questions on the validity of e-signatures or digital signatures and the enforceability thereof, please consult with an attorney or law firm. Use of PandaDoc services are governed by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
