UltraTax CS

Prepare, fill, and manage complex business tax returns.

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  • Overview
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Reviews

UltraTax CS Overview

  • Updated December 18, 2025

UltraTax CS is a professional tax preparation software designed for accounting firms and tax professionals who handle complex business and individual returns. It offers advanced automation, real-time error checking, and integration with other CS Professional Suite tools, which helps streamline workflows.

This tax software supports multi-state tax filings, detailed compliance features, and secure electronic filing, making it a reliable choice for firms that require accuracy, efficiency, and scalability in tax preparation.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive tax coverage: Support federal, state, and local returns for individuals, businesses, and specialty filings.
  • Real-time error checking: Identify potential issues as you work, which reduces mistakes and saves time.
  • E-filing support: Provide secure and reliable electronic filing for federal and state returns.
  • Integration with CS Suite: Connect seamlessly with other Thomson Reuters tools like Practice CS and Accounting CS.
  • Multi-state capabilities: Handle complex tax scenarios across multiple states with built-in compliance features.
  • Customizable reports: Generate detailed reports and tax documents tailored to firm and client needs.
  • Client portal access: Allow clients to securely upload documents and view tax information online.
  • Data import tools: Simplify preparation by importing information from accounting systems, spreadsheets, and prior-year returns.
  • Scalability: Adapt to firms of different sizes, which makes it suitable for both small practices and large enterprises.
  • Security features: Protect sensitive financial data with encryption and user access controls.

Price

Pricing Item / Plan Structure Approximate Price / Cost Info Notes / Conditions
Base license (annual, limited plan) ≈ CA $2,500/year (roughly US $2,000–2,500, depending on exchange rate) Starting point — many firms opt for custom quote instead.
Custom / Unlimited license + modules Custom-quoted (price depends on number of users, states, forms, modules) Unlimited return filings & broad tax-form support possible with full license set.
Per-Return Pricing (PRP) option Pay-per-return licensing available (fees per return for returns not covered by unlimited license) Useful for small firms or low-volume years; each federal/state return uses a “PRP code.”
Hosting / Cloud-based usage (if using hosted/cloud environment) Typical hosting providers charge around US $45–75 per user/month for shared plans; dedicated servers cost more depending on firm size. Hosting cost is separate from software license; depends heavily on number of users, compliance, performance requirements.

Pros

Competitor Pros of UltraTax CS
Drake Tax UltraTax CS handles very complex returns across multiple entity types and forms with strong diagnostics and integration within the CS Suite. G2 reviewers note its capability for advanced tax scenarios, which can outshine Drake’s more budget‑friendly but simpler setup.
Intuit Lacerte Tax UltraTax CS supports a wider range of entity and specialty returns (e.g., 706, 709, 5500, FinCEN 114) under one roof and integrates deeply with the broader CS Professional Suite. This makes it ideal for firms needing robust multi-state and complex return workflows.
CCH ProSystem fx Tax UltraTax CS offers flexible deployment options—desktop, hosted, or SaaS—that can better suit hybrid firm environments. It also includes a solid help system and diagnostic tools built into the interface.

Cons

Competitor Cons of UltraTax CS
Drake Tax Drake users often cite much stronger customer support and reliability. G2 reviewers highlight Drake’s prompt and friendly assistance, especially during busy seasons. UltraTax CS has lower support ratings in comparison.
Intuit Lacerte Tax Lacerte consistently receives higher marks for ease of use, administration, and meeting firm requirements. Reviews praise its cleaner interface and smoother workflows compared to UltraTax, which can feel more cumbersome for smaller firms.
CCH ProSystem fx Tax Some users find UltraTax CS harder to administer, particularly in large multi-state environments. User reports note slower performance navigating between states in heavy-use cases, which can be frustrating compared to the interface stability of ProSystem fx.

Verified Customer Reviews

Capterra Review
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G2 Review
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