Home » Business Tax Software » Lacerte
Lacerte is a professional tax software developed by Intuit, designed to help accountants and tax professionals manage even the most complex business and individual returns. It offers advanced calculation tools, extensive form coverage, and powerful automation features that reduce manual work and errors.
Lacerte also integrates with other accounting solutions, which streamlines workflows and enhances efficiency, making it a trusted choice for firms handling high-volume or specialized tax cases.
| Plan / Option / Return‑Type | Price or Cost Info |
|---|---|
| Pay‑per‑return (REP / Pay‑as‑you‑go) | • 1040 (Federal + 1 state): US $102 / return• Additional state (on 1040): US $92 / state return• Business / Trust / Estate (Federal + 1 state): US $140 / return • Additional business-state returns: US $92 / return |
| Entry annual pricing (per user, per year) | Some sources list a starting price of US $429/year (per user) for lighter usage. |
| Full‑license plans (unlimited or fixed-return bundles) | Lacerte offers “unlimited” or bundle‑based licenses (for many returns) — pricing for those is not publicly listed; interested users must request a quote. |
Pricing link: https://accountants.intuit.com/tax-software/lacerte/pricing/
| Competitor | Pros of Lacerte |
|---|---|
| Drake Tax | Lacerte has a more extensive form library that covers complex entity types such as estates, trusts, and nonprofits. Its advanced diagnostics also catch more potential errors, which helps professionals working with highly detailed returns. In addition, Lacerte integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and other Intuit tools, which creates smoother workflows for firms already in the Intuit ecosystem. |
| CCH ProSystem fx | Lacerte is generally easier to learn and use, which makes it more approachable for mid-sized firms without dedicated IT staff. Its pay-per-return model also provides flexibility for smaller practices that do not need unlimited returns. Users also appreciate Intuit’s live technical support, which is considered more accessible than Wolters Kluwer’s enterprise-style support system. |
| UltraTax CS | Lacerte offers simpler onboarding and a more straightforward interface, which helps firms transition quickly without heavy training. It also provides stronger client collaboration tools with built-in portals and e-signature capabilities. Pricing flexibility through per-return options gives smaller firms more control, whereas UltraTax often requires heavier upfront commitments. |
| TaxAct Professional | Lacerte supports more complex tax scenarios, which makes it a better fit for firms that handle a wide range of clients. It offers more robust diagnostics and reporting, which reduces risks of compliance issues. Integration with QuickBooks also strengthens its value for accounting firms that want a connected ecosystem. |
| Competitor | Cons of Lacerte |
|---|---|
| Drake Tax | Lacerte is significantly more expensive, which creates challenges for smaller firms that need a cost-effective solution. Drake users often mention faster processing speed, which can be an advantage during tax season. Lacerte also has a steeper learning curve compared to Drake’s straightforward interface. |
| CCH ProSystem fx | ProSystem fx offers deeper customization and more advanced audit and compliance tools, which makes it better suited for very large firms. It also provides stronger integration with large-scale document management and research tools. Lacerte, while powerful, is not as feature-rich for firms handling multinational or highly specialized corporate returns. |
| UltraTax CS | UltraTax provides stronger cloud-hosted solutions through Thomson Reuters’ CS Professional Suite, which gives firms more flexibility with remote access. It also offers more detailed data analysis and customizable reporting. Lacerte’s hosting features are available but require extra configuration and costs. |
| TaxAct Professional | TaxAct is far more affordable, which makes it attractive for small practices or solo preparers. It also offers a simpler interface that requires less training. While Lacerte is feature-rich, its higher price can be hard to justify for firms that only handle basic or moderate returns. |
