Ranking · 7 tools
Best tax software for a solo CPA
Short answer
Brevitax Pro is our top pick for a solo CPA because a CPA license already carries unlimited IRS representation rights, and Brevitax turns that right into casework at $79 a month. Pair it with Drake Tax for returns. Canopy and IRS Solutions follow for CPAs who want a portal-first or monitoring-first setup.
By the BestTaxSoftware.com editorial team. Updated . Prices checked on vendor sites that day.
How do the tools rank for this need?
- 1
Brevitax Pro
Best for adding IRS resolution to a solo practice
92.5score of 100An AI-driven resolution workflow that takes one practitioner from the IRS transcript to a documented result.
Where the 92.5 comes from of 100Price
$79/mo per seat
Strongest point
Per-seat price with unlimited cases, so a single seat does not get more expensive as caseload grows
Main drawback
Does not prepare or e-file returns; unfiled years still need a prep package
- 2
IRS Solutions
Best for solo resolution work driven by transcript alerts
80.5score of 100Established resolution software with automatic transcript downloads and change alerts.
Where the 80.5 comes from of 100Price
$189/mo solo
Strongest point
Published solo price, month-to-month or annual
Main drawback
About $1,890 a year at one user, roughly double Brevitax Pro
- 3
Canopy
Best for one login for admin work and occasional resolution
74.5score of 100Practice management with a paid Tax Resolution module for transcripts, notices, and forms.
Where the 74.5 comes from of 100Price
$124/mo with resolution
Strongest point
Polished client portal and mobile app
Main drawback
Resolution requires paying for a base plan plus the add-on
- 4
PitBullTax
Best for form-heavy collection work, including state POAs
71.5score of 100Practitioner-built resolution software centered on IRS forms, schedules, and transcript reports.
Where the 71.5 comes from of 100Price
Not published
Strongest point
Resolution evaluation for OIC, IA, and CNC candidates
Main drawback
No current public price to budget against
- 5
TaxDome
Best for client intake and portal for a solo shop
64.0score of 100Client intake, portal, e-sign, payments, and workflow, priced by active client.
Where the 64.0 comes from of 100Price
$1,500/yr minimum
Strongest point
Best-in-class client app and portal
Main drawback
$1,500 minimum regardless of client count
- 6
TaxStatus
Best for advisory practices monitoring a large book
61.5score of 100IRS-sourced client data, bulk transcripts, and alerts, aimed at advisors and tax pros.
Where the 61.5 comes from of 100Price
$10,000/yr
Strongest point
Bulk transcripts through your CAF
Main drawback
$10,000 a year minimum
- 7
Drake Tax
Best for full return coverage on one annual license
58.0score of 100Broad federal and state return coverage on an annual license with support included.
Where the 58.0 comes from of 100Price
From $2,375/yr
Strongest point
Broad individual and business return coverage
Main drawback
No monthly option
How are the weights adjusted on this page?
Client experience rises to 15% because solo CPAs often serve business owners who expect a portal and e-sign.
| Criterion | This page | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Time to first case | 10% | 15% |
| Learning curve | 10% | 15% |
| Cost at one user | 15% | 20% |
| Revenue per case enabled | 20% | 20% |
| Automation depth | 15% | 10% |
| IRS record handling | 15% | 10% |
| Client experience | 15% | 10% |
Which features does each tool have?
| Prepares and e-files returns | Pulls IRS transcripts under your authorization | Points to a resolution path (IA, CNC, OIC) | Client-facing portal or app | Signatures inside the product | Price shown on vendor site | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brevitax ProAdding IRS resolution to a solo practice | 92.5 | $948 | No | Yes | Yes | Partly | Yes | Yes |
| IRS SolutionsSolo resolution work driven by transcript alerts | 80.5 | $1,890 | No | Yes | Partly | Yes | Partly | Yes |
| CanopyOne login for admin work and occasional resolution | 74.5 | $1,488 | No | Yes | Partly | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PitBullTaxForm-heavy collection work, including state POAs | 71.5 | Not published | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not confirmed | No |
| TaxDomeClient intake and portal for a solo shop | 64.0 | $1,500 | No | Partly | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TaxStatusAdvisory practices monitoring a large book | 61.5 | $10,000 | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Drake TaxFull return coverage on one annual license | 58.0 | $2,375 | Yes | No | No | Partly | Partly | Yes |
What does each cost one practitioner per year?
Yearly cost at one user: CPAs
Lowest published yearly price for a single practitioner. Log scale. Table below lists the same figures.
Show chart data as a table
| Product | Yearly, one user | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Brevitax Pro | $948 | Unlimited cases. E-sign billed only when used. |
| Canopy | $1,488 | Standard $74 plus Tax Resolution $50 per user per month, billed annually. |
| TaxDome | $1,500 | Priced per active client; 150-client minimum; 20 seats included. |
| IRS Solutions | $1,890 | Or $1,890 a year. No free trial; 60-day refund on a first annual plan. |
| Drake Tax | $2,375 | Drake Tax Pro list prices shown for tax year 2026 ran from $2,375 to $3,295 depending on returns and users. |
| TaxStatus | $10,000 | Or $1,000/mo with a 1-year commitment; up to 240 households; unlimited users. |
| PitBullTax | Not published | We could not find a current price on the vendor’s public pages at review time. |
Not plotted because no yearly price was on the vendor page we reviewed: PitBullTax.
What does a CPA license change about software choice?
It removes the credential barrier. A CPA can sign Form 2848 and represent a client in audits, collections, and appeals. The constraint becomes time, which is what resolution automation addresses.
Should a solo CPA buy a practice suite?
Only if the portal and billing replace tools you already pay for. A solo CPA with under 150 clients pays TaxDome’s $1,500 minimum regardless. Canopy’s resolution add-on requires a base plan as well.
Questions practitioners ask
- Do CPAs need to file Form 2848 for each client?
- Yes, for each taxpayer and for the tax matters and periods you will handle. The form names the tax type, form number, and years.
- Does resolution work count toward CPA CPE?
- CPE rules are set by each state board. Many accept IRS-practice courses; check your board.