Bloomberg Tax

Thomson Reuters Checkpoint is the leading professional tax and accounting research platform used by tax practitioners, auditors, and financial professionals worldwide. Combining authoritative primary sources with practical editorial guidance, Checkpoint serves as the reference library for accounting and tax professionals at firms of all sizes. The platform provides comprehensive coverage of federal and state tax law through original source materials—Code sections, regulations, rulings, and court decisions—alongside Thomson Reuters' expert analysis and practical guidance. Accounting and auditing standards coverage includes FASB, PCAOB, AICPA, IFRS, and GASB with expert guidance on implementation and application. Checkpoint Edge, the modern interface, provides AI-powered search and intelligent guidance that connects related content and surfaces relevant precedents. The weekly newsletter products keep professionals current on regulatory and guidance changes. Planning tools and worksheets support tax planning calculations and documentation. Integration with UltraTax CS and other Thomson Reuters products provides in-product access to Checkpoint content during preparation and review workflows. Checkpoint is typically used alongside tax preparation software rather than as standalone software. For large firms, Checkpoint's integration with CS Professional Suite creates a unified preparation and research environment. The platform's comprehensiveness and reliability during deadline periods—when research resources must be available without fail—justify its premium pricing for professional practices.

UltraTax CS is Thomson Reuters' flagship professional tax preparation software, widely regarded as the industry standard for mid-to-large accounting firms preparing complex federal and state returns. Part of the CS Professional Suite, UltraTax CS provides comprehensive coverage of all return types with seamless integration to other CS modules. The software handles 1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, 706, 709, 990, and all states with sophisticated handling of complex situations including foreign tax credits, complex depreciation, alternative minimum tax, and consolidated returns. The Return Comparison tool highlights changes year-over-year, helping preparers identify unusual fluctuations. Automatic data flow between return types minimizes redundant entry for related returns. Integration with Accounting CS enables direct import of trial balance data for business return preparation. The review process is supported by detailed diagnostics and item-level notes. UltraTax CS's integration with Thomson Reuters Checkpoint provides authoritative tax research within the preparation workflow. The platform's depth of coverage for complex situations—multi-state, international, complex entity structures—is its primary strength. While the interface reflects its desktop heritage, the onvio cloud platform increasingly enables web-based workflows. UltraTax is used by many of the top 100 CPA firms as their primary tax preparation platform. The software's reliability during tax season peaks and comprehensive state coverage are particularly valued by large firm operations managers.

Lacerte Tax is Intuit's professional tax software designed for CPA firms handling complex and high-value tax returns. With over 40 years of history, Lacerte is trusted by some of the largest accounting firms in the US for its comprehensive coverage of complex tax situations, deep diagnostic tools, and integration with QuickBooks. Lacerte supports the complete range of return types from individual to corporate, partnership, fiduciary, estate, gift, and exempt organization returns. Its strength lies in sophisticated business returns—partnerships and S-corps with complex K-1 allocations, multi-state filings, consolidated returns, and international tax provisions. The research integration with Thomson Reuters Checkpoint or Bloomberg Tax provides in-product access to authoritative guidance. Document management tools organize workpapers and client files. Tax Planner enables multi-year planning and scenario analysis. EasyACCT provides bookkeeping and write-up workflow for full-service clients. The software's diagnostic engine identifies potential issues and optimization opportunities in returns. Lacerte integrates with popular practice management tools and the broader Intuit ecosystem. Per-return pricing can be cost-effective for firms with varied workloads; unlimited licensing suits high-volume firms. Lacerte is the preferred choice of firms where preparers handle complex, high-fee returns where error prevention justifies premium software investment. Regular Intuit pricing changes and per-module fees require careful cost analysis relative to alternatives.