I have used both software programs. TaxCycle and TaxPrep. I find TaxCycle easier to use and easier to review. I find we have many mistakes in TaxPrep because it is so cumbersome to use. It is a Dos based program Cantax edited to work in Windows. It is definitely not a Windows based program with all of the Windows functionality. TaxPrep needs to go back to school and get rid of the cumbersome features. It takes me twice as long to do a tax retrurn in TaxPrep. With time being worth the money, TaxCycle will be the program we use for 2026 not TaxPrep. TaxPrep is too time consuming and is functionally too hard to use. I cringe at the thought of teaching a junior how to do T1’s in TaxPrep. There would be mistakes galore. Yicks. Ugly windows that do not match the exporting programs windows makes TaxPrep super hard to follow and find discrepancies. I really hope that Xero can produce an online platform for TaxCycle instead of a desktop version, as the only down fall to TaxCycle is that it is a desktop software. One work around would be to use a OneDrive to save files for entire organization access. CCH ifirm has a great CRM and office workflow system but again is a DOS based system with DOS based Windows. Definitely a step back in today’s world.
We have used TaxCycle for 10 years; we use a cloud server so can access files from anywhere including working from home or other locations; very happy with the ease of use
No thanks to a “cloud” (ie online) version. No interest at all.
I run a server on a remote VM accessible via VPN and other security features; staff can access from anywhwere (I did so when in Europe recently after allowing a connection from there separately). All accounting, tax and other software is on that VM.
I’ve yet to run across ANY “cloud” program that performs as well, functionally, speedwise or any other criterion chosen, as a desktop application…and integration with other programs is often an issue.
I started with CanTax. Then GreenPoint which became Profile. Used TaxPrep as a subcontractor at a CPA firm. Used LibertyTax’s version of Profile. Also used VisualTax and DoctorTax.
Profile was much easier to use than TaxPrep for a beginner or intermediate tax preparer. You have to know your tax lines cold and how numbers pull or push.
LibertyTax’s version of Profile was poorly supported and took ages to fix bugs.
VisualTax was little better than filling out a pdf version of tax return.
I love TaxCycle and will never go back to the others.
I love the desktop version of TaxCycle since you are not married to the internet connection and response time. Client/server functionality is welcome for workflows and integrations such as signatures, document sharing, and emails.
Mostly I love TaxCycle’s technical support, quick turnaround for added features and community requests.
Agree 100%. Desktop guy all the way. Not a “downfall” at all. Got completely stuck last week because my internet went down for a few days. Couldn’t work on the file because the client I was working on used QuickBooks Online.
And even if it is online, It is always slower then a desktop program.