As a tax preparer, you will need tax software forms and supplies in order to complete your clients’ tax returns. Tax form software includes all forms needed to file with the IRS, including 1099s, 1098s, W-2s and more.

Consider tax software forms and supplies pricing and costs to save your company money. Look for reliable software programs that come at a reasonable price. The price that you pay will likely be affected by the number of tax forms that you need to process.

1. Determine the tax supplies that you need for your company. Your required tax form supplies will help give you an idea of the potential cost of software.

2. Compare blank tax forms software. A tax forms supplier can give you a price comparison between products.

3. Look for price adjustments for tax preparer supplies. For instance, electronic federal tax forms software will cost more, but prove to be a time saver.

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Compare different types of tax form software

Accounting tax supplies will have different prices based on the type of forms that you need to file as well as the number of forms that you file annually. Professional grade programs may cost upwards of $1000 while more basic form software can cost as little as $200. The less expensive software is typically appropriate for individual/joint returns for a limited number of clients, while the higher end software can be used for all returns and on an unlimited number of clients.

I recommend: On 1099 Pro, you can make feature comparisons between the different tax return supplies. Prices range from less than $4 per form for eFile services to about $800 for 1042-S forms software. Consumer Search reviews different tax form software packages and displays their top picks, such as TurboTax for about $50 to $75, and TaxACT at around $20 for simple return needs.

Find out the cost of tax return supplies

Although some software packages provide a set price on filing forms, you can also look at software supplies that charge per return filed. This can prove advantageous to a smaller operation that does not want to pay the larger software fee. Price per return fees usually fall in the $4-$15 range. Individual returns fall at one end of the spectrum while large corporation returns are on the higher end.

I recommend: TaxSoftware.com breaks down a price per return in order to use their form software. They charge as little as $1 for 1040EZ forms to over $900 for Schedule M-3 for forms 1065/1120/1120S. The price includes electronic and paper filing. TaxWise has a similar pay per return software program. You will need to pay an annual $100 license fee as well as a non-refundable deposit of a few hundred dollars that will go towards form costs.

Save on tax form supplies

Along with a software program, you will likely need tax form preparation supplies. This may include laser tax forms and envelopes. In order to save on these tax preparer supplies, look for suppliers that sell in bulk quantities.

I recommend: Account Ability sells both printed and blank tax forms in bulk packs and bundles. With a bulk pack of tax forms, you will pay less than $50 for 500 laser cut sheets. Also, find additional cost savings by ordering one of the convenience and bonus tax form sets through Kraftbilt. You can find pre-packaged W-2 laser sets for 25 employees for about $30.

Taxes are a necessary evil in our society. For business owners, this is even more true because of the amount of types of taxes you have to prepare. You have to prepare your employees' income tax forms, your business's income tax return and any sales tax filings. Fortunately, you're no longer alone with some forms and some No. 2 pencils. Today, there are many tax preparer supplies available.

While these tools won't prepare the taxes for you, they will make the process easier. When you fill your printer with blank tax forms, software installed on your computer will automatically put the right information in the right boxes. When it's time to fill out your quarterly sales tax forms, software that you choose will take the information from your sales records and put it in the format your state prefers. And when it's time to file your tax return, supplies will be there for you, ready and waiting.

When choosing tax software, forms and supplies, consider these key points:

1. The type of employees your tax form software must handle;

2. The number and type of transactions on which you owe and collect sales tax;

3. The kind of income tax supplies you need for your business.

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Make sure your tax forms supplier can handle all of your employee needs

It's not very difficult for a piece of blank tax forms software to handle a company that distributes nothing more than local W-2's for all its employee needs. However, if you're like most companies and have employees that don't live locally or work with contractors who need a 1099, it can be more difficult.

I recommend: The Tax Forms Store offers W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and a variety of other miscellaneous tax forms. Many are ready to put in your printer and go. You can also obtain tax forms at the U.S. Small Business Administraion website.

Choose sales tax forms software that can handle your company's transactions

When your business is required to collect sales taxes, what should be an easy task can become messy very quickly. Often, local government entities are adding sales tax pieces to a variety of goods and services to pay for various budget items that are otherwise left behind. You need a source for sales tax supplies and software that can support these changes and obscure rules.

I recommend: Sterling allows you to order tax forms and even customize them with your company's information.

Find tax form software that fits your company's income tax filing needs

The type of income tax your business is required to file depends on your company's legal setup. There is a vast difference in preparing income taxes for a sole proprietorship and filing corporate income taxes. When you work as your own tax preparer, supplies are critical for getting the job done right.

I recommend: If you use Intuit's QuickBooks software as many businesses do, it offers a full line of tax form supplies that integrate with built-in tax preparation options. If you use the CheckMark Software, they also offer tax supplies and forms that are compatible with their system.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking among various tax preparation supplies, make sure that you only buy what you need for this tax season. After all, the government loves to change forms on a whim, and you'd hate to be stuck with a box of scrap paper.

Tax preparer supplies have many essential uses for the professional CPA. The main purpose of tax form software is to streamline the filing process in order to provide your clients with accurate returns and records.

Tax software forms and supplies applications and uses will depend on the type of program that you purchase. For instance, some tax form software will be used for accountants to file Forms 1065, 1120 and 1040.

1. Purchase your tax software forms and supplies. Within your software package, you will be provided with all the supplies you need to complete returns.

2. Learn how to use tax preparer supplies. Find online guides that can walk you through the potential applications of your tax software.

3. Use the income tax supplies to benefit your clients. For instance, e-filing allows a client to receive his or her rebate more quickly.

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Use tax supplies for e-filing

One of the main benefits of tax form supplies is that the software allows you to electronically file completed returns. When you use the tax preparation supplies to e-file, your clients will get rebate checks more quickly and have them deposited directly into their bank accounts.

I recommend: The State of California's Franchise Tax Board has forms and publications for e-filing. To access e-file forms as well as online filing software, go to the eSmart Payroll Tax Software Filing page.

Find guides that walk you through tax form software

Once you purchase a professional grade program, you may require assistance to use the software for filing electronic returns. Besides basic operation, you'll want to learn about IRS requirements when using particular tax supplies.

I recommend: Abacus Tax Software has specifics on IRS requirements for using tax software, including the need to download Acrobat Reader. ESmart Tax, a software form supplier, offers a tax software guide to help with your buying decision. It includes background on optional uses of forms for each program.

Learn how to use tax preparation supplies safely

One of the major concerns of using tax software forms and supplies is the potential security risk. When using tax preparation supplies, you will want to review advice on how to use the applications securely in order to protect your client's information.

I recommend: WebCPA has a database of articles on using tax return supplies. One particular feature details IRS plans to assess the risks associated with using certain blank tax form software. National Tax Supply gives you an overview of how they protect your security when you order and use their tax office and software supplies.

When you understand the different uses of software and supplies, it makes the tax filing process easier. Knowing tax software forms and supplies key terms helps you determine which products on the market meet your specified needs.

Using key terms also helps you sound professional as you talk with others about the tax filing process. It helps you communicate about which programs you work with and what benefits the programs and supplies offer.

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E-file

E-file is the term for sending a tax form to a filing body using electronic means. Companies purchase a service or file that electronically offers the paperwork one must fill out.

I recommend: Go to the 2nd Story Software website to get information on software you might use to make your tax filing easier. It offers programming that helps you prepare, print and e-file for free.

Encryption

Encryption is a process that alters personal information and other data for safe electronic transmission.

I recommend: Liberty Tax Service discusses ways to protect your tax filings. It discusses encryption and highlights ways to ensure safe transmissions.

Interface

Interface refers to the screen presented by software or websites for tax filing purposes. It includes images, buttons and tabs that allow a user to interact with the programming.

I recommend: If you are setting up your own tax software, look at the IBM website to learn about configuring and installing a tax integration interface. It offers tables and step-by-step instructions for configuration.

WYSIWYG

WYSIWYG is an acronym for the phrase 'What you see is what you get.' When using tax software forms, this term applies to applications that intuitively fill in information on different forms.

I recommend: WorldWideWeb Tax offers free software to businesses interested in WYSIWYG tax forms. It describes in great detail the benefits of using this type of programming.

Personal computer (PC)

Some companies gear tax software forms specifically for a personal computer or PC. This is a small digital computer with a microprocessor that is used by one person at a time.

I recommend: PCMAG offers reviews for PC tax programs. The site also offers screenshots from the program.

Macintosh or Mac

A Macintosh or Mac is a type of personal computer designed by Apple Inc. Some companies design tax software forms specifically for a Mac.

I recommend: CNET offers a forum where people gather online to discuss tax software designed for Mac computers. People on this site offer tips and advice to others regarding the software.