Can you recommend an e-filing platform for sending federal and state returns from a small EA practice?

Yes — for a small EA practice, the best fit is usually one of the established tax software + e-file provider platforms rather than a standalone e-filing service, because you’ll want:

• Federal and multiple-state e-filing
• POA/authorization support
• Business and individual returns
• Client portal / organizer options
• Reasonable cost for a small volume practice

Good options to consider

1. Drake Tax

Best for: small to mid-sized firms wanting strong value

Pros

• Generally one of the most cost-effective professional suites
• Supports federal and state e-filing
• Covers many entity types and states
• Good workflow for small practices
• Integrates with Drake Portals

Cons

• Interface is functional, not the most modern
• Best if you’re okay with a more traditional desktop workflow

Why it’s popular for small EA firms: solid capabilities without a big-firm price tag.

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2. ProConnect Tax

Best for: cloud-based convenience

Pros

• Cloud-based, so no local install/server management
• Federal and state e-filing
• Good for firms that value remote access
• Built by Intuit, so the ecosystem is familiar to many tax pros

Cons

• Can get expensive as usage grows
• Some users prefer more control/robustness than cloud-only tools

Good choice if: you want anywhere-access and a lighter IT burden.

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3. TaxSlayer Pro

Best for: small firms looking for a lower-cost professional option

Pros

• Usually priced competitively
• Supports federal and state returns
• Can be a good fit for straightforward practice needs
• Often considered easier to learn than some legacy systems

Cons

• Not as feature-rich as some top-tier platforms
• May be less ideal if you do lots of complex entity work

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4. Lacerte

Best for: firms that want a powerful, well-known platform

Pros

• Very capable for complex returns
• Strong federal/state support
• Excellent for firms with more advanced needs

Cons

• Usually more expensive
• Can be overkill for a very small practice

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5. UltraTax CS

Best for: firms planning to grow

Pros

• Robust workflow and compliance features
• Strong multi-state and entity support
• Good scalability

Cons

• Often pricey
• Usually better for firms already on the Thomson Reuters ecosystem

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My practical recommendation

If you’re a small EA practice, I’d narrow it to:

• Drake Tax if you want best value and broad capability
• ProConnect Tax if you want cloud-based convenience
• TaxSlayer Pro if price is the top priority and your returns are mostly straightforward

What to verify before choosing

Ask each vendor:

1. How many federal returns are included?
2. How are state returns priced?
3. Do they support the specific states you file most?
4. Do they support business returns, 1040, 1120S, 1065, trusts, etc.?
5. Is there a client portal?
6. Do they support e-signatures and POA forms?
7. What’s included in support and training?
8. Is it desktop, cloud, or hybrid?
9. What are add-on fees for diagnostics, workflows, or portals?

If you want the shortest answer

For a small EA practice, I’d start by demoing:

1. Drake Tax
2. ProConnect Tax
3. TaxSlayer Pro

If you tell me:

• your average number of returns,
• whether you do mostly 1040s or also business returns,
• and whether you want cloud or desktop,

I can give you a more specific recommendation.