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Tax season tech: Essential apps for accountants in 2025

Power up your accounting firm with tax technology that drives results. Learn which essential apps you need for a successful 2025 tax season.

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Last Updated December 13, 2024

A man sits looking at multiple display monitors, confident that he has the tax season technology tools that he needs.

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Want to know something exciting? Accounting firms that effectively leverage technology earn 39% more revenue per employee than their peers. And with tax season 2025 on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to ensure your firm has the right apps in place to maximize efficiency and client service. 

We all know that tax season can be overwhelming. But with the right technology stack, you can transform those challenging months into a streamlined operation that benefits both your firm and your clients. So, let’s explore the essential apps that could make tax season 2025 your most productive yet. 

Must-have core apps for tax season success 

A smiling woman stands in front of a laptop as she talks on the phone.
Modern tax and accounting software forms the foundation of your firm’s tech stack, providing automation and integration capabilities that help streamline daily operations.

At the core of any accounting firm’s tech stack, you’ll find the essential tax and accounting software applications firms use every day. Tax processing software is the backbone of your seasonal operations, along with modern tax research tools. Comprehensive tax preparation suites handle the heavy lifting of return preparation, but leading solutions like Thomson Reuters® UltraTax CS, CCH® ProSystem fx® Tax and Drake Software offer much more than basic tax preparation. At the same time, QuickBooks® remains a cornerstone for the accounting needs of many firms. You’ll want to look for solutions that can scale with your firm’s growth, adapt to changing tax regulations and provide advanced functionality like:  

  • Automated data entry 
  • Built-in quality control 
  • Progress tracking 
  • Time tracking 
  • Integration with other firm applications 

Building on a cloud foundation  

A laptop is surrounded by multiple connected devices.
A secure cloud infrastructure provides the foundation your firm needs for flexible remote work while keeping sensitive client data protected from evolving cyberthreats.

Before we dive into additional applications, let’s talk about why cloud infrastructure matters. You need a secure, reliable foundation to build your tech stack. During tax season, your team needs access to client data whether they’re in the office, working from home or somewhere in between. And they need to know everything is safe and secure in the process. Cloud-based solutions provide flexibility while maintaining enterprise-level security—something that’s more critical than ever as cyberthreats continue to evolve. A robust cloud hosting provider should:  

  • Manage your entire application ecosystem. 
  • Handle updates and maintenance. 
  • Ensure system security. 
  • Enable reliable remote access. 
  • Provide technical support. 
  • Offer disaster recovery solutions. 

Power up your client connections 

Accounting staff sit around a conference table as they speak with their clients virtually.
Modern collaboration tools like Teams, Zoom and secure client portals help streamline communication and document sharing between your firm and clients.

Modern firms need strong collaboration capabilities that allow them to streamline communications with clients. Microsoft Teams and Zoom have become standard for client meetings, while Microsoft SharePoint, Google Workspace, and other portal solutions like SmartVault or the ones offered in your tax applications enable secure document exchange. Look for platforms that offer:   

  • Secure file sharing 
  • Document collection workflows 
  • e-signature capabilities 
  • Video conferencing 
  • Mobile accessibility 
  • Client interaction tracking 
  • Deadline management 
  • Automatic reminders 
  • Engagement progress monitoring 

Turn data into insights that matter 

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Data visualization tools like Power BI and Tableau turn complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for your clients.

This is where tools like Power BI, Fathom, Tableau and Domo really shine. Each platform offers unique capabilities for turning complex data into actionable business-critical insights. These solutions help you:  

  • Present complex data visually. 
  • Create interactive client reports. 
  • Track key performance indicators. 
  • Identify advisory opportunities. 
  • Automate routine workflows. 
  • Monitor project progress. 
  • Manage practice resources. 

The future is now: AI and automation tools 

A woman sits at a laptop, working efficiently.
AI and automation tools enhance your firm’s efficiency by handling routine tasks, freeing up your team to focus on valuable advisory services.

Speaking of efficiency, let’s talk about AI and automation. These tools are revolutionizing tax and accounting work. Solutions like Rightworks Spark AI offer purpose-built tools for accountants, while various scanning technologies automate data extraction from tax documents to minimize manual data entry. Remember, AI isn’t replacing accountants—it’s empowering them to work more efficiently and focus on higher-value advisory services. Modern emerging tech solutions like AI and automation tools can: 

  • Extract data from documents automatically (such as W-2s and 1099s). 
  • Identify potential deductions. 
  • Flag unusual items for review. 
  • Automate routine correspondence. 
  • Enable robotic process automation. 
  • Facilitate API connections. 

Making it all work together 

A text image that lists what the right cloud hosting provider can provide for accounting firms.

Having the right apps is only part of the equation. You must also manage and use them effectively. Here’s how to make the most of your technology investment: 

  1. Start implementation well before tax season. 
  2. Ensure all team members receive proper training. 
  3. Document standard procedures for each application. 
  4. Set up integrations between systems where possible. 
  5. Have a backup plan for technical issues. 

This is also where a comprehensive cloud hosting solution becomes invaluable, bringing all your accounting and tax apps together in one secure environment. The right cloud hosting provider can:

  • Ensure all applications work together seamlessly. 
  • Maintain security across your entire tech stack. 
  • Handle updates and maintenance. 
  • Provide reliable access from anywhere. 
  • Offer technical support when you need it most (24/7). 

The real return on investment 

A text image that lists what the right tech stack lets your accounting firm do.

As I mentioned at the start of this article, firms that effectively leverage these technologies aren’t just more efficient—they’re more profitable. When you think of it this way, it’s clear that investing in the right apps is an investment in your firm’s future, allowing you to: 

  • Handle more clients with the same staff. 
  • Reduce errors and review time. 
  • Improve client satisfaction. 
  • Offer additional (and higher-value) advisory services. 
  • Attract and retain top talent. 

Ready to transform your tax season? 

As we approach tax season 2025, now is the time to evaluate your technology stack. Start by assessing your current tools and identifying gaps. Remember, the goal isn’t to have the most apps—it’s to have the right ones that work together seamlessly to support your firm’s needs. 

The firms that thrive aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones that thoughtfully choose and implement technology to create efficient, scalable processes that benefit both their team and their clients.  

Want to learn more about building the right tech stack for your firm? Reach out to our technology experts today for a personalized consultation. 

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