The right tax software simplifies Form 1065 preparation. Key features of the best tax software for Form 1065 include a tax calculator, an accuracy guarantee, seamless data import, and a deduction maximizer. Here are my top picks for the best partnership tax software:
Provider | Best for | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
Partnerships needing expert help with Form 1065 | $0-$139 per filing | |
Tax pros wanting online software | $3,700 per year | |
Tax pros preparing unlimited returns | $109.99 per filing |
I built this guide by evaluating how each partnership tax software handles real partnership return workflows, not just how it markets its filing features. In my review, I looked at core tasks such as preparing Form 1065, managing partner allocations, handling K-1s, importing financial data, reviewing diagnostics, and supporting multi-client tax workflows. This helped separate software with practical partnership filing support from tools that only cover basic return preparation.
I also compared each product using the same evaluation points, including partnership tax capabilities, workflow efficiency, filing support, scalability for growing firms, and ease of use. This keeps the recommendations consistent and focused on what tax professionals and partnerships need during filing season. The result is a clearer comparison of which platforms can reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and support more efficient partnership return preparation.
To determine the best tax software for preparing Form 1065 partnership returns, I focused on how each platform addressed the unique complexities of partnership taxation.
- Compared DIY, assisted, and full-service options. I evaluated whether each software supported self-prepared returns, offered live assistance from tax professionals, or provided full-service filing to assess flexibility and support across different experience levels.
- Evaluated pricing models for different user types. I compared per-return pricing with flat-rate unlimited options, factoring in cost per filing as well as additional fees for state returns, extra users, and upgrades.
- Assessed QuickBooks and ecosystem integrations. I focused on whether each platform integrated with QuickBooks Online or Desktop, since many users rely on QuickBooks for bookkeeping.
- Reviewed workflow and document handling capabilities. I examined client portals, e-signature support, document request automation, and integration with practice management systems like TaxDome, which are especially important for collaborative Form 1065 preparation.
- Analyzed ease of use and support quality. I considered interface intuitiveness, learning curve, available support channels, and user feedback, including reviews that referenced depreciation handling and audit-related assistance.
Featured Partners
Compare the best tax software for Form 1065
Key feature | Base pricing | Price per state | Automatic federal info transfer | Maximum refund guarantee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Forms-based business DIY filing | $229 or $639 | $69 | ✓ | ✓ | |
Per return pricing | Starts $5,087 per year | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | |
Low-cost tax filing | $154.99 | $59.99 | ✕ | ✕ |
Why TurboTax is my choice for partnerships needing expert help with Form 1065
Pros
- Offers assisted or full-service preparation
- Can import income and expenses from QuickBooks Desktop
- Includes and covers audit representation at no extra cost
- Offers unlimited business returns, including Forms 1120, 1120S, and 1065, for one price
- Can import cryptocurrency transactions
Cons
- Only offers Live Assisted Business in 29 states Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming
- Can be more expensive than competing tax software
- Requires an additional $69 for each state return
Pricing |
|
Pay-as-you-go option | ✓ |
Supported business tax returns | Schedule C, S-corps, C-corps, and partnerships |
Maximum refund guarantee | ✓ |
Communication | Phone, live chat, one-way video conferencing |
Audit guidance or defense | ✓ |
TurboTax is well-suited for businesses required to file Form 1065, including partnerships and multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships. It handles the full partnership filing package from preparing the Form 1065 and producing accurate Schedule K-1s for each partner, which are required for partners to correctly report their share of income, deductions, and credits.
It offers both assisted tax preparation and full-service tax preparation, making it the only provider in this comparison to offer both options. Certain plans also include audit support, meaning help responding to IRS notices, along with direct communication with the IRS when issues arise.
Standout features
- Dedicated experts: Full Service Business pairs you with a tax expert who prepares your return, reviews it with you, and files it once you approve.
- Audit support and representation: TurboTax offers audit support, providing one-on-one guidance if you receive an IRS notice, while full audit representation is available separately through TurboTax Audit Defense.
- Deduction support: TurboTax helps surface common deductions and credits based on the information you enter, helping reduce the risk of overlooking tax-saving opportunities.
- CompleteCheck™ accuracy checks: TurboTax runs automated checks to help catch errors and includes an accuracy guarantee that may cover certain penalties or interest if a TurboTax calculation error causes them.
- Guidance for straightforward partnership filings: TurboTax walks you through reporting partnership income, deductions, and credits on Form 1065, with additional help available if your situation becomes more complex.
Why I like ProConnect Tax Online for tax pros wanting online software
Pros
- Integrates with QuickBooks Online Accountant
- Provides unlimited phone and chat support
- Offers data conversion with onboarding support
Pricing |
Business returns bundles:
|
Pay-as-you-go option | ✓ |
Supported business tax returns | Schedule C, S-corps, C-corps, and partnerships |
Maximum refund guarantee | ✕ |
Communication | Telephone and digital assistant |
Audit guidance or defense | ✓ |
I like that ProConnect Tax Online is cloud-based, making it easy to work remotely and check client e-file status in real time. While other providers, such as TaxAct, also offer online options, ProConnect stands out for its stronger integration with workflow management tools like SmartVault and built-in e-signatures, which simplify client review and approval.
Standout features
- Tax planning (Intuit Tax Advisor): Built-in planning tools help you create custom tax plans using strategies generated from client return data.
- QuickBooks integration: Integrates with QuickBooks Online Accountant to sync and map tax data, reducing manual entry and lowering the risk of data transfer errors.
- Document intake: Supports client document collection through a portal workflow (Intuit Link) and direct data import, allowing documents to be requested and added to returns in one place.
- Review and diagnostics: Uses diagnostics and review tools, including visual review indicators, to help identify issues before filing.
- Broad return coverage: Designed to support complex tax filings and includes a large library of forms, with Intuit citing coverage for approximately 5,700 forms.
- Preparation automation: Includes automation features such as external K-1 import and batch e-file to help speed preparation across multiple client returns.
Why TaxAct Professional works well for tax pros preparing unlimited returns
Pros
- Offers a choice of cloud-based or downloadable programs for the same price
- Provides assistance with documents needed to file through its tax preparation checklist
- Can import a trial balance from a CSV file
Cons
- Includes only one Form 1065 return in the price
- Lacks personalized audit support
- Has user reviews that there's difficulty with depreciation schedules
Pricing | Prices include e-files:
|
Pay-as-you-go option | ✓ |
Supported business tax returns | 1040, 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120S, and 990 |
Maximum refund guarantee | ✓ |
Communication | Telephone and email |
Audit guidance or defense | ✓ |
I like TaxAct Professional’s flat-fee pricing with unlimited return filings, which removes per-return cost calculations and simplifies budgeting as volume increases. Unlike TurboTax, which does not advertise unlimited filing options, or ProConnect, which applies tiered discounts to a set number of returns, TaxAct lets you file as many returns as needed without tracking usage.
Standout features
- Tax Tutor guidance: Provides insights into deductions, complex law changes, strategies, and tips.
- Other useful tools: Includes what-if scenario tax calculators, custom client reporting, and depreciation and disposal summaries.
- Client-facing tax documents: Offers you client-facing tax documents — such as engagement letters, nonresident tax questionnaires, and new and returning customer tax questionnaires — that help streamline the tax preparation process.
- TaxAct ProAdvance: Features this online resource center that offers information and resources to enhance your practice.
- Practice management: Integrates with TaxDome for an extra $800 per user, per year, offering a client portal, customizable CRM, automated workflows, and unlimited e-signatures.
- High level of support: Provides alerts within the platform and has a strong customer support system, especially for new tax preparers. Along with offering phone and email support, you can also access help via training videos, online articles, and a setup and troubleshooting guide.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
ProConnect Tax Online and TaxAct Professional both support capital account tracking under multiple bases and include the IRS-approved transition tools for legacy conversions to tax basis (the IRS-required method). TurboTax, however, assumes tax basis as the default and provides less flexibility in capital tracking methodology.
TaxAct Professional includes questionnaires and checklists that help you identify state-level filing obligations, but the actual creation of composite returns and withholding forms may require manual adjustment. ProConnect offers built-in compliance, but it still doesn’t automate composite return filings for all states. Meanwhile, TurboTax does not support composite return filings or withholding calculations for partnerships; those must be done manually outside the software.
You can prepare and file Form 1065 manually, but using dedicated tax software can streamline the process, help minimize errors, and ensure compliance with tax laws. Tax software often provides step-by-step guidance, automated calculations, and error checks, which saves time and effort compared with manual preparation.
It is uncommon to find completely free software specifically designed for Form 1065. Partnership tax returns tend to be more complex, requiring advanced features and support. However, some tax software providers may offer free versions or trials with limited functionality.
It depends on your business needs. If you want tax pro assistance and assisted or full-service tax preparation, TurboTax is an excellent choice. If you have unlimited returns, I recommend TaxAct Professional. Meanwhile, I have identified ProConnect Tax Online as the best tax software for tax pros wanting online software.