Desktop Tax Software can be challenging. Working with numbers all day can be overwhelming, as taxes can be draining—get one thing wrong, the consequences are dire. As a tax professional, it’s only logical to invest in the right tools to boost productivity and minimize mistakes—this is where Desktop Tax Software comes in.
These Desktop Tax Software platforms have been designed to help expedite the process, but you need to find the right one that suits your needs. There are desktop versions you can install on your computer, as well as online ones that you can access through a device and internet connection.
Bear in mind that certain factors come into play when it comes to the choice between Desktop Tax Software and online tax software. Here’s a quick rundown of each, as well as which type of software best suits your needs. The end goal is to always perform taxes in a safe and secure manner, so choose wisely!
Factor #1: Convenience
Online: With online Desktop Tax Software, you have the ability to work remotely and use different devices to work on your tax return. These are also not limited to personal computers, as many companies now offer mobile apps that allow you to work on your taxes on your mobile phone or tablet. Online tax software is ideal because of the convenience they offer, allowing you to work on any device with a secure internet connection.
Desktop: With Desktop Tax Software, you can work on your tax returns on a personal computer. However, you can only do so if the software is installed on the computer. While having to manually install the software and transfer data on multiple computers can be quite a hassle, convenience will not be much of a problem if you’re only planning to work on one computer.
Which is better?
Verdict: Online
Factor #2: Storage
Desktop: You will be dealing with multiple files each season, and since clients are aplenty, it’s easy to lose storage space quickly. Choosing to use tax software on your desktop also holds you responsible for protecting your data. In the event of unprecedented disasters, you can lose data permanently, so it’s important to regularly back up data in another location other than your computer.
Online: Seeing as the world is moving towards digital, Desktop Tax Software is most ideal. It automatically saves data as you work, maintaining your data as secure as possible. Encrypted copies are always kept at separate locations to keep safe during disasters. Cloud storage devices such as OneDrive and Google Drive can also be accessed, giving you ample storage for your steady flow of clients.
Which is better?
Verdict: Online
Factor #3: Security
Desktop: Working on a desktop doesn’t have much of a data security risk provided you take precautionary cybersecurity measures, such as having an active firewall and secure antivirus software which should be updated regularly. If you don’t have these, however, you may risk a data breach from malware and hackers.
Online: Working with online Desktop Tax Software provides you with ample security, especially since companies behind it protect and encrypt your tax data files. You need only identify and choose which company offers you the best protection, as your options will be plenty. Make sure to review privacy and security policies!
Which is better?
Verdict: Online and desktop
The Final Verdict: An Online Desktop Tax Software is Key to Your Success
It’s vital that you equip yourself with the right tools, ensuring that you’re always ready for tax season. From everything gathered, the best Desktop Tax Software are those you can easily access online, as they provide ample security, storage, and convenience for your tasks.
That said, invest in Keystone Tax Solutions! With more than 15 years of experience, we are a leader in the professional Desktop Tax Software industry. Offering 100% web-based tax solutions, we’ve helped thousands of tax professionals streamline their processes and begin their tax businesses. With unparalleled prices and unparalleled customer service, we are here to help you succeed—reach out today.
