Are you an accounting firm, CPA, or tax preparer wondering if UltraTax CS is right for your business? Do you want hassle-free UltraTax cloud access, demo, robust compliance tools, and time-saving automation — but are confused by pricing, installation, or which solution best fits your needs? You’re not alone.
UltraTax CS can be a strong choice for tax firms handling complex federal, state, multientity, and multistate returns, but its actual cost and ideal deployment model depend on your users, return volume, applications, and IT setup. Developed by Thomson Reuters, UltraTax CS combines professional tax preparation, diagnostics, e-filing, data sharing, and support for a broad range of federal, state, and local returns.
In the 2025 Journal of Accountancy and The Tax Adviser survey of 2,011 AICPA members, UltraTax CS was used by 22.9% of respondents, the highest percentage among the tax software products included in the survey. Its broad form coverage was also one of the features users valued most.
However, choosing UltraTax CS involves more than comparing software features. Firms must consider licensing, state and entity modules, per-return charges, hosting costs, remote access, integrations, data security, and tax-season performance. This guide explains what UltraTax CS does, how its pricing works, how local and cloud deployments differ, and what CPA and tax firms should evaluate before making a decision.
Key Takeaways
- UltraTax CS is a professional tax preparation software ideal for accounting firms, but its pricing varies based on user count, return volume, and required features.
- Thomson Reuters does not publicly list UltraTax CS pricing; firms must request quotes for specific costs.
- Costs for hosting UltraTax CS are separate, with Virtual Office CS priced at $147 per month and third-party options starting at $49.99 per user per month.
- Firms should consider various factors such as licensing, integrations, and storage needs when evaluating the ultratax cs cost.
- In a 2025 survey, UltraTax CS was the most used software among tax professionals, indicating its popularity and reliability.
1. What Does UltraTax CS Mean?
UltraTax CS is professional tax preparation software developed by Thomson Reuters for CPAs, accountants, enrolled agents, and tax preparation firms. It supports individual, corporate, partnership, estate, trust, exempt organization, multistate, and other professional tax workflows. The software is part of the wider Thomson Reuters CS Professional Suite. UltraTax CS is designed for professional practices rather than individual taxpayers filing their own returns.
2. What is CS in Accounting?
“CS” denotes Creative Solutions, a suite of integrated accounting and tax solutions from Thomson Reuters, including UltraTax CS, Accounting CS, and Practice CS. These tools offer automation, data sharing, and compliance management for professional firms. The suite includes applications for:
- Tax preparation
- Accounting and payroll
- Fixed asset management
- Practice management
- Workpapers
- Document management
- Tax planning
- Client collaboration
These products are designed to share data and support connected accounting, tax, document, and practice-management workflows.
3. What is Accounting CS Used For?
Accounting CS enables accountants and firms to manage bookkeeping, payroll, firm workflows, and auditing efficiently. Thus, it integrates seamlessly with UltraTax CS for smooth data transfer and client management. It may be used for:
- Bookkeeping and write-up work
- Trial balance management
- Financial statement preparation
- Payroll processing
- Client accounting
- Transaction and adjustment management
- Data sharing with other CS Professional Suite applications
Accounting CS can work alongside UltraTax CS to reduce repeated data entry and help maintain consistent client information across accounting and tax workflows.
4. What is Thomson Reuters’ UltraTax CS?
UltraTax CS is purpose-built tax software for accountants and tax preparers, supporting all major tax forms (1040, 1120, 1065, 1041, etc.), e-filing, client portals, advanced diagnostics, and real-time data sharing across complex tax scenarios. Designed for compliance, efficiency, and scalability, it’s the backbone of many thriving accounting practices. Important UltraTax CS features include:
- Federal, state, local, and multistate return support
- Real-time tax calculations
- Data sharing between related returns
- Prior-year and missing-data diagnostics
- E-filing status tracking
- Data mining
- Multistate allocation and apportionment tools
- Depreciation and asset management
- Multi-monitor support
- Integrations with other Thomson Reuters products
5. What is a CS Professional Suite?
CS Professional Suite is a bundled suite from Thomson Reuters, offering tax, accounting, document management, payroll, and workflow software—designed to streamline every aspect of a modern accounting or tax practice. It can include products such as:
- UltraTax CS
- Accounting CS
- Fixed Assets CS
- Practice CS
- Planner CS
- Workpapers CS
- FileCabinet CS
- NetClient CS
- Virtual Office CS
A firm can use one application or combine several products to create a connected workflow even on cloud hosting like OneUp Networks CS Professional Suite Hosting provides this integrated ecosystem on hosted cloud.
6. How Much Does UltraTax CS Software Cost?
Thomson Reuters does not publish UltraTax CS license pricing. The product page directs firms to request a quote, and the final number depends on your user count, return volume, state and local jurisdictions, entity types, and which CS Professional Suite modules you add. Two firms of the same headcount can receive materially different quotes.
What Thomson Reuters does document publicly is its Per-Return Pricing (PRP) option, a pay-as-you-go path for returns not covered by an unlimited license. Firms can view the complete current fee schedule inside the software under CS Connect > Fee Schedule. PRP tends to suit low-volume practices; firms filing at scale generally land on an unlimited license.
Third-party review sites quote annual figures ranging from roughly $2,500 to well past $20,000. Treat these as directional only — none are published by Thomson Reuters, and they vary by the year and country the reviewer sampled.
What to do instead of guessing: ask your Thomson Reuters representative for an itemized renewal quote that separates the license, each state module, e-filing, add-ons, and any Virtual Office CS or SaaS hosting line. Firms are often surprised by how much of the total sits in lines other than the base license — and hosting is the one line you can change without changing software.
7. How Much Does UltraTax CS Hosting Cost?
Hosting is billed separately from your software license, and you have three routes.
| Route | What it costs | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Your own server | Hardware, IT time, backups, security | You manage everything |
| Thomson Reuters Virtual Office CS | $147 per portal, per month for CS Professional Suite applications ($154 for Microsoft Office only, $179 for both) | Vendor-hosted access to the CS applications you’re licensed for |
| Third-party hosting (OneUp Networks) | From $49.99 per user, per month | Your licensed applications in a managed private cloud, with migration and support included |
For a firm running UltraTax CS on its own, that’s $147 versus $49.99 per user, per month. Over a year, a three-person practice pays about $5,292 on Virtual Office CS against roughly $1,800 on the OneUp Networks Essential plan.
Two costs sit underneath the Virtual Office CS rate that firms often miss:
- Storage above 4 GB per portal is billed at $9 per GB, per month. A three-person firm has a 12 GB pool. Once FileCabinet CS has a few seasons of returns in it, the overage line grows quickly. (Older documents can be moved to Virtual Office CS Archive Storage at $19 per 10 GB per month, which is worth doing regardless of who hosts you.)
- Technical support contracts run $960 per year for the first product, $540 for each additional one. Off-contract help is billed hourly.
OneUp Networks plans include storage, support, migration, and 120-day backup retention in the per-user rate. The published Thomson Reuters hosting plans run from $49.99 per user for a single application up to $109.99 for the full suite alongside QuickBooks or other software.
Virtual Office CS or Third-Party Hosting: Which Fits Your Firm?
Both put UltraTax CS in the cloud. They differ in what else can live there with it.
| Parameters | Virtual Office CS | OneUp Networks |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | $147 per portal/month | From $49.99 per user/month |
| Applications | CS Professional Suite applications you’re licensed for | Any client-owned application — UltraTax CS, QuickBooks, Drake, Sage, add-ins |
| Storage included | 4 GB per portal, then $9/GB/month | 10–100 GB per user depending on plan |
| Support | $960/year contract, first product | Included, 24/7 |
| Migration | Firm-managed | Included |
| Backups | Vendor-managed | 3 copies, 120-day retention |
| Microsoft Office | Requires your own Microsoft 365 tenant and per-user accounts | Available as an add-on or bring your own |
Virtual Office CS makes sense if your firm runs nothing but CS Professional Suite, stores very little data, and prefers a single vendor relationship for software and hosting.
Third-party hosting makes sense if you run other applications alongside UltraTax CS, if your storage overage line has been growing, or if you want migration and support inside the subscription rather than as separate contracts.
Your software licenses come from Thomson Reuters either way. OneUp Networks hosts client-owned licenses and does not sell Thomson Reuters software. Check for what a full-suite firm pays by saving more than 60% compared to Virtual Office CS.
8. Is UltraTax CS Cloud-Based?
Yes, UltraTax CS can be used in both locally installed and hosted environments. Firms can install it on supported local or network infrastructure, use Thomson Reuters Virtual Office CS or SaaS, or run their licensed software in a managed third-party hosted environment. In fact, UltraTax by Thomson Reuters can be hosted on cloud with a managed hosting provider like OneUp Networks who are specialized in Ultratax CS Hosting.
| Deployment model | Who hosts it? | Who manages infrastructure? | Application flexibility | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local or office server | The accounting firm | Internal IT or IT vendor | High | Firms with capable internal IT & is expensive |
| Virtual Office CS | Thomson Reuters | Thomson Reuters | Primarily supported CS and Microsoft applications | Firms wanting vendor-hosted access but less support |
| Thomson Reuters SaaS | Thomson Reuters | Thomson Reuters | Based on SaaS package | Firms preferring leased software access |
| Third-party hosting | Hosting provider | Hosting provider like OneUp Networks | Supports multiple client-owned applications | Firms wanting a unified hosted desktop with fully managed services |
9. What Software Do Professional Tax Preparers Use?
Top choices in 2025 for U.S. CPAs and tax preparers are:
- UltraTax CS (Thomson Reuters) — #1 by usage rate
- Lacerte (Intuit)
- Drake Tax (Drake Software)
Professional tax preparers use several established platforms, top choices in 2026 for U.S. CPAs and tax preparers are:
- UltraTax CS
- Drake Tax
- Lacerte
- CCH Axcess Tax
- ProSeries
- CCH ProSystem fx
- ATX
- ProConnect Tax
- GoSystem Tax RS
In the 2025 Journal of Accountancy survey, the most-used products among respondents were UltraTax CS at 22.9%, Drake Tax at 16.3%, and Lacerte at 15.8%. Usage share does not automatically make one product the right choice for every firm. Firm size, return complexity, staff experience, integrations, and budget all matter. (Source – Journal of Accountancy)
10. How to Install UltraTax CS?
- Obtain the installation toolkit or access your cloud provider’s onboarding portal.
- For local/server installs: map a drive to target server (not C:) and run the installer as an admin.
- For cloud/hosted: most providers handle install for you; just log in via the remote desktop or portal.
- Update licenses as prompted after install.
- Regularly check for updates and apply via the “Help” or “Utilities” menu.
Thomson Reuters currently lists a minimum of 4 GB of RAM for local UltraTax CS use and recommends 8 GB or more, although requirements should always be checked before installation because they may change. In a managed hosted environment, the hosting provider normally handles the server-side installation and works with the client to configure access, applications, and migrated data like OneUp Networks provides Unlimited resources with Total Practice Plan.
11. How Do You Import Data from Accounting CS to UltraTax CS?
- Export data or balances from Accounting CS (use correct client/entity type).
- In UltraTax CS, go to Utilities > Import and choose the relevant data type (Trial Balance, client info, etc.).
- Map fields as needed and verify successful import.
12. How to Use UltraTax CS?
- Set up client portals for secure document requests and sharing.
- Use multi-monitor support to streamline review and data entry.
- Engage e-filing and diagnostics tools to minimize errors.
- Enable MFA, role-based access, and automatic backup for security.
- Review calculations, forms, elections, and diagnostics.
- Prepare state and multistate allocations where required.
- Obtain client approvals and signatures.
- Create and transmit the electronic return.
- Track acknowledgment and filing status.
13. How secure is UltraTax CS cloud hosting?
Leading providers like OneUp Networks offer advanced Infra with SSAE/HIPAA compliance, data encryption, disaster recovery, and multi-factor authentication by default. It is advised to take a demo for Ultratax hosting before opting for the services.
14. How do I choose the right UltraTax hosting provider?
Look for SSAE/HIPAA compliance, free setup/migration, better Ultratax per user pricing, disaster recovery, uptime guarantees, and positive user reviews. Still, to check the App knowledge of the Support team and the marketing claims, it is always best to opt for free trial first and then decide based on the experience.
15. How Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS On-premise is compared to Cloud Hosting?
| Feature | On-Premise UltraTax CS | UltraTax CS Cloud Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Remote, multi-device access | ❌ | ✅ |
| Automatic data backups | ❌ (manual/IT needed) | ✅ (provider managed with 3 copies) |
| Scalability during busy seasons | ❌ | ✅Specially Tax season |
| Maintenance / IT support | You manage | Handled by provider |
| Security (encryption, DR, MFA) | Extra cost/custom setup | Included in all plans |
| Integration with CS Suite | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cost predictability | Higher upfront, variable | Predictable subscriptions |
| Setup time | IT staff install & update | Fast onboarding, Free Migration |
16. How Does UltraTax CS Compare to Drake and Lacerte?
| Factor | UltraTax CS | Drake Tax | Lacerte |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical fit | Firms with complex, multistate, multientity, or integrated CS workflows | Firms seeking bundled packages and predictable pricing | Firms handling complex individual and business returns, particularly within the Intuit ecosystem |
| Pricing approach | Customized according to users, returns, states, and jurisdictions | Published packages, including unlimited and pay-per-return options | Multiple packages, including unlimited and pay-as-you-go options |
| Data ecosystem | CS Professional Suite and supported integrations | Drake products and supported third-party tools | Intuit accounting and tax ecosystem |
| Cloud options | Virtual Office CS, SaaS, or third-party hosting (OneUp Networks) | Drake Tax Online or hosted desktop options (OneUp Networks) | Hosted and desktop options (OneUp Networks) |
| States and forms | Broad federal, state, local, and multistate coverage | Federal and state packages based on the selected plan | Federal, state, and specialized return packages |
| Best evaluation method | Request an itemized quote and workflow demo | Compare current packages and return limits | Compare modules, seats, return credits, and hosting |
| Price (annual, single user) | ~$2,500–$25,000+ | $1,895–$2,695 | Custom, often $6k+ |
| Pay-per-return available | Yes, $25–50/return | $349.99 (15 returns incl., $25–40/return after) | Yes |
17. UltraTax CS vs. Drake: Real User Insights
- Drake’s advantages: Affordability, responsive support, unlimited state/business returns for Pro package, good tax planner.
- UltraTax’s advantages: Handles complex, multi-entity and multi-state filings excellently. Strong asset management and seamless CS Suite data sharing.
- Shortcomings: UltraTax CS is expensive but often seen as justifiable for firms with complex or high-volume caseloads. Drake is more economical and user-friendly but may lag with advanced multi-state or entity scenarios.
In the 2025 Journal of Accountancy survey:
- UltraTax CS was used by 22.9% of respondents.
- 76% of UltraTax CS users selected comprehensiveness or number of forms as a top benefit.
- 90.4% said the software contained all the forms they needed.
- UltraTax CS was used across a broad range of firm sizes, including firms with larger numbers of preparers.
18. How is Drake Tax vs. UltraTax (UT)? — High-Level Comparison
| Attribute | TR UltraTax CS | Drake Tax Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Annual Price | ~$2,500 | $1,895–$2,695 |
| Pay-Per-Return Option | Yes ($25–$50/return) | Yes, $349.99 first 15 returns, $25–$40/return after |
| Cloud Hosting | $49.99/user/month (OneUp Networks) | $49.99/user/month (OneUp Networks) |
| Complex Return Handling | Excellent (Multi-entity, Multi-state, K-1s) | Good (less efficient for very complex returns) |
| User Reviews | #1 by usage; priciest | High support, value, UI dated |
Before deciding, run the same sample returns in each shortlisted product. Include one straightforward 1040, one multistate return, one business return, and one return containing K-1s or related entities. Software demonstrations become far more useful when they reflect your actual work instead of a polished vendor script.
Common UltraTax CS use cases
UltraTax CS may be used for:
- Preparing a 1040 (individual) and K-1s for business partners with multi-state income.
- Handling corporate and partnership filings
- Preparing estate and trust returns
- Managing K-1 information across related returns
- Working with multistate income and allocation
- Tracking electronic filing status
- Reviewing diagnostics and missing information
- Managing payroll, bookkeeping, and tax using the full CS Professional Suite stack.
- Supporting remote or seasonal tax teams through a hosted environment
- Automating client data pull with prep checklists for year-over-year accuracy.
Statistic: “Firms using integrated CS Suite solutions saw an average 20% boost in preparer productivity over non-integrated competitors” (Source:Journal of Accountancy/Tax Advisor survey).
“Cloud hosting for tax software is no longer an option but a competitive necessity for modern accounting firms—due to the shift to hybrid work and the increasing threat landscape. Those using robust, vendor-backed solutions with disaster recovery and encryption enjoy higher client trust and operational uptime.”
[2025 Survey, Journal of Accountancy].
How OneUp Networks Can Help
OneUp Networks provides managed hosting for client-owned Thomson Reueters UltraTax CS and other accounting and tax applications. A hosted environment can help firms provide authorized team members with remote access to required applications while reducing the need to maintain local servers, backups, and supporting infrastructure internally.
Depending on the selected plan and requirements, OneUp Networks can assist with:
- Guided application and data migration
- Remote access for authorized users
- Hosting multiple client-owned applications in one managed dedicated environment
- NVMe-based infrastructure
- User and resource scaling
- Human support for authorized team members
- A support response target of under 60 seconds
- 120-day rolling backup retention as an added protection layer
Your firm remains responsible for maintaining valid software licenses and confirming compatibility for every hosted application.
Get a customized UltraTax CS hosting recommendation based on your users, applications, storage, integrations, and tax-season requirements.
FAQs:
Thomson Reuters uses custom pricing, so the total depends on users, return volume, state and local jurisdictions, entity types, and modules — there’s no published list price to compare against. Firms are also billed separately for hosting, storage above the included allowance, and technical support contracts. Hosting is usually the line a firm can change most easily: Virtual Office CS is published at $147 per portal per month, while third-party hosting for a single application starts at $49.99 per user per month.
Thomson Reuters doesn’t publish UltraTax CS license pricing; firms receive a custom quote based on users, returns, jurisdictions, and modules. Hosting is a separate cost. On Virtual Office CS, hosting alone runs $1,764 per user per year at the published $147 monthly rate, before storage and support. On OneUp Networks, hosting for a single Thomson Reuters application runs $599.88 per user per year.
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