1099-etc vs TaxZerone

1099-etc is Windows desktop software for preparing W-2, 1099, 941, 940, W-2C, W-3, W-3C and state quarterly unemployment forms. The W-2/1099 Forms Filer has no cloud dependency and supports data entry, printing and electronic filing options for W-2, W-3 and many 1099 forms, handling up to 99,999 employees or recipients per payer. AMS Payroll adds live or after-the-fact payroll for all 50 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico, supporting up to 1,999 payers and 9,999 employees per payer. Imports include Excel, QuickBooks W-2/1099 files and delimited text; AMS Payroll can import QuickBooks or PeachTree text files. E-File Direct creates files for IRS FIRE or SSA BSO/ACCUWAGE, while E-File Services files through a third-party vendor and charges per form. Encrypted PDF reports and payer backup and restore are available. The 2026 W2/1099 Forms Filer costs $94 a year, billed at $94.00; add-ons require it. There is no free plan.

TaxZerone is an IRS-authorized e-file service for businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations submitting supported federal forms. Coverage includes business, employment, exempt organization, information return, excise, extension, and essential forms. The filing workflow is to select a form, enter information, and transmit it to the IRS; the system checks for errors and missing information against IRS rules. Users can bulk upload return information and assign separate permissions for creating, reviewing, and approving filings. Tax professionals can manage multiple businesses, monitor client filing status, and access documents from a dashboard. Free filing is available for select forms, including W-9 requests, Form 94x PIN requests, and Form 2290 VIN corrections. Federal information returns cost $2.49 per form for 1 to 25 forms, with volume pricing down to $0.59 per form for 1,000 or more. The Form 2290 app is available for Android, iPhone, and iPad; platforms also include web, iOS, and API. Its REST API uses OAuth 2.0 and JSON and includes a sandbox.