Instead vs UltimateTax

Instead is a web-based AI agent for tax research, planning, preparation, filing, and defense. It lists support for individual 1040, C corporation 1120, S corporation 1120-S, partnership 1065, and trust and estate 1041 returns. Users choose which workflows to run, and credits are consumed only when they start a task; the credit estimate is shown beforehand. Users can review the agent’s work before filing. Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box are live integrations with two-way sync, version tracking, and automatic folder mapping. Instead says it is IRS-approved and supports e-filing in 48 or more state jurisdictions, as well as local filing. Federal and state e-file and prior-year import are listed. The free Instead Platform plan is free and includes unlimited users, entities, e-file and print file, multi-entity support, and collaborators and viewers. Instead Agent is billed per credit, with pricing dependent on volume and usage; purchased credits are valid for 12 months. The service lists a free trial, US-based customer support, and 24/7 support, with email responses within 24 business hours.

UltimateTax provides professional tax preparation software for preparers handling individual 1040 and corporate returns. Online 1040 runs in a browser and supports unlimited 1040 filings; the pricing comparison lists compatibility with Mac, Windows, Chromebook, and Linux. Desktop 1040 products are installed software for Windows 11. The corporate desktop product lists forms including 1040, 1041, 1120C, 1120S, 1065, 706, 709, and 990. Listed preparation tools include interview mode, prior-year carry-forward, e-signatures, diagnostics, and context-sensitive help. Every subscription includes ProClient for managing client documents. UltimateTax lists EPS Financial, Santa Barbara TPG, and Refund Advantage as bank product providers, and says its support team provides free data import from previous tax software. Online 1040 stores data in an online database with regular automatic backups. Plans include year-round support, and an EFIN is required to file with the packages. Online 1040 costs $188 a year; other listed plans range from 288.00 USD to $488 a year.