Everything you need to know about using TaxBolt for your tax preparation business.
TaxBolt is an AI-powered platform built specifically for tax preparation businesses. It automates document collection, return status tracking, deadline management, client communications, and billing so your preparers can focus on preparing returns instead of chasing paperwork and answering status calls.
TaxBolt is built for tax preparation businesses of all sizes: solo preparers, multi-preparer tax offices, seasonal tax shops, enrolled agents, and CPA firms with a tax practice. If you prepare tax returns for clients and want to process more returns with less administrative overhead, TaxBolt is for you.
No. TaxBolt is not tax preparation software and does not replace Drake, Lacerte, ProSeries, UltraTax, or similar tools. TaxBolt handles everything around the return: collecting documents, tracking status, managing deadlines, communicating with clients, and billing. Your team uses their preferred tax software for the actual preparation.
Most practices are up and running in under 30 minutes. You create an account, import your client list (CSV upload or manual entry), and your clients can start uploading documents immediately. No IT staff, no server installation, no complex configuration.
TaxBolt does not file returns directly with the IRS — your tax software handles e-filing. TaxBolt is a practice management tool that helps you organize, track, and communicate around the returns your team prepares. All data is encrypted at rest and in transit, and our infrastructure meets the IRS requirements for safeguarding taxpayer data under Publication 4557.
TaxBolt does not submit returns electronically. E-filing is handled by your existing tax software (Drake, Lacerte, ProSeries, etc.). TaxBolt tracks the status of each return through your workflow, including marking returns as e-filed and recording acceptance or rejection status.
All client data is encrypted using AES-256 at rest and TLS 1.3 in transit. Documents uploaded through client portals are stored in SOC 2 Type II certified infrastructure. Access is role-based, and all data access is logged. We follow IRS Publication 4557 guidelines for protecting taxpayer information.
Yes, on the Tax Office and Enterprise plans. Clients can e-sign Form 8879 (IRS e-file Signature Authorization) directly from a secure link sent via email or text. The signed document is stored with a timestamp, IP address, and audit trail for IRS compliance.
Yes. TaxBolt tracks deadlines and document requirements for all 50 states. If a client needs to file in multiple states, TaxBolt's document checklist will include state-specific requirements and track each state filing deadline independently.
Yes. TaxBolt maintains a database of federal and state filing deadlines, including extensions. States with different deadlines (like Virginia's May 1 deadline) are tracked automatically. The system also handles states with no income tax by suppressing unnecessary alerts.
Yes, on the Enterprise plan. TaxBolt can import client data from Drake and sync return status between platforms. This eliminates double-entry and keeps your Drake workflow intact while adding TaxBolt's document collection and communication features.
Yes, on the Enterprise plan. TaxBolt integrates with Intuit Lacerte for client data import, return status sync, and document attachment. Your preparers continue working in Lacerte while clients interact with TaxBolt's document portal and status updates.
Enterprise plan includes integrations with ProSeries (Intuit) and UltraTax CS (Thomson Reuters). If you use a different tax software, contact us — we are actively expanding our integration library and can prioritize based on demand.
Yes. Upload a CSV file with client names, emails, phone numbers, and filing types. TaxBolt will create client records, generate document checklists based on filing type, and send portal invitations automatically. Most practices complete import in under 10 minutes.
TaxBolt currently integrates with QuickBooks Online for billing and invoicing sync on the Enterprise plan. Xero integration is on our roadmap. For document collection, TaxBolt accepts any file format your clients upload.
Clients can upload PDF, JPG, PNG, HEIC (iPhone photos), and TIFF files. There is no limit to the number of files per client. TaxBolt's AI can read and classify W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, and other common tax documents from uploaded images and PDFs.
When you set up a client, TaxBolt generates a personalized document checklist based on their filing type and prior year return data. As documents arrive, the checklist updates automatically. If key documents are still missing after a configurable period, reminder emails and texts are sent to the client.
Yes, on Tax Office and Enterprise plans. Returns can be assigned manually or auto-routed based on preparer specialization (individual vs. business, complexity level) and current workload. Preparers see only their assigned queue.
Yes. Every plan includes a 14-day free trial with full access to all features in that tier. No credit card is required to start the trial. At the end of 14 days, you choose a plan and enter payment details to continue.
Yes. Cancel anytime from your account settings. If you cancel mid-billing cycle, you retain access through the end of the paid period. Your data is retained for 90 days after cancellation in case you want to reactivate.
Our monthly plans can be paused between seasons. Contact support to pause your subscription during off-season months. Annual plans provide the best value for year-round practices.
Start your free trial and see for yourself, or reach out to our team.
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