Estate planning and probate practices may prepare only a modest number of federal transfer-tax returns each year, but those returns can be complex. That creates a different software need from high-volume individual income tax preparation.
Focus on the Returns Your Firm Actually Prepares
If the firm primarily needs Forms 706 and 709, a dedicated product can make the workflow easier to understand. The key is to confirm that the current edition supports the schedules, calculations and output needed for the matters your firm accepts.
Local Desktop Data vs. Cloud Systems
Law firms have different technology policies. A Windows desktop product can keep client data on the firm's own computer, while cloud products may make multi-user access easier. The firm should evaluate security, backup, remote access and retention requirements before choosing either model.
Review and Output Matter
Professional transfer-tax work requires more than data entry. Software should help the preparer review required fields, reconcile calculations and generate organized filing copies and supporting statements.
Support and Update Pricing Should Be Clear
Ask what the purchase price includes, which tax-year edition is covered, whether future-year updates are separate, and how support is delivered. Clear pricing is especially important for smaller practices where a few returns must justify the software cost.
Forms 706 and 709 Are Different Workflows
Estate tax software should be organized around Form 706 asset and deduction schedules. Gift tax software should track current and prior gifts, split-gift elections and GST information. A combined suite is useful only if the firm actually prepares both types of returns.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- Which Form 706 and Form 709 revisions are supported?
- Which schedules and elections are included?
- How are prior gifts and carryover data handled?
- What validation and review tools are available?
- Can the program print and create professional PDFs?
- Where is client data stored?
- What support is included?
- What do future tax-year updates cost?