In today’s tax and accounting industry, the right software can make or break productivity. UltraTax CS, developed by Thomson Reuters, has become one of the most trusted solutions for CPAs and accounting firms.
But here’s the challenge:
- How much does UltraTax CS really cost?
- Should you host it on local servers or move to the cloud?
- How does it compare to alternatives like Drake or Lacerte?
- And most importantly, how do you choose the right hosting provider?
This comprehensive guide answers all of these questions — and helps you make a smarter decision for your firm.
What Is UltraTax CS?
UltraTax CS is part of the CS Professional Suite, designed specifically for accounting firms that handle complex tax preparation and compliance tasks.
Key benefits include:
- Full integration with CS Professional Suite
- Flexible modules for corporate, individual, and partnership returns
- Advanced compliance features
- Time-saving automation for tax season
UltraTax CS is powerful — but success with it depends heavily on cost planning and hosting choices.
Pricing in 2025
UltraTax CS does not come with a one-size-fits-all pricing model. Costs vary depending on firm size, users, and modules.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Software Licensing – Per-user or per-module basis, often customized.
- Cloud Hosting – Monthly or annual fees depending on provider and resources.
- Support & Maintenance – Additional training, migration, and IT support.
Pro Tip: Always budget at least 15–20% above base licensing costs for hosting, training, and updates.
Related read: QuickBooks Hosting Installation Guide
Why Firms Are Moving to Cloud Hosting
Local servers used to be the standard, but they come with headaches: high maintenance costs, downtime risks, and limited accessibility. That’s why firms are moving UltraTax CS to the cloud.
Advantages of Cloud Hosting:
- Work anywhere, anytime with remote access
- Built-in disaster recovery and backups
- Enterprise-level data security
- Lower hardware & IT management costs
- Ability to scale resources quickly during tax season
Related read: 3-2-1 Backup Strategy
UltraTax CS vs. Drake vs. Lacerte
How does UltraTax CS compare with other leading tax preparation software?
- Drake Tax: Affordable, great for smaller practices, but lacks advanced features.
- Lacerte: Strong compliance tools but can be overly complex.
- UltraTax CS: Best for firms that need scalability, advanced features, and seamless integrations.
For growing firms, UltraTax CS offers the most future-proof option.
How to Choose the Right UltraTax CS Hosting Provider
Not all hosting providers deliver the same experience. A poor provider can mean downtime during tax season — which no CPA firm can afford.
- When evaluating hosting providers, look for:
- SOC-compliant data centers
- 24/7 expert support
- Strong encryption & cybersecurity protections
- High uptime SLAs (Service Level Agreements)
- Scalability to handle seasonal workload spikes
Related read: SALT Deduction Strategy
At OneUp Networks, we specialize in tax and accounting software hosting, including UltraTax CS, Drake, and QuickBooks. With a focus on performance, security, and compliance, we ensure your team can work securely from anywhere.
Final Thoughts
UltraTax CS remains a top choice for CPAs and tax professionals — but only if you plan ahead for pricing, hosting, and provider selection.
- Budget for licensing and hidden costs
- Consider the advantages of cloud hosting
- Choose a provider that specializes in accounting software
By making informed decisions, you’ll reduce IT stress and maximize efficiency.
Read the complete guide here: UltraTax CS Guide
About OneUp Networks
At OneUp Networks, we provide end-to-end IT solutions tailored for accountants, CPAs, and growing businesses.
Our services include:
- UltraTax CS Hosting
- QuickBooks Hosting
- Data Backup & Recovery
- Cloud Solutions & IT Support
- Cybersecurity Services
⚡ What are you waiting for? Let’s take your firm’s IT to the next level.