Freedom251 › Payroll Tax Software
ModernEFile Mate
What ModernEFile Mate is
ModernEFile Mate is Windows desktop software for preparing IRS Forms 941 and 940 for the IRS Modernized e-File system. It creates an e-file that you upload to the IRS yourself; it does not transmit returns automatically. Filing requires an active EFIN and ETIN authorized for employment tax returns, plus an internet connection when you submit. Entered information remains on your computer rather than in cloud storage. The software supports ERO Practitioner PIN signing with Form 8879-EMP and Reporting Agent PIN signing with Form 8655. Listed tools include error validation, real-time PDF preview and export, filing-status tracking, notes, and local backup and restore. Payroll Mate users can import company details and Forms 941 and 940 data, although Payroll Mate is not required. The 2026 edition runs only on Windows 10 or Windows 11, with each license tied to one computer. Plans are billed annually, starting at $245 a year for up to 10 companies; a 30-day trial has company and form limits and cannot create submissions.
Who it suits
It suits tax professionals, accountants, CPAs, and payroll processing providers handling federal Forms 941 and 940. Windows 10 or 11 and authorized EFIN and ETIN credentials are required for filing.
What it does well
- Prepares Forms 941 and 940
- Stores data locally without cloud storage
- Built-in validation and PDF preview
- Supports two PIN signing methods
- Includes filing status tracking and backups
What to know first
- Windows 10 or 11 only
- Manual IRS upload is required
- No free plan
- Trial cannot create e-file submissions
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10 companies | Pay once per year · Up to 10 companies · 2026 tax year only · Single computer license | $245 a year |
| 25 companies | Pay once per year · Up to 25 companies · 2026 tax year only · Single computer license | $395 a year |
| 50 companies | Pay once per year · Up to 50 companies · 2026 tax year only · Single computer license | $585 a year |
| 100 companies | Pay once per year · Up to 100 companies · 2026 tax year only · Single computer license | $685 a year |
| 200 companies | Pay once per year · Up to 200 companies · 2026 tax year only · Single computer license | $875 a year |
As realtaxtools.com lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
ModernEFile Mate focuses on federal Forms 941 and 940, with local storage and filing-oriented tools. Check the company limit, single-computer license, and manual submission process before choosing a plan.
Facts from ModernEFile Mate's own pages
- Audience
- The vendor describes the trial as built for tax professionals, accountants, CPAs, and payroll processing providers. · realtaxtools.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Direct submission
- The software creates the e-file, and the user manually uploads it to the IRS; it does not transmit returns automatically. · realtaxtools.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Features
- Features listed include built-in error validation, real-time PDF preview and export, filing status tracking, notes, and local backup and restore. · realtaxtools.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2003 · realtaxtools.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Orland Park, Illinois, USA · realtaxtools.com, 28 Sept 2026
- IRS credentials
- Users need an active EFIN and ETIN authorized for employment tax returns to transmit e-files. · realtaxtools.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Local data
- The software stores entered data on the user's computer without cloud storage, and requires an internet connection when the user is ready to file. · realtaxtools.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Payroll integration
- Payroll Mate users can import company information and Forms 941 and 940 data, while Payroll Mate is not required to use ModernEFile Mate. · realtaxtools.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Platform and license
- The 2026 edition runs exclusively on Windows 10 or Windows 11 and its license is tied to one computer. · realtaxtools.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ModernEFile Mate is desktop software for preparing and e-filing IRS Forms 941 and 940 through the IRS Modernized e-File system. · realtaxtools.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Signature methods
- The software supports the ERO Practitioner PIN method using Form 8879-EMP and the Reporting Agent PIN method using Form 8655. · realtaxtools.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The purchase includes 60 days of complimentary technical support, after which support may require payment; the product page lists phone and live chat support. · realtaxtools.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Trial limits
- The 30-day trial limits the number of companies and forms, adds a DEMO mark to printed or exported forms, and cannot create an e-file submission. · realtaxtools.com, 8 Oct 2026
Where ModernEFile Mate stands on Freedom251
- Payroll Tax Software#17 of 31