Sure-Fire Tax Software is professional tax preparation software for tax preparers and tax offices, available through the web and on Windows and macOS. Its plans cover the current three tax years and include federal and state 1040 forms. The web versions also include 1120-S and 1065 returns, while the Professional desktop plan includes all listed corporate forms. Federal e-filing and prior-year import are supported. Preparation tools include real-time calculation updates and diagnostic error checking; Professional adds interview mode and “What if?” scenarios. The client portal supports document uploads, appointment scheduling, text messaging, and electronic signatures. Sure-Fire also lists bank product integrations with Santa Barbara TPG, Refund Advantage, Republic Bank, and River City, plus client portal integration through StayPaperless. The web version can be accessed in a browser on any device and provides automatic daily cloud backups. Desktop returns are encrypted before being sent to secure web servers for backup. Plans start with Pay-Per-Return at 299.00 USD per once, with a $299 signup fee and $20 per e-filed return. Essentials costs 679.00 USD per year, and Professional costs 849.00 USD per year. Sure-Fire says it has served customers since 2008 and operates as a software provider and service bureau.
Who it is for
Pay-Per-Return is positioned for occasional preparers, Essentials for solo preparers and small offices, and Professional for multi-preparer firms and corporate filers. It suits tax offices that need federal e-filing, prior-year import, and access to a client portal.
What is good
- Supports federal e-file and prior-year import.
- Includes the current three tax years and 1040 federal and state forms.
- Client portal includes uploads, scheduling, messaging, and e-signatures.
- Web access works in a browser on any device.
- Professional adds interview mode and “What if?” scenarios.
What to know first
- There is no free plan.
- Pay-Per-Return charges $20 per e-filed return after the $299 signup fee.
- Essentials charges $45 for each other corporate form.
Verdict
Choose Sure-Fire if you prepare returns professionally and want a plan matched to occasional, solo, or multi-preparer work. The web versions include 1120-S and 1065 returns, while Professional adds tools for interviews and scenario analysis. Consider the plan charges and per-return or corporate-form fees when deciding which option fits your filing mix.
Get started with Sure-Fire Tax Software
- Visit the Sure-Fire website.
- Choose Pay-Per-Return, Essentials, or Professional based on your practice and filing needs.
- For web access, use the browser portal; it is described as accessible from any device.
- For desktop installation, use Windows 7 or higher with a 2.8 GHz processor and 2 GB of memory.
- Use the client portal for document uploads, appointments, messages, and electronic signatures.
Limits to know first
Pay-Per-Return includes the current three tax years and 1040 federal and state forms, with 1120-S and 1065 included; it excludes other corporate forms. It costs $299 at signup plus $20 per e-filed return. Essentials charges $45 per other corporate form; Professional includes all listed corporate forms with desktop install.
Questions about Sure-Fire Tax Software
How much does Sure-Fire cost?
Pay-Per-Return is 299.00 USD per once, billed as $299 signup plus $20 per e-filed return. Essentials is 679.00 USD per year and Professional is 849.00 USD per year.
Is there a free plan?
No. The listed plans are paid.
Which platforms does Sure-Fire support?
It is available on the web, Windows, and macOS. The web portal is described as accessible from a browser on any device.
Can it handle business tax returns?
The web versions include 1120-S and 1065 corporate returns. Professional includes all listed corporate forms with desktop install; other corporate forms cost $45 each on Essentials.
Does it integrate with bank products?
Listed providers are Santa Barbara TPG, Refund Advantage, Republic Bank, and River City. Sure-Fire also lists client portal integration through StayPaperless.
Who provides Sure-Fire?
Sure-Fire says it has served customers since 2008 and describes itself as a software provider and service bureau rather than the software manufacturer.
Sure-Fire Tax Software plans and pricing
All plansCompared on small business tax software
- Free plan
- No
- Paid from
- 299 one-time
- Business entity support
- S corporation; partnership; C corporation; estate; trust; nonprofit; employee benefit plan
- Federal e-file
- Yes
- Prior-year import
- Yes
