Outsourced Tax Preparation for CPA Firms
White-label preparation of 1040, 1065, 1120-S and 1120 returns inside your own tax software, ready for your review and signature.
How BATS handles outsourced tax preparation for cpa firms
Tax season compresses a year of work into a few months, and finding experienced seasonal staff gets harder every year. BATS prepares returns for accounting and tax firms as a behind-the-scenes extension of your team. We work in your software, follow your workpaper standards and hand back returns ready for your review, so your firm keeps the client relationship and the signature while we add the capacity.
We work with clients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., so state-specific rules are covered whether you are in one state or several.
Who this is for
- CPA and EA firms that need extra capacity during tax season
- Practices that want to grow without hiring more full-time staff
- Firms catching up on extensions before the September and October deadlines
- Sole practitioners who want more time for review and advisory work
Everything covered in this service
Individual (1040), partnership (1065), S corporation (1120-S) and C corporation (1120) preparation
Multi-state, trust (1041) and nonprofit (990) returns on request
Work performed in your software, such as UltraTax CS, Lacerte, ProConnect, Drake or CCH Axcess
Workpapers, tie-outs and open-item lists in your format
Review notes cleared before returns come back to you
White-label delivery: your clients never see BATS
The paperwork behind outsourced tax preparation for cpa firms
| Form 1040 with schedules | Individual returns of all complexity levels, including multi-state |
|---|---|
| Forms 1065 and 1120-S | Pass-through returns with partner and shareholder K-1s |
| Form 1120 | C corporation returns |
| Forms 1041 and 990 | Trust, estate and nonprofit returns on request |
| Workpapers and tie-outs | Supporting schedules in your firm's format |
| Open-item list | Questions for your client, ready to send |
What we'll need from you
Have these ready and your first meeting goes much faster. Don't worry if something is missing; we'll help you find it.
- Signed confidentiality and service agreement
- Secure access to your tax software and document portal
- Your review checklist and workpaper standards
- Client source documents and prior-year returns
- A primary contact at your firm for questions
How it works, step by step
Onboard
We sign a confidentiality agreement, get secure access to your systems and learn your review standards.
Pilot batch
We prepare a small set of returns so you can check quality and turnaround before scaling up.
Prepare and document
Each return comes with workpapers and a list of open questions for your client.
Your review and signature
You review, sign and file, and we clear any review notes promptly.
Why clients choose BATS for outsourced tax preparation for cpa firms
Your brand, your clients
We work behind the scenes; you keep the relationship.
Your systems and standards
We follow your checklists, software and review process.
Security first
Confidentiality agreements, a written security plan and role-based access.
Flexible capacity
Scale up for tax season and down afterward, or keep dedicated staff year-round.
Outsourced Tax Preparation for CPA Firms FAQs
12 answers to the questions clients ask us most. Don't see yours? Ask us directly.
Who signs the returns?
Your firm does. The partner or preparer at your firm who reviews and takes responsibility for the return signs it as the paid preparer. We work as your back-office team.
Will our clients know we outsource?
Not from us. Deliverables come back under your firm's name. Professional standards do expect you to tell clients when confidential information goes to a third-party service provider, and we help you word that notice.
Which tax software do you work in?
We work in the major professional platforms, including UltraTax CS, Lacerte, ProConnect, Drake and CCH Axcess, using the access your firm provides.
How is confidentiality protected?
We sign a confidentiality agreement, follow a written information security plan as the FTC Safeguards Rule requires of tax preparers, and use only the role-based access you grant.
How do you price outsourced returns?
Usually per return by complexity, or as a dedicated preparer for the season. You get a written rate card before the season starts.
What compliance rules apply to outsourcing tax preparation?
Section 7216 governs the use and disclosure of tax return information. Disclosure to another preparer in the United States to help prepare a return is generally permitted, while work performed outside the United States requires the taxpayer's written consent. We help you meet whichever applies.
Do we need to tell clients we use a third party?
AICPA ethics rules require members to inform clients before sharing confidential information with a third-party service provider. We provide sample wording you can add to your engagement letter.
How fast is turnaround?
We agree turnaround times by return type before the season. Simpler returns move quickly; complex returns depend on how complete the source documents are.
Can you handle extension season?
Yes. Many firms send us extended returns to clear before the September and October deadlines.
Who is the outsourcing service for?
CPA and EA firms, bookkeeping practices and businesses that need dependable accounting capacity without hiring more full-time staff.
How do you protect confidential data?
We sign confidentiality agreements, follow a written information security plan, use multi-factor authentication and work only through the role-based access you grant.
Can we start with a trial?
Yes. Most engagements begin with a pilot batch or trial month so you can check quality and communication before committing to more volume.
Often paired with this service
Dedicated Remote Accounting Staff
A dedicated tax preparer, staff accountant or bookkeeper who works as part of your team, on your systems and your schedule.
Learn moreOutsourcing ServicesWhite-Label Bookkeeping for Firms
Monthly bookkeeping, reconciliations and close delivered under your firm's brand, so you can serve more clients without adding headcount.
Learn moreTax Preparation & FilingBusiness Tax Preparation
Partnership, S corporation and C corporation tax returns prepared accurately and on time, with K-1s delivered to owners.
Learn moreOutsourced Tax Preparation for CPA Firms in every state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Popular cities
- Birmingham, AL
- Anchorage, AK
- Phoenix, AZ
- Little Rock, AR
- Los Angeles, CA
- Denver, CO
- Bridgeport, CT
- Wilmington, DE
- Jacksonville, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Honolulu, HI
- Boise, ID
- Chicago, IL
- Indianapolis, IN
- Des Moines, IA
- Wichita, KS
- Louisville, KY
- New Orleans, LA
- Portland, ME
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Detroit, MI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Jackson, MS
- Kansas City, MO
- Billings, MT
- Omaha, NE
- Las Vegas, NV
- Manchester, NH
- Newark, NJ
- Albuquerque, NM
- New York City, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Fargo, ND
- Columbus, OH
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Portland, OR
- Philadelphia, PA
- Providence, RI
- Charleston, SC
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Nashville, TN
- Houston, TX
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Burlington, VT
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington
- Charleston, WV
- Milwaukee, WI
- Cheyenne, WY
Get help with outsourced tax preparation for cpa firms
Book a consultation and get a clear plan for your taxes and books, wherever you are in the U.S.