StackMatch / Compare / Avalara vs Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS
Honest Tool Comparison

Avalara vs Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS

An honest, context-aware comparison. No affiliate links. No paid placements. Just the data that helps you decide.

For most teams: Avalara edges ahead on our scoring

Avalara

starter
Tax Compliance

Cloud-based sales tax automation and compliance software

$99-$999/month depending on transaction volume
4.3 / 5

Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS

professional
Tax Compliance

Professional tax preparation software for accounting firms (1040, 1120, 1065, 1041)

$3,000-$15,000/year depending on modules and firm size
4.2 / 5

Side-by-Side Comparison

Objective metrics, no spin.

4.3 (G2)✓ Better
Rating
4.2 (G2)
starter✓ Better
Pricing tier
professional
easy✓ Better
Learning curve
medium
1-4 weeks
Setup time
4-8 weeks
4 listed✓ Better
Integrations
3 listed
small, medium, large, enterprise
Best company size
medium, large, enterprise
Top Features
Real-time sales tax calculation
Multi-state nexus management
Automated tax filing & remittance
Product taxability rules
Features
Top Features
All entity types (1040, 1120, 1065, 1041, etc.)
Federal & 50-state returns
E-file integration
Diagnostic review tools
Choose Avalara if...

For any business selling in multiple states, e-commerce companies, or when managing sales tax manually becomes unmanageable.

Avoid Avalara if...

For single-state businesses with simple sales tax or if your ERP already handles sales tax well.

Choose Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS if...

For tax return preparation in public accounting firms. Essential for firms with >50 business returns annually.

Avoid Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS if...

For tax provision work (use OneSource), tax planning (use different tools), or if you're a sole proprietor (use ProSeries or Lacerte).

Both suited for: medium, large, enterprise companies

Since both tools target medium and large and enterprise companies, your decision should hinge on the specific use case above rather than company fit. Try the AI Advisor to get a recommendation tailored to your exact stack.

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Other Tax Compliance Tools to Consider

If neither is the right fit, these are the next best alternatives in the same category.

Intuit ProSeries

professional

Professional tax software for small-to-medium CPA firms

View profile →

Intuit Lacerte

professional

Advanced tax software for complex returns and high-volume firms

View profile →

Drake Tax

starter

Affordable professional tax software for all entity types

View profile →
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