How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Rankite is independent; if a vendor ever pays for a featured spot, that listing is clearly labeled Partner.
Key takeaways
- The IRS requires an EFIN to e-file as a paid preparer, so "no EFIN" options work through service bureaus that file under their own ERO.
- BP TaxPro offers a PTIN-only software package for a $49 one-time seasonal charge with no revenue split.
- Opulux and Tax Dragon Pro sell partnership packages with training, marketing, and software for preparers starting without an EFIN.
- TaxSlayer Pro, Drake, OLTPro, and CrossLink are full professional platforms you can prepare returns in while paper filing or partnering for e-file.
- OLTPro publishes pricing on its homepage: from $499 per season for the 25-return package, with a free evaluation.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 BP TaxPro | PTIN-only preparers, no revenue split | $49 one-time/season | No |
 Tax Dragon Pro | Partnership with training included | See website | No |
 Opulux | New preparers wanting coaching | See website | No |
 TaxSlayer Pro | Established preparers, bank products | See website | No |
 Drake Software | Firms wanting desktop or cloud pro tools | See website | No |
 OLTPro | Published pricing, free evaluation | From $499/season | Free trial |
 CrossLink | AI-assisted return preparation | See website | No |
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We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best tax software for tax preparers no EFIN required
The myth to correct: that you can simply download pro tax software and e-file client returns without an EFIN. The IRS requires every paid preparer who e-files to hold an Electronic Filing Identification Number. What "no EFIN required" actually means is either working under a service bureau's ERO, or preparing returns in pro software while filing on paper. These seven options cover both paths, and the right one depends on your volume, budget, and how much hand-holding you want.
Starting price$49 one-time/season
Free planNo
BP TaxPro is one of the largest master service bureaus, and its PTIN software package is designed for tax professionals who want to start with only a PTIN. The homepage lists a $49 one-time charge for the entire tax season with unlimited federal 1040, schedules, and state returns, plus a branded mobile app and bank products from Santa Barbara TPG and Refund Advantage.
The key selling point is zero revenue split: you keep 100% of preparation and e-file fees, with fees withheld from client refunds via bank products. Preparers with 100+ funded bank-product returns can step up to a service bureau package. It is the most transparent entry point for the no-EFIN route.
What we like- PTIN-only package with no revenue sharing
- Published $49 one-time seasonal price
- Bank products with refund advance loans
Watch out for- Model suits bank-product returns
- Partnership structure, not standalone software
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Tax Dragon Pro, based in Atlanta, offers professional cloud tax software through partnership packages that explicitly welcome preparers with or without an EFIN. The platform includes mobile document retrieval, electronic signatures, audit protection, and marketing services alongside the core return preparation.
Unlimited support and training are bundled, and the company notes that volume-based pricing can reduce software cost substantially. It suits preparers who want a business-in-a-box: software, training, and back-office help under one partner rather than assembling vendors themselves.
What we like- Works with or without an EFIN
- Unlimited support and training
- Mobile document retrieval
Watch out for- Pricing is not published
- Partnership model means shared control
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Opulux Level builds tax businesses, not just software. Its Starter PTIN package is explicitly designed for beginners without an EFIN: cloud tax software, software mastery sessions, IRS registration help, the Opulux Tax Academy, marketing blueprint, and compliance review, with a 60/40 revenue split.
Higher tiers (Solo, Boss, Leadership) require PTIN and EFIN and offer 100% revenue, CRM access, and branded software. Every package includes training from software mastery to business marketing. For new preparers who need coaching as much as software, the hand-holding is the product.
What we like- Starter PTIN package needs no EFIN
- Includes tax academy and marketing coaching
- Clear package comparison
Watch out for- Starter tier uses a 60/40 revenue split
- Pricing details require a strategy call
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
TaxSlayer Pro is professional tax software built by and for tax preparers, from a company that started as a family tax business. Pro Classic is all-inclusive: prepare, file, and transmit 1040 federal, state, and local returns with comprehensive bank products, unlimited filing, all states, and unlimited support.
It integrates with the most bank partners in the industry, so clients can deduct preparation fees from refunds and access refund advances. Preparers without an EFIN can prepare returns in the software and work under a service bureau or file on paper. Note that BP TaxPro's branded offering is built on TaxSlayer software, which shows how the two paths connect.
What we like- Family-owned company with 55+ years in tax prep
- Cloud and desktop options
- Deep bank product integrations
Watch out for- Pricing is not published
- E-filing requires an EFIN or bureau arrangement
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Drake Software offers one of the broadest professional ecosystems: Drake Tax Online (cloud) and Drake Tax Desktop, plus Drake Portals for client document exchange, Drake E-Sign, Drake Pay for client payments, and Drake SmartExtract for AI-powered W-2 data extraction.
Reviews consistently praise the support, with users reaching a person immediately who stays until the issue is resolved. Like other pro platforms, e-filing requires an EFIN, but the software is fully usable for preparation, organizers, and paper filing. It is a strong choice for firms that want every workflow tool from one vendor.
What we like- Full workflow suite: portals, e-sign, payments, AI data extraction
- Excellent support reputation
- Cloud and desktop
Watch out for- Pricing is not published
- Ecosystem breadth means learning curve
Starting priceFrom $499/season
Free planFree trial
OLTPro is rare among pro tax platforms for publishing its prices: the homepage FAQ lists the 25-Return package at $499 per season, OLTPro Web at $849, and Desktop at $999, all with free e-filing, all states, multi-user setup, and free support. A free evaluation with no credit card required lets you prepare returns before buying.
The platform covers individual 1040 and business forms (1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, 990), with a document manager, taxpayer portal, e-signature, and K-1 import. One caution: the vendor's own FAQ shows a second, lower set of legacy prices, so confirm the current price when ordering.
What we like- Pricing published on its homepage
- Free evaluation with no credit card
- Unlimited returns on Web and Desktop
Watch out for- Two conflicting price sets appear on the vendor's own FAQ, so confirm at checkout
- E-filing needs an EFIN
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
CrossLink has served tax professionals since 1989 and now layers AI into the workflow: CrossLink Agent Intelligence reads W-2s, 1099s, and IDs and imports the data directly into the return, with real-time guidance as you prepare.
Built-in remote signature, unlimited texting through TextLink Plus, a client mobile app for document sharing, and secure document archive round out the platform. It is a solid mainstream choice for preparers who want modern automation in a long-established product, filing under their own EFIN or a service bureau.
What we like- AI document extraction into returns
- Trusted since 1989
- Remote signature and texting built in
Watch out for- Pricing is not published
- E-filing requires an EFIN or bureau
How we chose
We verified each vendor's homepage and reviewed their own product and pricing pages for current features and costs. We cross-checked with public reviews on G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot, plus the IRS's published EFIN requirements, to describe the no-EFIN options accurately. We included both PTIN-partnership service bureaus and mainstream professional software that supports no-EFIN preparation workflows. We did not test any software hands-on; this comparison is based on documented features, published pricing, and reported user experience.
Understanding the no-EFIN paths
Two legitimate models let you prepare taxes without your own EFIN, and they suit different people.
Service bureau partnership
BP TaxPro, Tax Dragon Pro, and Opulux let you operate under their Electronic Return Originator credentials. You prepare returns in their software, clients e-file through the bureau, and you either keep 100% of fees (BP TaxPro) or accept a revenue split (Opulux Starter at 60/40). Bank products let you collect fees from refunds, and refund advance loans become available.
Prepare in pro software, file on paper
TaxSlayer Pro, Drake, OLTPro, and CrossLink are full preparation platforms you can use without e-filing. You prepare the return, print it, and the client mails it or you file on their behalf by paper. You can also apply for your own EFIN through the IRS (the application takes several weeks) and switch to e-filing mid-season. Paper filing is slower and clients wait longer for refunds, so set expectations clearly at intake.
What to check before you commit
Tax software decisions lock in your whole season, so read the fine print before money changes hands. Ask any service bureau for the agreement in writing: revenue splits, per-return backend fees, who owns the client relationship, and what happens if you leave. Confirm bank product fees and advance loan terms with the actual bank partners, not just the software vendor. If you plan to get an EFIN later, ask how the transition works mid-season. And never promise clients e-filing until your ERO arrangement is confirmed. A little paperwork now prevents a painful dispute in April.
Frequently asked questions
Can I legally prepare taxes without an EFIN?
Yes. You need a PTIN from the IRS to prepare returns for compensation. An EFIN is only required to e-file as the originator. Without one, you can prepare returns for paper filing or work under a service bureau that files under its ERO.
How long does it take to get an EFIN?
The IRS EFIN application involves identity verification and a suitability check, and approval typically takes several weeks. Apply well before tax season if you plan to e-file under your own credentials.
What is a service bureau in tax preparation?
A service bureau is an established ERO that lets preparers operate under its electronic filing credentials. Providers like BP TaxPro, Tax Dragon Pro, and Opulux bundle software, training, bank products, and filing access into packages aimed at preparers without their own EFIN.
What do bank products cost the preparer?
Bank products let clients pay preparation fees from their refunds and access refund advances. Vendors charge per-return backend and transmission fees; BP TaxPro advertises the lowest backend fees in the industry, but always get the fee schedule in writing before signing.
Which is cheaper: revenue split or flat fee?
It depends on volume. A $49 flat seasonal fee with no split (BP TaxPro) favors higher-volume preparers, while a 60/40 split with coaching (Opulux Starter) can suit beginners who need training. Run your expected return count against both models.
Can I switch from no-EFIN to my own EFIN mid-season?
Usually yes. Most service bureaus let you transition, and standalone software like OLTPro or Drake works the same either way. Ask your provider about the process and any fees before you start.
Sources we checked (9)
- https://bptaxpro.com/
- https://taxdragonpros.com/
- https://opuluxlevel.com/
- https://www.taxslayerpro.com/
- https://www.drakesoftware.com/
- https://oltpro.com/
- https://www.crosslinktax.com/
- https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/become-an-authorized-e-file-provider
- https://wifitalents.com/best/no-efin-tax-software/
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has spent more than a decade helping SaaS and e-commerce brands grow through search. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.