ProSeries vs. ProConnect: Which One is the Right for You? 

Intuit continues to lead the way in professional tax technology, delivering powerful tools that help firms simplify compliance, improve accuracy, and manage high-volume tax work with confidence.  

Among its most trusted solutions, ProSeries and ProConnect Tax stand out as two of the most widely used tax preparation platforms for accounting professionals. While both offer strong capabilities, they are designed for different workflows, firm sizes, and levels of complexity. 

Choosing the right solution depends on your firm’s needs, client volume, and preferred working style. In this blog, we’ll compare these two platforms, highlighting their features, benefits, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision. 

What is ProSeries? 

ProSeries is Intuit’s desktop-based professional tax preparation software designed for accounting firms and tax professionals who need speed, accuracy, and advanced diagnostics.

It supports end-to-end tax workflows from data import to e-filing while helping firms manage compliance efficiently during busy tax seasons. 

• eSignature & Digital Signing: Sign and send tax documents digitally, allowing clients to review securely and eSign returns from anywhere, on any device. 
• Quick Employer Forms: Generate unlimited W-2s, 1099s, and payroll tax forms directly within ProSeries to simplify employer reporting. 
• QuickBooks Data Import: Export client data from QuickBooks and map accounts directly into ProSeries to reduce manual data entry and errors. 
• E-File Status & Multi-Year Filing: Track e-file acknowledgements automatically and e-file current-year returns plus up to two prior years for supported federal and state forms. 
• Advanced Diagnostics: Utilize over 1,000 built-in diagnostics to identify errors and pinpoint precisely where fixes are needed quickly. 

What is ProConnect? 

ProConnect is Intuit’s cloud-based tax software designed for modern accounting firms. It utilizes AI-powered tools to streamline tax preparation and minimize manual tasks. The platform improves accuracy through built-in checks and diagnostics. Secure, cloud-based access also makes it easy to collaborate with clients and manage returns from anywhere. 

• QuickBooks Online Accountant Integration: Direct integration automatically syncs client accounting data, reducing manual entry and saving time. 
• Intuit Tax Advisor: Built-in tax advisory tools help you deliver personalized, proactive tax strategies directly from client returns. 
• Direct Data Import: Drag and drop client tax documents into returns to eliminate manual data entry and streamline workflows. 
• Intuit Link Client Portal: Securely request and share documents with clients using the built-in portal while keeping sensitive data protected. 
• Extensive Forms & Diagnostics: Access 5,700+ forms and 21,000+ diagnostics to support a wide range of returns and ensure filing accuracy.  

Suggested Read: What Is The Difference Between Lacerte and ProSeries?

ProSeries vs. ProConnect: Quick Comparison 

ProSeries vs. ProConnect: What’s the Difference? 

1. Integrations 

ProConnect and ProSeries share several common integrations that support core tax workflows, including eSignature, Protection Plus, SmartVault, Pay-by-Refund, Quick Employer Forms, and the Intuit Link client portal for secure document exchange. 

Beyond these overlaps, ProConnect focuses more on cloud-first and workflow-driven integrations. It connects with QuickBooks Online Accountant, Karbon, Intuit Select Pro Staffing, and cloud storage tools like Google Drive and Dropbox, making it well-suited for firms operating in a fully online environment. 

In contrast, ProSeries supports more desktop-centric and tax-specific integrations. It works with QuickBooks Desktop Accountant, Fixed Asset Manager, Financial Institution Downloads, Client Organizer, and Document Management System, which align well with firms that rely on traditional desktop workflows and detailed financial data handling. 

2. Deployment & Access 

ProConnect is a fully cloud-based solution, with Intuit managing hosting, updates, and security. Firms can access client data and prepare returns from any browser, eliminating the need for local servers. Its cloud-first design also supports collaboration, secure document sharing, and remote workflow management, making it ideal for firms that prefer online tax preparation. 

ProSeries is primarily a desktop-based solution, installed locally on firm computers. While it offers cloud-enabled features like Link client portal, SmartVault, and eSignature, most processing occurs on-site. Firms manage updates, backups, and security themselves, making ProSeries better suited for teams that rely on traditional desktop workflows but want selective cloud integration for convenience and client collaboration. 

3. Security  

ProConnect uses strong security measures, including multi-factor authentication, TLS encryption, anti-fraud technology, and ISO 27001 compliance. Data centers provide redundancy, and user-focused tools such as two-step verification and login monitoring help protect sensitive financial information. 

ProSeries is desktop-based with robust security features such as AES-256 encryption, multi-layered access controls, and secure storage. Additional protections include multi-factor authentication, strong password enforcement, timely sign-outs, and compliance tools like the Intuit Security Center to prevent fraud and data breaches. 

4. AI & Automation 

ProConnect automates data import, diagnostics, and client briefings, while tools like Intuit Tax Advisor and Smart Nav streamline workflow and advisory services. Integrations with QuickBooks Online Accountant, Karbon, and SmartVault further enhance automation across the tax and advisory process. 

ProSeries’s built-in features include automation for e-filing, tax calculations, and importing prior-year data. Integration with the Intuit Link client portal helps automate document collection, but advanced AI-driven diagnostics and advisory tools are primarily available in ProConnect.  

5. Performance & Support 

ProConnect is a cloud-based platform that is generally stable, featuring AI-powered tools to simplify tax preparation. Support is available for firms, though response times may vary. 

ProSeries is a desktop software with comprehensive features, but it may occasionally experience slowdowns or crashes. Support is offered, though some users report inconsistent response times. 

6. Complexity & Functionality 

ProConnect efficiently handles a wide range of returns. It strikes a balance between usability and advanced features, making it suitable for firms managing diverse client types. While less complex than some enterprise solutions, it provides robust tools for accurate tax preparation. 

ProSeries is straightforward and best suited for less complex returns. It offers essential features like eSignature, Quick Employer Forms, and Fixed Asset Manager without overwhelming users. While not as feature-rich as cloud-based platforms, it delivers reliable performance for small to mid-sized practices. 

7. Pricing 

ProConnect  

ProConnect offers return-based pricing, including: 

• Individual returns: $173.96 per return 
• Business returns: $188.96 per return 

Note: The listed prices reflect a promotional discount. Intuit frequently offers seasonal discounts and updates its pricing. Please check the website for the latest updates on ProConnect costs.   

ProSeries 

ProSeries has Professional and Basic pricing plans. The Professional plan is designed for firms handling a mix of individual and business returns. 

However, the Basic plan is tailored for solo preparers or smaller practices, focusing primarily on 1040 returns.  

Each plan offers single-user access, optional eSignature, and optional hosting, with features scaling according to return volume and firm needs. 

ProSeries Basic Plans 

ProSeries Professional Plans 

Which one To Choose for Your Business: ProSeries or ProConnect? 

Choosing between ProSeries and ProConnect depends on your firm’s size, workflow, and client needs. ProConnect suits mid to large firms seeking cloud-based, AI-powered tax prep with seamless integrations and remote collaboration, while ProSeries is ideal for solo or small to mid-sized firms relying on desktop workflows for less complex returns 

Evaluate your growth plans, budget, and operational needs to determine which platform offers the optimal balance of features and value for your business. 

Choose ProConnect if your firm prefers cloud-based, AI-powered tax preparation and remote collaboration. 

• Mid to Large Firms: Ideal for practices managing a wide range of client types and higher return volumes. 
• Remote Workflow: Access and prepare returns from any browser, enabling team collaboration from anywhere. 
• Advanced Automation: Leverages AI for data import, diagnostics, and advisory planning, reducing manual work. 
• Integration-First: Works seamlessly with QuickBooks Online Accountant, Karbon, SmartVault, and other cloud tools. 

Choose ProSeries if your firm relies on desktop-based workflows and focuses on less complex returns. 

• Small to Mid-Sized Firms: Best for solo practitioners or smaller teams handling mostly individual or simple business returns. 
• Desktop Processing: Installed locally with optional cloud features like Link client portal, SmartVault, and eSignature. You can host your ProSeries software in the cloud, enabling secure remote access and providing a seamless work experience from anywhere. 
• Built-in Automation: Offers automated tax calculations, e-filing, and import of prior-year data to streamline the workflow. 
• Focused Integrations: Works with QuickBooks Desktop Accountant, Fixed Asset Manager, and other desktop-focused tools.