How to Access UltraTax Tax Software Remotely

UltraTax CS helps accounting firms prepare and file tax returns efficiently. However, when the software is installed on an office computer or local server, accessing it outside the workplace can become difficult. During tax season, that lack of flexibility can delay return preparation, client responses, and other time-sensitive tasks.

Unlike browser-based tax applications, UltraTax CS isn’t designed for direct web access. Your ability to use it remotely depends on where it’s hosted and how users connect to the system. Without the right setup, remote access can be slow, complicated, or raise security concerns.

There are reliable ways to access UltraTax remotely without compromising performance or data security. This step-by-step guide explains how to access UltraTax from anywhere, the remote access options available, and how cloud hosting can help your team work securely and efficiently from any location.

1. Virtual Office CS (Thomson Reuters Official Cloud)

Virtual Office CS is Thomson Reuters’ official cloud hosting platform for UltraTax CS and other CS Professional Suite applications. Instead of installing the software on a local computer or office server, you access your hosted environment through a web browser or a secure Remote Desktop connection. Once you sign in, you can use UltraTax CS and other supported applications just as you would on a locally installed system.

This option is well-suited for accounting firms that want secure remote access without managing their own IT infrastructure. Thomson Reuters hosts the software on its secure servers while handling software maintenance, updates, and automatic data backups. Virtual Office CS also includes access to Microsoft Exchange and select Microsoft applications, enabling teams to communicate, schedule meetings, and manage daily tasks from anywhere. Since your data is stored in the cloud, you can continue working even if your local device is lost, damaged, or unavailable.

Note: Thomson Reuters is discontinuing support for Hosted Exchange email and Microsoft 365 within Virtual Office CS in August 2026. Firms must migrate their mailboxes before the deadline to avoid data loss and use their own Microsoft 365 license and tenant going forward. This change only affects the email and Office applications within the Virtual Office environment. UltraTax CS and the rest of the CS Professional Suite will continue to be available through Virtual Office CS.

2. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows firms to securely connect to their office network and access UltraTax CS installed on an office computer or server. The VPN creates an encrypted connection to the office environment, enabling remote work while helping protect sensitive client and tax data.

This approach provides secure remote access but often requires technical setup, ongoing maintenance, and IT support. It is generally better suited for small firms or occasional remote access than for larger teams with multiple concurrent users.

However, accessing UltraTax CS and client data directly over a VPN can result in slow performance, connection interruptions, or data synchronization issues if the network is unstable, making this option less suitable during busy tax seasons or for firms with heavy workloads.

Steps to Access UltraTax CS via VPN

1. Office Network Setup: Configure a secure VPN on the office server where UltraTax CS and client data are stored.
2. VPN Client Installation: Install a compatible VPN client on the remote computer used to access UltraTax CS.
3. VPN Connection: Sign in to the VPN using authorized credentials to establish a secure connection to the office network.
4. Access UltraTax CS: Launch UltraTax CS from the remote computer and open the required client files through the secure VPN connection.

3. Remote Access Tools

Remote access tools allow users to access UltraTax CS by remotely controlling the office computer where the software is installed. Tools such as Splashtop let users connect to their office PC from a Windows computer, Mac, tablet, or smartphone and use UltraTax CS as if they were physically working in the office.

This approach works well for occasional remote access by a single user. However, it depends on the office computer remaining powered on and connected to the internet. It also offers limited scalability, performance, and multi-user collaboration compared to cloud-based solutions, making it less suitable for firms with multiple users or demanding workloads.

4. Cloud Hosting Services

Cloud hosting allows firms to access UltraTax CS from anywhere by hosting the software on secure cloud servers managed by a third-party provider. Instead of relying on an office computer or local server, authorized users can securely sign in from any internet-connected device and work on the same client data in real time.

This approach supports remote work, enables multi-user collaboration, and delivers consistent performance without requiring firms to manage on-premise infrastructure. It is well suited for accounting firms with multiple offices, hybrid teams, or growing operational needs.

When choosing an UltraTax CS cloud hosting provider, firms should evaluate the following factors carefully:

1. Thomson Reuters Compatibility: Choose a hosting provider with proven experience hosting UltraTax CS and other CS Professional Suite applications to ensure compatibility and reliable performance.
2. Security: Review the provider’s security measures, including data encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), continuous monitoring, and secure Tier 4/5 data centers.
3. Service Level Agreement (SLA): Review uptime guarantees, scheduled maintenance policies, and support response times to understand the provider’s service commitments.
4. Data Backup and Disaster Recovery: Confirm how often client data is backed up, how long backups are retained, and how quickly data can be restored in the event of an outage.
5. Pricing: Evaluate whether the pricing model fits your firm’s number of users, storage requirements, and future growth without unexpected costs.
6. Customer Support: Verify that the provider offers 24/7 technical support through phone, email, or chat and has expertise in supporting UltraTax CS environments.
7. Compliance Frameworks: If your firm handles regulated client data, ensure the hosting environment supports compliance requirements such as SOC 2, PCI-DSS, and other relevant data protection standards.

5. Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops enables firms to access UltraTax CS through a centralized virtual environment hosted on an on-premises or cloud-based server. Instead of installing the software on individual devices, UltraTax CS runs on the centralized server and is securely delivered to users through Citrix HDX technology.

Employees can sign in from virtually any compatible device and use UltraTax CS as if it were installed locally, while all application processing and client data remain on the secure server.

This approach centralizes data, simplifies application management, and strengthens security by keeping sensitive tax information within the firm’s infrastructure. It also supports consistent performance, multi-user access, and scalability, making it a good choice for firms with remote employees, multiple offices, or growing teams.

Steps to Access UltraTax CS Remotely via Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops

1. User Account Setup: Have your IT administrator or hosting provider create your Citrix account and provide your login credentials.
2. Citrix Workspace Installation: Install the Citrix Workspace app on your computer, tablet, or other supported device if it is not already installed.
3. Sign In: Launch Citrix Workspace or access the Citrix portal through a web browser, then sign in using your assigned credentials.
4. Launch UltraTax CS: Select UltraTax CS from the list of available applications or desktops to start a secure remote session.
5. Access Client Data: Work on tax returns and client files as you normally would, while all processing and data remain securely stored on the centralized server.

What’s the Best Way to Access UltraTax CS Remotely?

Remote access to UltraTax CS helps accounting firms stay productive, collaborate efficiently, and meet tax deadlines without being tied to the office.

While several remote access methods are available, firms with growing teams, multiple locations, and increasing security requirements often choose managed cloud hosting to simplify IT management and provide a consistent user experience.

Ace Cloud Hosting provides UltraTax CS cloud hosting, delivering enterprise-grade security, reliable 99.99% uptime, and 24/7 expert support. With a fully managed cloud environment, tax professionals can securely access UltraTax CS and client data from anywhere while maintaining the performance, reliability, and availability needed during tax season and beyond.