Seasonal or year-round
Scale up for March and April, then keep a smaller team for extensions, bookkeeping and amended returns.
Core service · For accounting firms
Outsourced Tax Preparation for CPA & EA Firms
Add trained tax preparers to your team without hiring. We prepare individual and business returns in your software, with clean workpapers ready for your review and signature, under your firm's name.
Why firms work with us
Capacity when you need it, quality you can sign
Tax season compresses a year of work into a few months. Hiring for the peak is expensive and slow. We give your firm trained preparers who already know U.S. returns, so your team can focus on review, planning and client relationships.
Review-ready workpapers
Every return comes with tie-outs and preparer notes in the format your reviewer prefers, so sign-off is faster.
Returns many firms avoid
Form 5472, foreign-owned LLCs, 1040-NR and e-commerce businesses with messy marketplace data.
Your name, not ours
We never contact your clients unless you ask us to. Your firm keeps the relationship and the brand.
The same team each season
You work with a dedicated group that learns your checklists, preferences and clients over time.
Clean books before the return
Monthly close, catch-up and cleanup for your clients, delivered so the return starts from reconciled numbers.
How a white-label engagement works
Start small, then scale
Many firms begin by sending a few returns to test the fit. Once the workflow is right, volume grows into the season. You decide how much work to send and when.
1. Intro call & NDAWe learn your return mix, software, review process and deadlines, and sign an NDA.
2. Workflow setupAccess to your systems, your checklists, and how you want review notes and workpapers.
3. First returnsWe prepare a first batch so you can check quality and turnaround.
4. Ongoing workWe prepare, you review and sign. Your firm files and stays the preparer of record.
What we prepare
Individual, business and cross-border returns
We work in all major tax software, including Drake, UltraTax CS, Lacerte, ProSeries, ProConnect, CCH Axcess and others. Tell us what your firm uses and we work inside it through the access you give us. Nothing leaves your systems unless you choose to send it.
We follow your firm's checklists and review standards. Where something is unclear, we leave a clear note for your reviewer instead of guessing.
- Form 1040 and 1040-NR, including Schedules C, D and E and state returns.
- Form 1065 partnership returns with partner K-1s.
- Form 1120-S S corporation returns with shareholder K-1s.
- Form 1120 C corporation returns.
- Form 5472 with pro forma 1120 for foreign-owned LLCs.
- Extensions and amended returns.
- Workpapers and tie-outs to the trial balance.
- Bookkeeping: monthly close, catch-up and cleanup.
Data security & compliance
Your clients' data stays protected
Tax return information is sensitive, and your firm is responsible for it. We work inside the systems you control, with only the access each engagement needs, and every engagement is covered by an NDA.
- Access you control: we work through your firm's software, portal or remote desktop, and you can remove access at any time.
- Least access: each preparer sees only the client files assigned to them.
- NDA: signed before any client information is shared.
- IRS safeguards: we follow the data protection practices the IRS expects of tax professionals in Publication 4557.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on volume & complexity
Firms send us anywhere from a handful of returns to large seasonal batches, so we price around your workflow. Depending on what suits your firm, that can be per return, per batch or a seasonal arrangement.
Returns per seasonReturn typesWorkpaper standardTurnaround timesYour review workflow
Firm supportCustom
Tell us your expected volume and return mix for a proposal.
Request Firm Pricing →
Experience
A team that knows U.S. returns
8+years of U.S. tax and accounting work
450+clients served
3levels of review on every return
NDAon every firm engagement
FAQ
Questions from accounting firms
Want to see how we work on your own returns? Ask about sending a first batch.
Who signs and files the returns?
Your firm does. We prepare the return and workpapers, your reviewer checks them, and your firm signs and files as the preparer of record. Your clients see only your firm's name.
Which tax software do you work in?
We work in all major tax software, including Drake, UltraTax CS, Lacerte, ProSeries, ProConnect, CCH Axcess and others. We work inside the software your firm already uses, through the access you provide. Tell us your setup on the first call.
How do you keep client data secure?
We work inside systems your firm controls, with access limited to assigned files, under a signed NDA, and following IRS Publication 4557 practices.
How much volume do we need to send?
Firms send us anything from a few returns to large seasonal batches. We plan pricing and capacity around your expected volume, so tell us your numbers and return mix.
Can you help outside tax season?
Yes. Many firms keep us year-round for extensions, amended returns, monthly bookkeeping and catch-up work for their clients.
How is pricing structured?
Pricing is custom and based on volume and complexity. Depending on what suits your firm, it can be per return, per batch or a seasonal arrangement. We send a written proposal after the intro call.
Related services
More ways we can help
U.S. tax preparation
Direct tax preparation for individuals and businesses.
Learn more →Form 5472 filing
Foreign-owned LLC returns your clients may need.
Learn more →Bookkeeping services
Monthly close and cleanup before the return.
Learn more →Free consultation
Get your books and taxes in shape
Tell us about your business. We'll reply within one business day with next steps and a custom quote.
Email info@shapeaccounting.com
Hours Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm