Lambo Tax Preparation AcademyProSeries
14 h- Vendor
- Intuit
- Platform
- Windows desktop (hosting available)
- Typical user
- Small and mid-size firms, high volume of common returns
- Entry style
- Forms-based
Level 5 · Software
Level 5 — Software Tracks
Every software track rebuilds the same capstone returns the learner already prepared on paper in Levels 2–4. Because they know the right answer, all their attention goes to the interface, and any difference from the paper return is a data-entry error to find. This is the single biggest efficiency gain in the program: learners can be certified in a second or third package in days, not weeks.
5.0 Universal Software Core
about 10 hours, required once
These skills transfer to every package, so they are taught once, generically:
- 1
Two data-entry styles: interview/screen-based input (screens or codes that feed forms) vs forms-based entry (typing on the form itself). Learners map each style back to form lines.
- 2
Setup: firm and preparer info, PTIN and EFIN, ERO settings, user roles, multi-factor authentication, backups.
- 3
Client records: new vs rollover (proforma) clients, carryforwards (depreciation, capital losses, NOLs), prior-year comparison.
- 4
Imports: W-2 and 1099 import or scan, brokerage files, trial balance and QuickBooks import for business returns.
- 5
Diagnostics: critical vs informational messages, why overrides are dangerous, documenting any override.
- 6
E-file: Form 8879 and e-signature, transmitting, acknowledgments, reading and fixing reject codes, state piggyback returns.
- 7
Money and ethics: fee setup, refund transfers and other bank products (disclosure and consumer-protection issues), Form 8867 settings.
- 8
Output and records: client copy, filing instructions, document storage and portals, retention.
Product tracks
Lacerte
18 h- Vendor
- Intuit
- Platform
- Windows desktop (hosting available)
- Typical user
- Firms with complex individual and business returns
- Entry style
- Input screens
ProConnect Tax
14 h- Vendor
- Intuit
- Platform
- Cloud
- Typical user
- Small and mid-size firms wanting browser-based work
- Entry style
- Input screens
TurboTax (consumer and expert-assisted)
4 h- Vendor
- Intuit
- Platform
- Cloud and desktop
- Typical user
- Reviewing client-prepared returns; seasonal expert roles
- Entry style
- Interview
Drake Tax / Drake Tax Online
16 h- Vendor
- Drake Software
- Platform
- Windows desktop and cloud
- Typical user
- Independent offices and small firms
- Entry style
- Screen codes
TaxSlayer Pro (Desktop and Online)
14 h- Vendor
- TaxSlayer
- Platform
- Windows desktop and cloud
- Typical user
- Service bureaus, storefront offices, VITA/TCE sites
- Entry style
- Menu-driven interview
TaxWise / TaxWise Online
14 h- Vendor
- Wolters Kluwer
- Platform
- Windows desktop and cloud
- Typical user
- Storefront and multi-office businesses
- Entry style
- Forms-based
Elective tracks
12–18 h- Vendor
- CCH ATX, CCH Axcess Tax (Wolters Kluwer); UltraTax CS (Thomson Reuters); TaxAct Professional; CrossLink
- Platform
- Varies
- Typical user
- Added when local employers use them
- Entry style
- Varies
Inside every product track
Same six-part structure
- 1
Orientation (1–2 hours)
Navigation, help system, where each form lives, keyboard shortcuts.
- 2
Individual lab
Re-enter the three Level 2 capstone returns; match every line to the paper key.
- 3
Business lab
Re-enter the Level 3 partnership and S corporation years; confirm K-1 flow into the owners' 1040s.
- 4
Exempt organization lab
Re-enter the Level 4 Form 990 where the package supports it.
- 5
E-file and rejects lab
Transmit practice returns to the vendor's test environment; fix seeded rejects.
- 6
Certification
A new, unseen mixed return under a time limit, scored on accuracy first and speed second.
Track certification
A new, unseen mixed return under a time limit, scored on accuracy first and speed second.
Ready to become a return-ready preparer?
Tell us which track interests you and we'll be in touch.