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If you’ve compared prices for UltraTax CS hosting, you’ve likely noticed one thing: there’s no single number. Some providers quote per user, others per server, and most avoid being specific at all.
The result? Firms end up with unpredictable bills or overspending for resources they don’t need.
UltraTax CS, originally built as a desktop application by Thomson Reuters, now powers thousands of CPA firms through cloud hosting. But the right hosting setup (and its cost) depends entirely on how your firm operates.
Do you have two users or fifty? Do you need peak-season scalability? Are you required to meet IRS 4557 or FTC Safeguards compliance?
These questions determine not just the monthly price, but the long-term reliability and audit readiness of your environment.
This full pricing guide breaks down exactly what goes into UltraTax CS hosting costs in 2025, from per-user vs. dedicated server pricing models to the impact of security and compliance requirements. You’ll also see how Virtual Office CS compares to dedicated private servers, what “no hidden fees” actually means, and why predictable, line-item billing matters most during tax season.
By the end, you’ll know what a fair quote looks like, what to avoid, and how to ensure your firm gets high performance, zero downtime, and complete control (all without paying for unnecessary extras).
Quick Answer: What Does UltraTax CS Hosting Cost in 2025
Choosing a hosting plan for UltraTax CS isn’t about finding the lowest price. It’s about balancing performance, security, and predictability. In 2025, most CPA firms pay between $90 and $150 per user, per month for shared hosting, or $1,200 to $3,000 per month for dedicated private servers that handle 15–50 users.
These prices reflect more than just user count. They represent the infrastructure isolation, compliance certifications, and uptime guarantees that define how your firm performs during tax season.
Why Prices Vary So Widely
UltraTax hosting costs differ because providers follow different infrastructure models:
- Shared cloud environments: Your firm shares CPU and RAM with other tenants. It’s cost-effective for small firms but performance can fluctuate (“noisy neighbor” effect).
- Dedicated private servers: Your firm receives guaranteed, isolated hardware. The cost is higher upfront, but predictable month to month and far more compliant.
- Virtual Office CS (Thomson Reuters): Offers convenience but limited control. You can’t install custom apps or monitor system-level performance.
When comparing quotes, always check whether resources are shared or dedicated. That one distinction can double or halve your bill.
Pricing Matrix: Typical 2025 Ranges
| Firm Profile | Users | Monthly Range | Performance Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo CPA | 1–3 | $90–$150 per user | 2 vCPUs / 4GB RAM | Shared or light dedicated. Best for independent tax pros. |
| Small Firm | 4–10 | $600–$1,200 total | 4–6 vCPUs / 8–12GB RAM | Add-ons like Microsoft 365 or portals common here. |
| Mid-Sized Firm | 11–25 | $1,200–$2,200 total | 8–12 vCPUs / 16–24GB RAM | Dedicated servers recommended for stability. |
| Large Firm | 26–50 | $2,500–$4,000 total | 16+ vCPUs / 32–64GB RAM | Includes DR testing, compliance monitoring, and scalability. |
All plans include automated backups, MFA, and 24/7 support.
When to Choose Per-User vs. Per-Server
Per-user pricing works best when:
- You have fewer than 10 users or seasonal staff.
- You want flexible, scalable billing.
- You’re migrating from a single on-premise workstation.
Dedicated server pricing becomes smarter when:
- You have 10+ concurrent users.
- You run multiple apps (QuickBooks Hosting, UltraTax, portals).
- You need SOC 2 Type II compliance or custom security policies.
- You want predictable billing regardless of seasonal usage.
Think of it this way: per-user pricing is renting office desks; dedicated servers are owning the entire office floor.
Why Predictability Matters
During peak season, every minute of downtime or lag translates to lost billable hours. Dedicated private servers offer guaranteed performance and line-item billing, so that you know exactly what you’re paying for every month, with no hidden user-based surcharges.
With Verito’s month-to-month option and 100 percent uptime guarantee, firms can scale up for March–April and down afterward, without being locked into long-term commitments.
What Drives UltraTax Hosting Pricing
UltraTax CS hosting pricing may look simple on the surface (users, servers, and storage) but each of these elements hides a layer of technical and compliance complexity that changes cost significantly. The best way to estimate your monthly spend is to understand what drives pricing behind the scenes.
Below, we’ve unpacked each cost lever you’ll encounter, including how it affects pricing and how to choose the right tier for your firm.
1. Users and Concurrent Sessions
Your number of licensed users directly impacts how many concurrent sessions your server must support. A five-user firm might only need 2–4 CPU cores, while a 25-user firm could require 12 or more. Each additional concurrent user adds memory and bandwidth demands, which in turn affects both hosting costs and performance stability.
How to choose the right tier: If fewer than 10 users work simultaneously, a shared or hybrid plan works fine. Beyond that, invest in a dedicated server to avoid throttling when multiple users open large client files during tax season.
2. Server Resources: CPU, RAM, SSD Storage, and IOPS
Server specifications define how responsive UltraTax feels under heavy load.
- CPU (cores): Handles data processing and multitasking.
- RAM: Manages concurrent sessions and keeps database operations fast.
- SSD storage: Determines file access speed; high IOPS (input/output operations per second) means quicker data retrieval.
Larger databases, multiple connected apps (like QuickBooks + UltraTax), or frequent e-filing spikes all demand higher performance tiers.
How to choose the right tier: Always plan for a 20–30% performance buffer above your average usage. This prevents slowdowns during peak season or simultaneous logins.
3. Database Size and Peak-Season Spikes
UltraTax databases can grow rapidly during filing season. A 10GB SQL database in December may become 40GB by April. Storage expansion, backup frequency, and read/write activity all influence your hosting costs.
How to choose the right tier: Estimate your maximum seasonal data size, not just current usage. Dedicated hosts like Verito can dynamically allocate storage and RAM without downtime, helping you scale efficiently.
4. Backups, Retention, and Disaster Recovery Testing
Automated backups and tested recovery procedures are non-negotiable for CPA firms. Most providers include nightly backups, but the retention period (how long those backups are stored) directly impacts cost. Longer retention = more storage = higher monthly bills.
Disaster Recovery (DR) testing ensures that backup systems can be restored quickly in case of hardware or ransomware incidents which is a premium but critical inclusion for firms under FTC Safeguards compliance.
How to choose the right tier: Opt for a provider that offers at least 30-day backup retention and quarterly DR testing. Anything less risks noncompliance under IRS 4557.
5. Security Stack: MFA, SSO, Device Hardening, Geo-Fencing
Security add-ons can significantly influence price but they’re essential to maintaining compliance.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Prevents unauthorized logins.
- Single Sign-On (SSO): Streamlines access while enforcing policy controls.
- Device Hardening: Locks down local workstations connecting to the server.
- Geo-Fencing: Blocks logins from unapproved regions or IPs.
How to choose the right tier: Look for SOC 2 Type II infrastructure and built-in MFA. Firms handling sensitive PII should add SSO and geo-fencing for audit-grade protection.
6. Add-Ons: Microsoft 365, Portals, and Third-Party Integrations
Many firms integrate Microsoft 365 for email, file sharing, or document management, or link UltraTax to client portals and workflow tools. Each add-on consumes resources and may require extra licenses or support hours.
How to choose the right tier: Confirm that integrations are hosted within your private environment, not across shared servers. This ensures compliance and consistent performance.
7. Migration Complexity and Onboarding Training
Migration costs depend on the volume of client data, database clean-up needs, and whether legacy systems must be reconfigured. Some firms require assisted onboarding or custom scripting to support multi-office synchronization.
How to choose the right tier: A provider offering free migration planning and cutover support (as Verito does) can save thousands in setup costs and reduce downtime risk.
8. Support SLAs and Response Targets
Support quality is one of the most underestimated pricing factors. Standard hosting plans include business-hour support, while premium tiers offer 24/7 live response with guaranteed SLAs (Service Level Agreements).
When your firm hits e-filing season, every minute of delay can affect revenue, so reliable response times justify higher pricing.
How to choose the right tier: Prioritize hosts with sub-15-minute response guarantees and direct access to engineers who understand accounting software — not generic cloud agents.
9. Compliance Posture and Audit Readiness
CPA firms must comply with FTC Safeguards Rule, IRS Publication 4557, and WISP (Written Information Security Plan) mandates. Hosting providers that maintain SOC 2 Type II certifications and audit-ready infrastructure build those compliance controls directly into their pricing.
Note: Audit readiness also depends on user-side policies and practices
How to choose the right tier: If your firm handles client SSNs or payroll data, compliance isn’t optional. Choose a host with SOC 2 Type II verification, encryption at rest and in transit, and access logs that meet audit standards.
10. Contract Flexibility and Billing Model
Many providers lock firms into annual contracts with hidden escalation clauses. Month-to-month models with line-item billing give full visibility into what’s included: server specs, licenses, backups, and support.
How to choose the right tier: Always request a transparent quote showing individual cost components. Predictable, no-surprise billing helps firms plan IT budgets across tax seasons.
In short: UltraTax hosting pricing isn’t about finding a low monthly rate, it’s about aligning resources, compliance, and flexibility with how your firm actually operates. The most cost-effective setup is one that performs consistently under pressure, scales without surprise costs, and keeps your data secure enough to pass any audit.
Not all UltraTax CS hosting quotes tell the full story. Many providers advertise a low per-user rate, but that base price often excludes critical elements like backups, migrations, or compliance coverage. Over time, these omissions add up, both financially and operationally.
Below is a transparent breakdown of the common “hidden” charges that accounting firms often discover after signing a contract, compared against Verito’s standard inclusions:
| Cost Category | What Most Providers Do | Verito’s Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Migration & Setup | Charged separately ($300–$800) or hourly | Included: full planning, data copy, and cutover at no cost |
| Backups & Storage | Limited retention (7–14 days) or billed per GB | Included: nightly encrypted backups with 30-day retention |
| Support Access | Tiered pricing or ticket-only response | Included: 24/7 live CPA software specialists |
| Security Add-Ons (MFA, Encryption) | Often extra or “premium” tier only | Included: MFA, encryption, and SOC 2 Type II compliance built-in |
| Software Integrations | Restricted or requires custom fees | Included: QuickBooks, portals, and 365 integrations supported |
| Contract Terms | Annual lock-in or hidden renewal clauses | Month-to-month available: cancel or scale anytime |
| Scalability Charges | Cost spikes during tax season | Predictable line-item billing: fixed price even at peak load |
| Compliance Readiness | Requires separate audits or WISP vendor | Audit-ready by default: FTC Safeguards + IRS 4557 aligned |
Why This Matters
These hidden costs are what inflate total cost of ownership, not the base per-user rate. A $90/month plan that adds $50 for support and $20 for backups is no longer cheaper.
By contrast, Verito includes all core components: migration, support, backups, MFA, and compliance tools, in one fixed, predictable monthly price.
UltraTax hosting quotes that exclude backups, support, or compliance tools can double your total monthly cost. Verito’s predictable billing includes all essentials — no hidden fees, no lock-ins.
UltraTax Hosting Options: Virtual Office CS vs. Dedicated Private Servers
When firms decide to move UltraTax CS to the cloud, they generally face two choices:
- Thomson Reuters Virtual Office CS, the native cloud solution offered by the software developer.
- Dedicated private server hosting provided by specialized third-party vendors such as Verito.
Both options deliver remote access and eliminate on-premise IT maintenance but they differ significantly in control, performance, compliance, and cost predictability. Understanding these differences helps firms choose the right fit for their size, workflow, and audit obligations.
How Virtual Office CS Works
Virtual Office CS is hosted directly by Thomson Reuters and offers a managed, shared cloud environment where your UltraTax CS and other CS Professional Suite tools (like FileCabinet CS or Practice CS) are preinstalled.
It’s a convenient option for smaller firms that want an all-in-one environment and prefer not to handle server management at all. However, because resources are shared, performance can fluctuate during tax season when thousands of users access the same infrastructure.
Customization is limited — you cannot install non-Thomson applications, optimize system configurations, or access deeper performance metrics. Firms needing specific integrations (e.g., QuickBooks Desktop or third-party portals) may find those limitations restrictive.
How Dedicated Private Servers Work
Dedicated private servers, like those offered through UltraTax CS hosting on dedicated private servers via Verito, provide fully isolated computing environments where your firm controls CPU, RAM, and storage allocation.
Unlike multi-tenant clouds, these servers are completely private — your firm’s performance is never affected by other users. You can install any accounting or tax applications (QuickBooks, Sage, Drake, Lacerte), integrate document portals, or connect Microsoft 365, all within the same secure ecosystem.
More importantly, private servers are easier to align with FTC Safeguards and IRS 4557 requirements. They allow configuration of multi-factor authentication (MFA), granular user permissions, audit trails, and network isolation — capabilities most shared environments lack.
Comparison: Virtual Office CS vs. Dedicated Private Servers
| Criteria | Virtual Office CS | Dedicated Private Servers (e.g., Verito) |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Shared cloud resources; possible slowdowns during peak season | Isolated resources; consistent speed even under heavy load |
| Control & Customization | Restricted; only CS Suite apps allowed | Full control — install QuickBooks, portals, or other tax tools |
| Compliance & Security | Limited transparency on infrastructure | SOC 2 Type II certified, MFA, encrypted access, WISP-ready |
| Data Isolation | Multi-tenant | Fully isolated private environment |
| Scalability | Fixed tiers | On-demand CPU/RAM scaling for tax season |
| Uptime & Reliability | Standard SLA (typically 99.9%) | 100% uptime guarantee with 24/7 support |
| Billing Transparency | Bundled pricing; unclear resource allocation | Line-item billing; predictable month-to-month costs |
| Contracts | Annual lock-in | Month-to-month available; no hidden fees |
Which Option Fits Your Firm Best
- Solo CPAs or micro firms (1–3 users): Virtual Office CS can be sufficient if your only goal is to access UltraTax remotely without needing other integrations.
- Growing firms (5–15 users): Dedicated servers begin to make financial sense as the per-user cost gap narrows. You also gain flexibility to install QuickBooks Desktop or document management software side by side.
- Mid to large firms (20–50 users): Private servers become essential as performance isolation, data control, and compliance readiness far outweigh shared hosting’s convenience.
Why the Shift Toward Dedicated Servers Is Accelerating
As compliance expectations tighten, more firms are abandoning shared cloud models. The FTC Safeguards Rule now requires CPA firms to maintain clear control over data access, encryption, and incident response. Dedicated private servers make that possible without heavy in-house IT.
Moreover, modern accounting stacks rarely run on a single vendor’s applications. Integrating UltraTax with QuickBooks, client portals, and document sharing workflows demands an environment that supports multiple software ecosystems — something Virtual Office CS cannot fully accommodate.
Dedicated hosting gives firms that flexibility with SOC 2 Type II infrastructure, 100 percent uptime guarantees, and audit-ready controls — all while offering predictable, line-item billing that prevents hidden usage fees.
In summary: If your firm’s needs extend beyond the CS Suite or if you prioritize compliance, speed, and cost predictability — a dedicated private server will almost always deliver better long-term value than a shared cloud environment.
UltraTax CS Hosting Cost Calculator (2025)
Get an estimated monthly range based on users, performance, storage, and compliance needs.
Estimated monthly range based on dedicated resources, encrypted backups, and 24/7 expert support.
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- Model: —
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Budget $—–$— per month for your configuration on dedicated private servers with 100% uptime and predictable, line-item billing.
This is an estimate for planning purposes, not a final quote. Final pricing depends on assessment and workload.
How We Price at Verito
At Verito, our pricing philosophy is built on clarity, compliance, and performance. We understand that CPA firms don’t want vague “starting at” numbers or hidden line items that appear months later. Every UltraTax CS hosting plan is quoted as a transparent monthly investment — based on defined resources, not fine print.
Our approach is simple:
- Transparent pricing: You see every component you’re paying for: server configuration, storage, backups, support, and compliance add-ons.
- Month-to-month available: No long-term contracts. You can scale up or pause as your workload changes.
- No hidden fees: Backups, migrations, and security features are included. No surprise invoices.
- Predictable, line-item billing: Every invoice shows your exact server specs and service inclusions.
- Audit-ready posture: SOC 2 Type II infrastructure, MFA, encryption, and access logs that align with FTC Safeguards and IRS 4557 requirements.
- 100 percent uptime guarantee: Every environment is built with redundancy, automatic failover, and real-time monitoring for uninterrupted access.
What’s Included by Default
Every UltraTax CS hosting plan on Verito’s dedicated private servers includes:
- Dedicated private server: Fully isolated environment; no “noisy neighbor” risk.
- 24/7 expert support: U.S.-based engineers who understand UltraTax, QuickBooks, and accounting workflows.
- Automated nightly backups with retention: 30-day default retention, encrypted and stored off-site.
- Free migration planning and cutover support: Zero-downtime onboarding guided by Verito engineers.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enabled across all user accounts by default.
- Secure remote access: Encrypted RDP or VPN channels for authorized users only.
- Disaster recovery testing: Quarterly restoration validation to ensure business continuity.
- Performance monitoring: Continuous CPU, memory, and storage oversight for proactive scaling.
- SOC 2 Type II certified infrastructure: Compliance built into the hosting stack.
You also have the option to integrate Microsoft 365, document portals, and third-party accounting apps within the same private environment, all billed transparently on a per-resource basis.
Why Predictability Matters for CPA Firms
Tax firms can’t afford surprise invoices or unpredictable performance during filing season.
Our dedicated servers are priced on a fixed monthly model, meaning your cost doesn’t fluctuate with user activity or bandwidth usage. Whether you have 10 or 30 users logged in, your monthly invoice remains identical.
Predictable costs aren’t just easier to budget — they also meet the FTC Safeguards Rule requirement for ongoing risk management by providing auditable, stable IT expenses tied to documented controls.
Verito Pricing Reference
To explore broader IT management or bundled solutions, visit our VeritGuard Pricing page. It outlines how our managed IT and security services complement hosting for complete compliance coverage.
In short: Verito prices hosting the same way CPA firms bill clients — line by line, with full accountability. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, why it costs that amount, and how it protects your firm every single day.
Sample Configurations and Estimated Ranges
Every CPA firm’s UltraTax CS environment looks slightly different — the number of users, database size, concurrent sessions, and integrations all shape the final monthly cost.
Below are three common configurations that illustrate how pricing scales in real life. These are not quotes, but representative examples designed to help firms estimate their own range with confidence.
1. Solo CPA or Two-User Firm (Entry-Level Configuration)
Ideal for: Independent tax professionals or small practices with light data usage.
Typical Specs
- 2 vCPUs
- 4–6 GB RAM
- 100 GB SSD storage
- Nightly encrypted backups (30-day retention)
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enabled
- Secure Remote Desktop (RDP) access
Estimated Range: $150–$250 per month
Context: A small setup like this comfortably handles UltraTax CS, FileCabinet CS, and essential productivity apps like Microsoft 365. With automated backups and full compliance coverage, it eliminates the overhead of local servers while keeping costs highly predictable.
2. Growing Firm (8–10 Users, Multi-Application Stack)
Ideal for: Firms expanding from 3–5 to 8–10 team members or adopting hybrid work models.
Typical Specs
- 6 vCPUs
- 16 GB RAM
- 300 GB SSD storage
- Dedicated private server with performance isolation
- Integration of UltraTax CS, QuickBooks Desktop, and client portals
- Automated nightly backups + quarterly disaster recovery testing
- 24/7 support and monitoring
Estimated Range: $700–$1,200 per month
Context: This setup supports multiple concurrent users without lag, allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly on UltraTax returns and accounting files in real time. Dedicated infrastructure ensures consistent uptime even during peak e-filing periods, while compliance frameworks like SOC 2 Type II and FTC Safeguards are automatically enforced.
3. Multi-Location Firm (20–25 Users, Heavy Seasonality)
Ideal for: Mid-sized firms with large client databases and complex workflows spanning multiple offices.
Typical Specs
- 8–12 vCPUs
- 32 GB RAM
- 1 TB SSD storage (expandable on demand)
- Fully isolated dedicated server cluster
- Load balancing for concurrent logins
- Complete WISP compliance toolkit
- Quarterly performance optimization
- Automated daily backups with 30–60 day retention
- Managed DR testing and scaling for tax season
Estimated Range: $1,800–$3,000 per month
Context: This configuration supports large concurrent teams and complex database operations. Firms at this level typically integrate UltraTax CS with QuickBooks, document management portals, and secure file sharing systems. Dedicated private servers maintain 100 percent uptime and meet audit-grade standards across IRS 4557, FTC Safeguards, and SOC 2 Type II compliance requirements.
How to Interpret These Ranges
The ranges above cover standard environments with compliance and support included. Actual pricing can vary based on:
- Additional applications (e.g., CCH Axcess, Sage 50, SmartVault)
- Backup retention period beyond 30 days
- Storage growth during peak tax season
- Custom scripting or advanced integration needs
Providers who quote dramatically lower prices usually achieve it by cutting corners — shared resources, limited backups, or no compliance documentation. A properly configured dedicated server should always include isolation, encryption, and support in the base rate.
Expect to invest around $150–$250/month for small two-user setups, $700–$1,200/month for 10-user firms, and $1,800–$3,000/month for 25-user multi-location environments with full compliance and dedicated resources.
Security, Compliance, and WISP Costs You Should Not Ignore
Security and compliance aren’t optional extras for CPA firms. They’re mandatory operational expenses. The FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS Publication 4557 both hold tax professionals responsible for protecting client data, regardless of whether it’s stored locally or in the cloud.
When comparing UltraTax CS hosting providers, always look beyond CPU and RAM. A hosting plan without built-in compliance controls might look cheaper upfront, but the cost of a breach or audit failure can be catastrophic.
Here are the core compliance elements that directly influence UltraTax hosting costs and long-term risk exposure:
SOC 2 Type II Certified Infrastructure
SOC 2 Type II certification is the gold standard for verifying a provider’s internal controls over data security, availability, and confidentiality. It ensures that the hosting environment follows strict third-party-audited standards — from encryption policies to access management and physical data center safeguards.
Without SOC 2 certification, your firm must manually verify every layer of compliance which is a costly and time-consuming process.
Why it matters for pricing: SOC 2 compliance requires continuous audits, monitoring, and documentation, all baked into the service cost. A slightly higher monthly rate is the tradeoff for guaranteed audit readiness and insurance-grade trust.
Encryption and Data Isolation
Every client’s tax data contains personally identifiable information (PII) such as SSNs, EINs, and income records. UltraTax hosting environments must encrypt this data in transit (during uploads and remote sessions) and at rest (when stored on disk).
Dedicated private servers on Verito ensure encryption across all layers including remote desktop sessions, backups, and off-site replication.
Why it matters for pricing: Encryption and isolated infrastructure require enterprise-grade storage and key management systems. Both increase operating costs but eliminate the risk of cross-tenant data leaks.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Access Control
MFA adds an extra layer of defense by verifying each login with something the user knows (password) and something they possess (token or code). Combined with role-based access control, MFA ensures that only authorized staff can reach sensitive data.
Why it matters for pricing: Some providers treat MFA as an add-on; Verito includes it by default. This saves firms from compliance gaps while reducing risk exposure under the FTC Safeguards Rule.
Network Security and Device Hardening
Compliance isn’t just about servers. It extends to every endpoint that connects to them. Verito’s hosting environments use network segmentation, intrusion prevention systems, and device-level hardening to limit exposure from unauthorized access or malware.
Why it matters for pricing: Continuous monitoring and endpoint management require advanced firewalls and managed IT oversight. These are built into the cost of hosting but provide unmatched protection.
IRS Publication 4557 and FTC Safeguards Rule Compliance
Both frameworks outline the same principle: protect taxpayer information using administrative, technical, and physical safeguards. Under the FTC Safeguards Rule, firms must maintain written security policies, conduct risk assessments, and ensure vendors (like hosting providers) also meet those standards.
UltraTax hosting on Verito automatically aligns with these requirements (including encryption, access logs, and breach response documentation), so your firm remains compliant without managing these controls internally.
Why it matters for pricing: Compliance maintenance is an ongoing cost. Choosing a host that already satisfies FTC and IRS criteria reduces your firm’s compliance overhead while ensuring audit readiness year-round.
The Role of WISP (Written Information Security Plan)
A WISP is the documented plan that proves your firm is protecting client data under the FTC Safeguards Rule. It outlines how you manage access, encryption, incident response, and vendor oversight.
Many firms overlook WISP requirements, or assume their IT provider handles it, until auditors request it.
To make compliance easier, you can download our free WISP template or opt for Verito’s managed WISP support, which builds and maintains your compliance documentation with quarterly updates.
Why it matters for pricing: WISP creation and maintenance often add a few hundred dollars per year but failing to maintain it can result in thousands in penalties or lost client trust.
The Bottom Line
Compliance-ready hosting is slightly more expensive than generic cloud options — but it’s not a luxury. It’s the foundation that protects your license, your firm’s reputation, and your clients’ financial data.
Verito’s SOC 2 Type II infrastructure, encryption, and managed WISP services ensure your firm can pass any audit confidently, without scrambling for documentation or paying for third-party assessments.
Migration and Onboarding: What’s Included, What’s Extra
Migrating UltraTax CS to the cloud shouldn’t disrupt tax season or require your team to be IT experts. Verito’s migration framework is built to make the transition seamless, from planning and data copy to final cutover, all without downtime or user confusion.
Most providers treat migration as a one-time add-on fee. Verito includes it by default because a well-planned migration is essential for both compliance and performance.
What’s Included in a Standard Migration
Every UltraTax CS hosting plan includes a fully managed onboarding process with these core stages:
1. Discovery and Environment Planning
Verito’s onboarding engineers start with a discovery call to understand your firm’s structure, number of users, data size, connected apps (like QuickBooks or portals), and specific compliance needs.
- We document your current setup.
- Map data directories, backup locations, and user permissions.
- Plan a cutover timeline that avoids your busiest filing periods.
2. Environment Build and Configuration
A dedicated private server is provisioned and configured with your preferred CPU, RAM, and storage tiers.
- Operating system and network settings are hardened for SOC 2 Type II compliance.
- MFA and secure access channels are activated from day one.
- Shared folders, drives, and database instances are pre-mapped for easy user access.
3. Data Copy and Integrity Validation
All UltraTax CS data, including client files, templates, and supporting databases, is copied using encrypted transfer protocols.
- Once uploaded, data integrity checks verify that files match byte-for-byte with local copies.
- Redundant backups are automatically created to ensure rollback capability.
4. Cutover and Go-Live Execution
Verito coordinates the final switch at an agreed time, typically overnight or during weekends to ensure no disruption during active filing hours.
- Each user’s remote access credentials are tested in advance.
- Firms can begin work immediately the next morning with zero downtime.
5. User Training and Onboarding
Post-cutover, Verito provides guided walkthroughs for staff including login procedures, file access, and shared workflow setups.
- Live support remains available 24/7 for the first 7 days to handle any questions or adjustments.
6. Post-Migration Review
Once the environment stabilizes, Verito performs a post-migration audit:
- Checks data accuracy, permissions, and backup jobs.
- Reviews performance benchmarks.
- Documents the configuration for future audits or renewals.
What May Incur Extra Cost
While standard migrations are included, certain specialized scenarios may require additional engineering hours or third-party tools. These include:
- Legacy system conversions: If data is stored on outdated OS versions or non-standard file paths.
- Custom scripting or third-party integration rebuilds: For firms using legacy add-ons, document management tools, or locally linked QuickBooks data.
- Extensive data volumes: Terabyte-scale data requiring phased uploads and verification.
- Hybrid deployments: Firms retaining part of their environment on-premise while migrating others to the cloud.
Each of these scenarios is assessed transparently during discovery, with written approval before any cost is applied.
Zero Downtime Guarantee
Tax season downtime isn’t an option. Verito’s migration process is designed around this principle: no cutovers during business hours and no service interruption once you go live.
Our engineers perform every migration with rollback capability and mirrored backups, so even in the rare event of a sync issue, your local environment remains operational until the cloud version is fully validated.
In short: Every Verito migration is engineered to be invisible. You log out one evening from your local setup and log in the next morning from the cloud, with everything exactly where you left it.
Verito includes full UltraTax CS migration and onboarding at no extra charge: covering planning, encrypted data transfer, cutover, and user training with zero downtime. Extra costs only apply for legacy conversions or large-scale integrations.
FAQs That Buyers Ask Before Signing
1. Is UltraTax CS cloud-based?
UltraTax CS itself is desktop software by Thomson Reuters, but it can be hosted in the cloud on either Virtual Office CS (Thomson’s own environment) or on dedicated private servers from third-party providers like Verito. Cloud hosting allows your team to access UltraTax securely from anywhere while maintaining full desktop functionality.
2. How many users can work at once?
That depends on your hosting configuration. Shared plans typically support up to 10 concurrent users, while dedicated private servers can handle 25–50 users or more simultaneously without lag, depending on CPU and RAM allocation.
3. Can we scale up in March–April and then scale back after tax season?
Yes. Verito offers on-demand resource scaling, so you can increase CPU, RAM, or storage during tax season and revert afterward. This flexibility keeps costs predictable while maintaining performance during your busiest months.
4. Do we need a long-term contract?
No. Verito provides month-to-month hosting with no long-term lock-in. This model helps firms stay agile and manage seasonal workloads without committing to annual contracts or hidden renewal clauses.
5. What about add-ons like Microsoft 365 or client portals?
You can integrate Microsoft 365, document portals, and other accounting applications within your dedicated server. Everything runs in the same secure environment, ensuring compliance with SOC 2 Type II and FTC Safeguards standards.
6. Where is our data hosted?
Verito hosts all data in U.S.-based SOC 2 Type II certified data centers with redundant infrastructure, multi-layer firewalls, and continuous monitoring. Each client operates in an isolated private environment, not on shared servers.
7. How fast is support response?
Verito’s support team operates 24/7 with average response times under 15 minutes. Every issue is handled by engineers trained specifically in accounting and tax software, ensuring that fixes are precise and relevant to your workflow.
8. What happens if a server fails?
All servers are built with redundancy and real-time failover. In the unlikely event of hardware failure, your environment automatically transitions to a standby instance with no data loss. Verito’s 100 percent uptime guarantee ensures continuous access during peak periods.
9. How do backups and restores work?
UltraTax environments are backed up nightly and stored off-site for 30 days by default. All backups are encrypted, verified for integrity, and tested regularly through quarterly disaster recovery (DR) drills. You can request data restores at any time through 24/7 support.
10. What is the typical go-live timeline?
Most firms go live within 3–5 business days after kickoff. Migration planning, data copy, and testing are performed concurrently to ensure a seamless cutover. Complex, multi-office environments may require 7–10 days for full deployment, but downtime remains zero throughout the transition.
How to Get an Exact Quote in 24 Hours
Once you understand how UltraTax CS hosting pricing works, getting a precise quote becomes straightforward. The more specific your inputs, the more accurately a provider can size your environment, ensuring predictable performance and billing from day one.
To receive an accurate, line-item estimate, you’ll typically need to provide the following details:
- Number of users: How many staff members need concurrent UltraTax CS access.
- Concurrent sessions: Whether all users work simultaneously or in shifts.
- Database size: Current file size of your UltraTax CS data folder (in GB).
- Add-on applications: Any connected tools like QuickBooks Desktop, portals, or Microsoft 365.
- Storage estimate: Amount of total data to be migrated, including backups.
- Integrations and compliance needs: Requirements for encryption, MFA, or WISP assistance.
Once these details are submitted, Verito’s engineers prepare a custom configuration blueprint, detailing server specs, storage allocation, included compliance layers, and an exact monthly cost with no hidden fees.
In most cases, firms receive a full proposal within 24 hours of submitting their requirements.
This process ensures every firm knows:
- The performance capacity of their environment.
- The compliance standards being met.
- The exact, predictable monthly cost.
Why This Matters
Many CPA firms make the mistake of comparing hosting providers solely by price. A $20 difference may look appealing until you uncover limitations like shared resources, lack of encryption, or no backup verification.
A transparent quote rooted in your actual workload and compliance requirements is the only way to avoid those surprises.
To get an exact UltraTax CS hosting quote in 24 hours, provide user count, database size, add-on apps, storage estimate, and compliance needs. Verito returns a transparent, line-item proposal with no hidden fees or lock-ins.
Conclusion
Choosing where and how to host UltraTax CS isn’t about chasing the lowest price, it’s about finding the most reliable, compliant, and predictable environment for your firm’s workload.
The right provider will help you eliminate the uncertainty that comes with shared resources, hidden add-ons, and reactive IT support. With dedicated private servers, firms get consistent performance, 100 percent uptime, and line-item billing that aligns with both IRS and FTC compliance expectations.
Verito’s approach simplifies this decision by including everything firms need: SOC 2 Type II infrastructure, MFA, nightly backups, 24/7 expert support, and month-to-month flexibility. All in a single transparent price.
In short: predictable hosting costs, compliant infrastructure, and peak-season reliability, so you can focus on clients, not servers.
To explore configuration options or request a transparent quote, visit UltraTax CS Hosting on dedicated private servers.
tl;dr (Summary)
- UltraTax CS hosting costs $90–$150 per user/month (shared) or $1,200–$3,000/month (dedicated).
- Pricing depends on users, database size, compliance level, and performance specs.
- Dedicated servers prevent “noisy neighbor” slowdowns and ensure predictable billing.
- Verito includes: migration, MFA, SOC 2 Type II infrastructure, backups, DR testing, and 24/7 support.
- Month-to-month available. No hidden fees.
Firms can get a custom quote within 24 hours by sharing user count, data size, and integrations.
