{"id":8484,"date":"2026-11-06T13:15:31","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T18:15:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/?p=8484"},"modified":"2026-11-06T13:20:11","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T18:20:11","slug":"cloud-hosting-for-accountants-and-cpa-firms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/cloud-hosting-for-accountants-and-cpa-firms\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Best Cloud Hosting for Accountants and CPA Firms in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>The best cloud hosting for accountants and CPA firms puts the desktop tax and accounting software you already own (Drake, Lacerte, UltraTax CS, ProSeries, QuickBooks Desktop) on a dedicated private server, with MFA, encryption and a published support response time. Verito is our pick for most small and mid-size tax and accounting firms. Rightworks, Cetrom, Ace Cloud Hosting, Apps4Rent and Sagenext each fit a narrower need.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Key takeaways<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cloud hosting keeps your desktop software and moves it to a server your team reaches from anywhere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A specialized accounting host sets up, secures and supports the server; a public cloud rents you raw servers to manage yourself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compare hosts on four things: price per user, uptime record, support response time and whether the server is dedicated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verito: 100% uptime since 2016, backups 4x daily, from $69\/user\/mo.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moving to Verito carries no migration charge and usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-is-cloud-hosting-for-accountants-and-cpas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Cloud Hosting for Accountants and CPAs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cloud hosting for accountants and CPAs moves the desktop software a firm already owns, such as Drake, Lacerte, UltraTax CS, ProSeries and QuickBooks Desktop, from office PCs and servers to a remote server in a data center. Staff log in from any computer and work in the same programs, with the same files, at the same time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Term<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>What it means<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Example<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Cloud accounting software<\/td><td>Software built to run in a browser, sold by the software vendor<\/td><td>QuickBooks Online, Xero<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cloud hosting<\/td><td>Your desktop software installed on a remote server you log in to<\/td><td>Lacerte and QuickBooks Desktop on a hosted server<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hosted desktop (virtual desktop)<\/td><td>A full Windows desktop delivered from the server, with every hosted program on it<\/td><td>A preparer&#8217;s whole workday on a hosted desktop<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Your software behaves the same after the move because it&#8217;s the same install. You keep your own licenses, and the program opens on the hosted server exactly as it did on the office machine. On Verito, Microsoft Office 2021, browsers and Adobe Reader come on the server at no charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-is-the-difference-between-public-cloud-and-a-specialized-accounting-cloud-host\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Difference Between Public Cloud and a Specialized Accounting Cloud Host?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A public cloud such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services rents a firm raw servers, and the firm or its IT provider installs, secures, patches and supports everything on them. A specialized accounting cloud host delivers a finished environment for tax and accounting software, with setup, backups, updates and software support included in one per-user price.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Factor<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Public cloud (Azure, AWS)<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Specialized accounting host<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Who builds the server<\/td><td>Your firm or your IT provider<\/td><td>The host<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Who installs Drake, Lacerte or UltraTax CS<\/td><td>Your firm<\/td><td>The host, during migration<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Who patches Windows<\/td><td>Your firm<\/td><td>The host, automatically<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Who answers a tax software question at 9 p.m. in April<\/td><td>Your IT provider, if it covers nights<\/td><td>The host&#8217;s 24\/7 support team<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>How billing works<\/td><td>Usage-based compute, storage and bandwidth<\/td><td>A fixed monthly rate for each user<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Recommendation<\/td><td>Firms with their own IT staff and cloud skills<\/td><td>Most tax and accounting firms<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A public cloud is the right call for a firm with an in-house IT team that wants full control. For everyone else, the work of building and running the server lands on someone who bills by the hour. A specialized host bundles that work into the monthly price, and its support team already knows how Drake behaves on day one of filing season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"which-6-cloud-hosting-providers-should-accountants-and-cpa-firms-compare-in-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which 6 Cloud Hosting Providers Should Accountants and CPA Firms Compare in 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Accountants and CPA firms comparing cloud hosts in 2026 usually shortlist six providers: Verito, Rightworks, Cetrom, Ace Cloud Hosting, Apps4Rent and Sagenext. The six differ most on four things: starting price per user, uptime commitment, published support response time, and whether the entry plan gives the firm its own dedicated server.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Provider<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Starts at<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Entry server<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Uptime commitment<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Published support response<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Verito<\/strong><\/td><td>$69\/user\/mo<\/td><td>Dedicated private server<\/td><td>100% uptime since 2016<\/td><td>Under 60 seconds, 24\/7<\/td><td>Tax and accounting firms that want hosting and IT managed by the same people<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rightworks<\/strong><\/td><td>$85\/user\/mo (Cloud Hosting)<\/td><td>Not stated on plans page<\/td><td>Not stated on plans page<\/td><td>24\/7, no response time published<\/td><td>Firms that want a large accounting app marketplace<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cetrom<\/strong><\/td><td>Custom quote<\/td><td>Citrix desktop or published apps<\/td><td>99.9% uptime<\/td><td>24\/7, no response time published<\/td><td>Firms that want a custom-built Citrix setup<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ace Cloud Hosting<\/strong><\/td><td>$44.99\/user\/mo (pricing FAQ)<\/td><td>Not labeled dedicated; dedicated on Unlimited plan<\/td><td>99.99% SLA<\/td><td>24\/7, no response time published<\/td><td>Budget-first firms new to hosting<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Apps4Rent<\/strong><\/td><td>$12\/user\/mo, session-based<\/td><td>Session-based; dedicated from $34.95\/mo<\/td><td>99.9% SLA<\/td><td>24\/7, no response time published<\/td><td>The lowest entry price<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sagenext<\/strong><\/td><td>$33\/user\/mo shared<\/td><td>Shared; dedicated from $59\/mo<\/td><td>Not stated on pricing page<\/td><td>24\/7, no response time published<\/td><td>Small QuickBooks firms on a tight budget<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices and terms come from each provider&#8217;s public pages, checked October 31, 2026. Promotions change often, so confirm the current price and what it includes before you sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;We switched to Verito from RightWorks and immediately saved about $100 per month.&#8221;<\/p><cite>Kristin M., Owner, Gradient Accounting LLC \u00b7 G2, Jul 2025<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"1-verito\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Verito<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Verito serves only tax and accounting firms and puts every firm on its own dedicated private server, from $69 per user per month. Verito publishes 100% uptime since 2016, resolves 92% of support issues on first touch, and backs up every server four times a day to multiple locations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Verito hosts Drake, Lacerte, UltraTax CS, ProSeries, CCH ProSystem fx, QuickBooks Desktop and Sage on one server, so a firm&#8217;s tax and accounting programs live side by side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trial:<\/strong> 15 days, no credit card, on the production server the firm keeps when it converts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Limitation:<\/strong> Apps4Rent, Ace and Sagenext advertise lower entry prices, and UltraTax CS firms start on the $99 Pro plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best for:<\/strong> firms of 3 users and up that want a server built for tax season, with hosting and IT managed by the same people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"2-rightworks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Rightworks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rightworks, formerly Right Networks, is one of the largest QuickBooks and accounting software hosts, with Cloud Hosting listed at $85 per user per month on its plans page. Rightworks&#8217; main draw is a large marketplace of connected accounting apps, and it offers 24\/7 support without publishing a first-response time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rightworks&#8217; plans page also lists Cloud Protect at $45 per user per month, an access-management product sold separately from hosting, and Cloud Premier at custom pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Limitation:<\/strong> the plans page doesn&#8217;t state an uptime commitment or whether the entry plan is dedicated. Ask for both in writing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best for:<\/strong> firms that want hosting tied to a broad catalog of accounting add-ons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"3-cetrom\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Cetrom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cetrom has hosted accounting firms since 2001 on a Citrix-based environment, delivered as a full virtual desktop or as published apps at no additional cost. Cetrom publishes no rate card, so every firm gets a custom quote, and its site advertises 99.9% uptime with 24\/7 support.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cetrom explains its two delivery options on its blog, and its homepage lists the uptime figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Limitation:<\/strong> no public pricing means a firm can&#8217;t compare Cetrom&#8217;s cost without a sales call.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best for:<\/strong> firms that want a custom Citrix build and don&#8217;t mind quote-based pricing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"4-ace-cloud-hosting\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Ace Cloud Hosting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ace Cloud Hosting is a price-led host for QuickBooks and tax software, with plans its pricing FAQ says start at $44.99 per user per month and a rotating $19.50 promotional rate. Ace Cloud Hosting publishes a 99.99% uptime SLA, up to 45-day backup retention and a 7-day free trial.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ace&#8217;s pricing page lists Unlimited Hosting, the plan it labels a private dedicated server, from $150 per user per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Limitation:<\/strong> the page&#8217;s own prices conflict, so get a written quote for the plan you&#8217;d use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best for:<\/strong> budget-first firms trying hosting for the first time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"5-apps4rent\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Apps4Rent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Apps4Rent sells hosted QuickBooks, tax software and other Windows applications from $12 per user per month on session-based plans, with dedicated plans from $34.95 per month. Apps4Rent states a 99.9% uptime SLA, SOC 2 Type II data centers in New York and New Jersey, and 24\/7 support.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apps4Rent&#8217;s hosting guide lists these terms and says it charges no setup fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Limitation:<\/strong> the guide doesn&#8217;t publish a support response time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best for:<\/strong> very small firms that want the lowest monthly price.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"6-sagenext\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Sagenext<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sagenext offers shared QuickBooks Desktop hosting from $33 per user per month with a 5 GB allowance for each user, and dedicated plans from $59 per month with 6 GB for each user that also host Sage and tax software. Sagenext offers a 7-day free trial.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sagenext&#8217;s pricing page links to a service level agreement but doesn&#8217;t show an uptime percentage .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Limitation:<\/strong> the disk allowances are small, and extra space costs $1 per GB.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best for:<\/strong> small QuickBooks firms on a tight budget.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"can-one-cloud-server-host-quickbooks-desktop-tax-software-and-niche-apps-together\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can One Cloud Server Host QuickBooks Desktop, Tax Software and Niche Apps Together?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A specialized accounting cloud server can host QuickBooks Desktop, several tax programs and niche accounting or payroll software side by side, because every program installs on the same Windows server. Verito hosts almost any Windows desktop application a firm licenses, including Drake, Lacerte, UltraTax CS, ProSeries, CCH ProSystem fx, Sage 50 and QuickBooks Enterprise.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Firms that prepare returns in two packages, or keep prior-year versions open, run them together on one server. On Verito, all years of a tax program count as one app slot:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Essentials:<\/strong> 2 app slots, built for a lean stack such as Drake plus QuickBooks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pro:<\/strong> 6 app slots, for firms juggling UltraTax CS or CCH with several other programs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Elite:<\/strong> unlimited app slots for heavy, multi-program workloads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Free on every plan:<\/strong> Microsoft Office 2021, browsers and Adobe Reader, and document management software doesn&#8217;t use an app slot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Extra app slots cost $10 per month each. Verito&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/tax-software-compatibility-cloud-hosting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >tax software compatibility guide<\/a> lists programs by name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"should-an-accounting-firm-choose-a-dedicated-private-server-or-shared-hosting\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should an Accounting Firm Choose a Dedicated Private Server or Shared Hosting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A dedicated private server gives one accounting firm its own processor, memory and storage, so another tenant&#8217;s workload can&#8217;t slow the firm down in March. Shared hosting splits one server across several businesses at a lower price. Verito puts every firm on a dedicated private server, fully managed, on all three plans.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fully managed means the host does the work on your <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/dedicated-vs-shared-cloud-hosting-what-growing-accounting-firms-should-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >dedicated private server<\/a>: Windows updates and patching, antivirus and firewall, backups, and software updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Server resources on Verito are firm-wide totals, expandable on any plan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Essentials:<\/strong> 10 GB of RAM and 100 GB of NVMe storage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pro:<\/strong> 15 GB of RAM and 150 GB of NVMe storage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Elite:<\/strong> unlimited RAM and 200 GB of NVMe storage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Add more:<\/strong> RAM at $20 per GB per month, storage at $10 per 10 GB per month.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"is-cloud-hosting-secure-enough-for-irs-and-client-data\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Cloud Hosting Secure Enough for IRS and Client Data?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cloud hosting can meet the security controls tax preparers answer to under IRS Publication 4557 and the FTC Safeguards Rule when the host provides MFA, encryption, monitored servers and tested backups. Verito&#8217;s environment is designed to support those requirements, with MFA on every login, AES-256 encryption in transit and at rest, and ISO 27001 certification.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tax professionals know the rules they answer to. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-pdf\/p4557.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">IRS Publication 4557<\/a> asks every tax professional to keep a written information security plan (WISP) and lists the safeguards behind it. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/business-guidance\/resources\/ftc-safeguards-rule-what-your-business-needs-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">FTC Safeguards Rule<\/a> requires MFA and encryption for customer information, and violations can cost $50,000 each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>MFA on every login<\/strong>, which the FTC Safeguards Rule requires for anyone accessing customer information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AES-256 encryption in transit and at rest.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SOC 2 Type II certified data centers in the United States.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ISO 27001 certification<\/strong>, held by Verito itself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Backups 4x daily to multiple locations<\/strong>, with 60-day retention (90 days on Elite) and disaster recovery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"http:\/\/verito.com\/written-information-security-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\" title=\"WISP\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1400\">WISP<\/a> when you need one:<\/strong> VeritShield WISP costs $999 per year and arrives in 5 business days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A solo preparer gets the same controls as a 50-person firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;The setup process was smooth, and the security features give me confidence knowing my clients&#8217; data is protected.&#8221; David Whittington \u00b7 Google, Dec 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"which-cloud-hosts-guarantee-close-to-100-uptime-for-cpa-firms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Cloud Hosts Guarantee Close to 100% Uptime for CPA Firms?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Most accounting cloud hosts publish an uptime SLA between 99.9% and 99.99%, which allows from about 8.8 hours down to 53 minutes of downtime a year. Verito publishes a 100% uptime SLA on every plan and a record of 100% uptime since 2016.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An SLA is a promise, and a track record is what happened, so ask each host for both. For desktop tax software, the most reliable setup pairs a dedicated server with frequent backups. Verito backs up four times a day, so a restore brings back work from earlier the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;I originally switched to Verito from Rightnetworks due to persistent downtime issues.&#8221; <\/p><cite>April W., Owner, AAA Business Services LLC \u00b7 G2, Oct 2025<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-fast-should-a-cloud-host-answer-support-calls-during-tax-season\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Fast Should a Cloud Host Answer Support Calls During Tax Season?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A cloud host for tax and accounting firms should connect a caller to someone who knows tax software within minutes, at any hour, all year. Verito publishes a response time under 60 seconds, 24\/7, and resolves 92% of issues on first touch. Most other accounting hosts publish no response time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you sign, call each host&#8217;s support line at 8 p.m. on a weekday and time how long it takes to reach a person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Verito&#8217;s support team works in the programs you use, so the person who answers can fix a stuck Lacerte session or a QuickBooks multi-user error without sending you back to the software vendor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;Their knowledge of the software saves us money on support, eliminating the need to contact Thomson Reuters directly.&#8221; <\/p><cite>Chad H., Owner, Modern CPAs, Inc. \u00b7 G2, Oct 2025<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"can-a-firm-add-seasonal-staff-and-extra-offices-on-one-cloud-server\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a Firm Add Seasonal Staff and Extra Offices on One Cloud Server?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A dedicated private server lets an accounting firm add seasonal preparers in January and a second office&#8217;s staff to the same environment, because the server&#8217;s memory and storage are sized for the firm&#8217;s own peak. On Verito, a firm adds seasonal seats at its regular per-user rate, with no cap on how many.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every office and every remote preparer logs in to the same server, so they work in the same files and the same program versions. When a heavy season needs more power, RAM can be added at $20 per GB per month without a migration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;I appreciate that Verito provides 24\/7 support, which has been readily available whenever we needed to set up new employees or required assistance.&#8221; <\/p><cite>Mary Beth K., Owner, Padgett Business Services \u00b7 G2, Oct 2025<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-much-does-cloud-hosting-cost-for-a-small-accounting-firm\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Does Cloud Hosting Cost for a Small Accounting Firm?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cloud hosting for a small accounting firm costs from about $12 to $150 per user per month in 2026, depending on whether the server is shared or dedicated and what the price includes. Verito starts at $69 per user per month, so a 5-person firm on Essentials starts at $345 a month for user seats.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Verito plan<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Per user per month<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Essentials<\/td><td>$69<\/td><td>Small firms on a lean stack, typically Drake plus QuickBooks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pro<\/td><td>$99<\/td><td>Firms on UltraTax CS or CCH, or several programs at once. Most firms land here<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Elite<\/td><td>$149<\/td><td>Heavy workloads, with a named account manager<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Setup is a one-time $500, and migration carries no charge. Full details are on the <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/hosting\/pricing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\">VeritSpace pricing page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To judge whether any per-user fee is fair, ask what it includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Is the server dedicated to your firm or shared?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How often are backups taken, and how long are they kept?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the published support response time?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is there a setup fee or a migration charge?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is storage a firm-wide total, and what does extra storage cost?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How many programs can you install before add-on fees start?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>A cheap shared plan suits a solo bookkeeper with one QuickBooks file. A firm filing hundreds of returns in March usually gets more from a dedicated server and fast support than from the lowest sticker price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"is-cloud-hosting-cheaper-than-running-an-office-server\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Cloud Hosting Cheaper Than Running an Office Server?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cloud hosting often costs less than an office server once a firm adds up the server&#8217;s full cost: the hardware and its replacement, Windows Server licenses, backup equipment, power, and the IT hours spent patching and fixing it. A firm estimates its savings by totaling those costs for one year and comparing them with 12 months of hosting fees.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Factor<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Office server<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Verito cloud hosting<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Upfront hardware<\/td><td>Firm buys and replaces the server<\/td><td>None<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Remote access<\/td><td>Firm sets up and maintains a VPN<\/td><td>Remote desktop app on any device<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Backups<\/td><td>Firm&#8217;s responsibility<\/td><td>4x daily to multiple locations<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Uptime<\/td><td>Depends on one machine in one office<\/td><td>100% since 2016<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Support<\/td><td>Firm&#8217;s IT provider, on its hours<\/td><td>24\/7, year-round<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Software and Windows updates<\/td><td>Firm or IT provider<\/td><td>Automatic<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To estimate your own number:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Divide the server&#8217;s purchase price by the years you expect it to last.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add annual Windows Server and backup software licenses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add your IT provider&#8217;s yearly charges for server work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compare the total with 12 months of per-user hosting for your headcount, plus the one-time $500 setup.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"who-owns-the-data-when-an-accounting-firm-leaves-a-cloud-host\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Owns the Data When an Accounting Firm Leaves a Cloud Host?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>An accounting firm should own its data on any cloud host and get it back in a usable format when it leaves. On Verito, the firm owns its data, keeps access for 30 days after cancellation takes effect, and can take a free archive of its file share and application data.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask every host the same three questions in writing: who owns the data, what format it comes back in, and how long it stays available after you cancel. The <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/faqs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\">Verito FAQ<\/a> answers all three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-long-does-migration-take-and-does-it-cost-extra\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Does Migration Take, and Does It Cost Extra?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Migrating an accounting firm&#8217;s software and data to Verito takes 1 to 2 weeks for most firms and carries no migration charge, including database repair, data cleanup and complex multi-program moves. The cutover is usually scheduled over a weekend, so staff close their files on Friday and open them on the hosted server on Monday.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Consultation call:<\/strong> Verito learns your software, users and data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Data retrieval:<\/strong> Verito helps pull your files from your office server or current host, which is usually the step that sets the timeline.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Build and move:<\/strong> the onboarding team installs your programs and moves your data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weekend cutover:<\/strong> staff switch to the hosted server.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>15-day trial:<\/strong> your firm works on the production server it keeps, and Verito tunes it to your workload.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;Switching over to their cloud server was easy with their support.&#8221; <\/p><cite>Marcus W., Owner, Martin&#8217;s Tax Returns, LLC \u00b7 G2, Jul 2025<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"can-staff-work-from-home-a-mac-or-an-ipad-without-a-vpn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can Staff Work From Home, a Mac or an iPad Without a VPN?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Staff reach a hosted accounting server from home on a Windows PC, a Mac or an iPad through a remote desktop app, without routing through an office VPN, because the server sits in the data center rather than the office. Every login uses multi-factor authentication, and the programs run on the server, so the home connection only carries the screen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That design keeps client files on the server instead of on laptops. Partners on the road open the same returns from a tablet that staff open at their desks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Firms that scan and print heavily from the server can add TSScan and TSPrint, $1,000 one-time for both with unlimited users, so local scanners and printers work from inside the hosted session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"should-a-cpa-firm-bundle-cloud-hosting-with-managed-it\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should a CPA Firm Bundle Cloud Hosting With Managed IT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bundling cloud hosting with managed IT means the same people manage a firm&#8217;s server, computers, help desk, security and backups, billed together each month. Verito&#8217;s <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"http:\/\/verito.com\/veritcomplete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\" title=\"VeritComplete\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1401\">VeritComplete<\/a> bundle starts at $129 per user per month and covers the hosted server plus each user&#8217;s devices. VeritGuard managed IT alone starts at $79 per device.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A bundle fits a firm with no in-house IT person, or a mid-size firm that wants hosting and IT handled together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Verito&#8217;s support is fully remote. For hands-on hardware work, keep a reliable local contact available. Pricing is on the <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/bundle\/pricing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\">VeritComplete<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/managed-it\/pricing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\">VeritGuard<\/a> pricing pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-should-an-accounting-firm-choose-between-these-cloud-hosting-providers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Should an Accounting Firm Choose Between These Cloud Hosting Providers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>An accounting firm choosing a cloud host should rank providers on five things, in this order: a dedicated or shared server, a published support response time, an uptime record rather than only an SLA, the full monthly cost including setup and add-ons, and the exit terms. A trial on the firm&#8217;s own data settles the rest.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>List your software:<\/strong> every tax, accounting and practice program, with versions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Count users at peak:<\/strong> include seasonal preparers and every office.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ask each host six pricing questions:<\/strong> server type, backups, response time, fees, storage and app limits. Get the answers in writing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Test support:<\/strong> call at night and on a weekend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Run a trial on real work:<\/strong> Verito&#8217;s 15-day trial runs on the production server your firm keeps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Verito holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating on G2 from 170+ reviews. For tax software specifically, see Verito&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/best-cloud-hosting-for-tax-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\">buyer guide to cloud hosting for tax software<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/best-quickbooks-hosting-providers-small-firms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\">QuickBooks hosting provider comparison<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The best cloud hosting for accountants and CPA firms puts the desktop tax and accounting software you already&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-8484","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-knowledge-base"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8484","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8484"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8484\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8492,"href":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8484\/revisions\/8492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8484"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8484"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8484"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}