Is this another OCR tool?

No. OCR tools read pixels and guess. Cranston reads documents the way a preparer does. It cross-checks against last year, maps each figure to its form field, and flags anything it cannot verify instead of guessing. Every number links back to its source page.

Do I lose control of the return?

No. Cranston prepares and flags. You review, make the tax calls, sign, and e-file from your own software on your own EFIN. Nothing goes out without you.

Is my clients’ data safe?

Client data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and a SOC 2 examination is in progress. Your client files stay in your tax software. Cranston works inside your stack instead of replacing it.

For solo practitioners

Reduce busy-season preparation work

Cranston reads the documents, enters the return, and requests missing items. You review, sign, and advise each client.

Get started

Works inside the tax software you already run

A second set of eyes on every return

You stay the reviewer of record

Preparation support for a solo practice

Cranston follows your process and shows the source for each value.

Cranston reading a client package and listing every source document.

Reads the client package

W-2s, K-1s, brokerage statements, even the handwritten ledger. Every figure is extracted and tied to its page.

Cranston connected to tax, bookkeeping, email, and messaging software.

Enters it in your software

Cranston enters each value in your Drake, Lacerte, or CCH Axcess client file. You do not use another data-entry screen.

A return review panel with completed checks and open reviewer questions.

Flags what needs you

Cranston flags wrong-year forms, missing EINs, and incorrect documents before you open the return.

Common problems in solo practices

Solo practitioners report these problems during busy season.

Data entry reduces review time
Data entry and review use the same limited hours. A long preparation process leaves less time for a careful review.
You are the bottleneck
You prepare and review each return. The practice cannot add clients when you have no preparation capacity.
A second review is unavailable
You are the only reviewer for each return. Cranston adds a separate document and value check before your review.
Document follow-up takes time
You spend many busy-season hours asking clients for missing documents. Some documents arrive close to the filing deadline.

Cranston prepares. Your firm decides.

Cranston automates preparation. Your firm reviews and approves every tax decision.

Cranston prepares

Reads the package
Cranston compares each page with the prior-year return.
Enters the first pass
Cranston enters values in your current client file.
Links figures to source
Click a value to see its source page.
Flags open items
Cranston sends open items to your reviewer.

Your firm decides

Clears diagnostics
Your team reviews the return in its tax software.
Makes the tax calls
Your reviewer makes each tax election.
Approves and signs
Your firm signs each return.
E-files from your software
Your firm uses its own EFIN.

Cranston prepares

Your firm decides

Reads the package
Cranston compares each page with the prior-year return.
Clears diagnostics
Your team reviews the return in its tax software.
Enters the first pass
Cranston enters values in your current client file.
Makes the tax calls
Your reviewer makes each tax election.
Links figures to source
Click a value to see its source page.
Approves and signs
Your firm signs each return.
Flags open items
Cranston sends open items to your reviewer.
E-files from your software
Your firm uses its own EFIN.

Everything Cranston does for a solo practice

Prepare returns, collect documents, close books, and manage the firm from one place.

Client upload action beside the live document request list.

Client Portal

One place for clients to send everything, and it arrives already read and filed.

A missing document workflow with a client request drafted for review.

Missing Doc Chaser

The follow-up email is already drafted, with a secure upload link inside.

Source-linked 1040 workpaper with current-year and prior-year values.

1040 Workpapers

Indexed, source-linked workpapers assembled from the client package automatically.

Signed Form 8879 with timestamped evidence on the client file.

8879 E-file Authorizations

Signature requests sent, tracked, and evidenced. You just e-file.

Schedule C categorization with one owner-transfer exception for review.

Bookkeeping Cleanup

The shoebox becomes a clean Schedule C, with your rules applied.

Signed individual tax engagement with the selected services.

Engagement Letters

Season-opening letters from your template, sent and tracked to signature.

Tax Research

Cited answers from primary sources, in the time it takes to ask.

Filing calendar with active returns and deadlines at risk.

Deadline Tracking

Due dates on every request and close, and one view of who needs attention.

Paid client invoice with service lines and online payment status.

Invoicing & Billing

Invoices live with the work, and clients pay online in the portal.

Answers for solo practitioners

Yes. Cranston writes into Drake, Lacerte, and CCH Axcess client files. Your files, templates, and e-file setup stay exactly where they are.

Transform the way your firm operates