Description
Cranston is AI tax and accounting software built for CPA firms. It prepares tax and accounting work inside the software a firm already uses, so preparers review finished drafts instead of typing returns from scratch. AI does the preparation; the firm's reviewers make the calls, and nothing posts, files or reaches a client until a reviewer approves it.
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On tax prep, Cranston reads client documents and enters the return in Drake, Lacerte, CCH Axcess or UltraTax, compares each document package against last year's return to flag missing or wrong-year statements, and drafts the client follow-up email for approval. For bookkeeping, it classifies transactions, reconciles bank and credit-card activity in the firm's existing QuickBooks or Xero, and drafts journal entries, queuing a short list of exceptions with source links for review. A practice-management board tracks each client's status through document, review and completion stages.
Cranston connects to QuickBooks, Xero, Drake, TaxDome, Gmail and shared files without replacing existing tools, and keeps each firm in its own isolated workspace. Security includes a SOC 2 Type II examination in progress, encryption, role-based access, PII protection, audit logs and SSO, with alignment to GLBA and IRS Pub. 4557. Pricing is flat with no credits or tokens: $30 per client book per month and $40 per prepared return of any form, with tax practice management included at no charge and a 30-day free trial.
- CategoryAI Accounting Tools
- Pricing ModelPaid
- DeploymentCloud
- PlatformsWeb
Cranston's Core Features
AI tax return preparation inside Drake, Lacerte, CCH Axcess and UltraTax
Missing- and wrong-document detection against last year's return
Auto-drafted client follow-up emails for approval
Automated bookkeeping: classification, reconciliation and journal entries
Exception queue with source links for reviewer approval
Client-status practice-management board
Works with QuickBooks, Xero, TaxDome, Gmail and shared files
Isolated per-firm workspace with SOC 2 Type II examination in progress
How to use Cranston?
Connect your stack: Link QuickBooks, Xero, Drake, TaxDome and Gmail without changing your software.
Start with a complete file: Let Cranston find missing documents and draft client requests before prep.
Let AI prepare: Cranston enters the return or drafts the books inside your existing tools.
Review and approve: Your reviewer checks exceptions with source links before anything posts or files.
Cranston's Use Cases
- Prepare tax returns
- Complete document intake
- Monthly bookkeeping
- Track the practice
