What Happened to Corvee? The Instead Rebrand Explained (2026)

Instead’s entry-level plan starts at $1,200 per year, designed for solo practitioners or small tax firms. This tier includes up to 3 user seats, core tax planning modules, AI-driven tax strategy recommendations, and integrations with popular tax prep software like Drake and Lacerte. It also provides access to the client portal and basic workflow automation features. This pricing is competitive compared to legacy Corvee plans, which began around $1,000 but lacked current AI capabilities and compliance certifications. The $1,200 entry price enables small firms to access advanced planning technology without costly add-ons or hidden fees.

Enterprise pricing for Instead in 2026 starts at $15,000 per year and scales based on firm size, number of users, and feature customization. Large firms with 50+ users typically negotiate custom contracts that include dedicated account management, API access for proprietary integrations, advanced AI modules, and enhanced compliance features such as HIPAA support. Enterprise plans also offer priority support with 24/7 response times and tailored onboarding services. Compared to competitors like BNA Income Tax Planner, which can cost $20,000+ annually for similar scale, Instead offers a more flexible pricing model aligned with firm growth.

Instead maintains transparent pricing but some optional add-ons may incur extra fees. For example, HIPAA compliance modules, advanced AI tax law alerts, and premium support packages can add $500 to $2,000 annually depending on firm needs. There are no setup or cancellation fees. User seats beyond the included amount on each plan cost $150 per user per year. Integration with accounting systems like Xero or QuickBooks Online is included at no extra charge. Firms should budget for staff training time and potential client onboarding expenses but the platform itself avoids surprise charges common with legacy Corvee.

Instead provides a comprehensive suite of tax planning features including proactive client data collection through digital questionnaires, AI-driven tax strategy generation, scenario modeling for various filing statuses and income streams, and real-time tax projection dashboards. It also supports multi-year planning, tax law change alerts, and client collaboration portals with document upload and e-signature capabilities. Workflow automation includes client reminders, task assignments, and customizable approval processes. Integration with tax prep software allows import/export of client data to eliminate manual re-entry. These features combine to streamline tax planning end-to-end, reducing manual efforts by up to 40% compared to legacy tools.

Instead integrates with all major tax preparation and accounting platforms including Drake Software, Lacerte, ProConnect Tax, TaxSlayer Pro, QuickBooks Online, and Xero. These integrations facilitate seamless data synchronization of client tax returns, financial statements, and bookkeeping data, allowing tax pros to work within a unified ecosystem. The platform uses secure API connections that update in real-time, ensuring tax planning scenarios reflect the latest client data. This interoperability is a significant upgrade from Corvee’s limited integrations and reduces data discrepancies and duplicate entry.

While Instead offers a robust feature set, some firms report limitations in highly specialized tax scenario modeling compared to niche tools like BNA Income Tax Planner. For example, BNA provides more granular estate and trust tax projections, which Instead handles at a more general level. Also, smaller firms not requiring AI capabilities may find Instead’s advanced modules unnecessary. Additionally, although Instead supports many integrations, firms using rare or proprietary tax prep software may encounter compatibility gaps requiring manual data transfer. However, for most CPA firms focused on maximizing efficiency and client engagement, Instead’s features exceed typical tax planning software capabilities.

Instead and BNA Income Tax Planner both provide tax planning solutions, but differ significantly in technology and pricing. BNA starts around $2,000/year and excels in detailed scenario projections and tax law depth but lacks AI-driven tax strategy recommendations and client portals. Instead, starting at $1,200/year, offers AI automation, stronger client collaboration, and modern workflow tools. Instead’s integration with popular tax prep software is more extensive. Firms focused on deep technical tax projections may prefer BNA, while those prioritizing efficiency, AI insights, and client engagement will find Instead superior.

Intuit Tax Planning is tightly integrated within the QuickBooks ecosystem and priced at $1,800/year, focusing on firms that already rely heavily on QuickBooks. However, Instead supports a broader range of tax prep software and accounting platforms, making it more versatile for firms using Drake, Lacerte, or Xero. Instead’s AI-powered tax strategy engine and client portal features are more advanced, providing deeper automation and engagement capabilities. Intuit’s solution is better suited for firms looking for basic tax projections within the QuickBooks environment, whereas Instead serves firms seeking a comprehensive, AI-enhanced planning platform across multiple systems.

Setup time for Instead typically ranges from 6 to 8 weeks depending on firm size and existing technology stack. Smaller firms with fewer than 10 users can often complete onboarding in 4-6 weeks, including account setup, software integration, data migration, and staff training. Larger firms with complex integrations and custom workflows may require 8 weeks or more. The vendor provides detailed implementation guides and onboarding support to streamline this process. Proper planning and staff engagement during this period are critical to achieving full adoption and ROI.

Migrating from Corvee to Instead is straightforward since Instead is the direct successor platform. Existing Corvee users receive migration support that transfers client data, tax scenarios, and workflow settings seamlessly. The migration process typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on data volume. Since Instead introduces new AI modules and interface changes, firms should plan for staff training post-migration. The vendor provides migration tools and dedicated support to minimize disruption.

Firms report an average 35% reduction in time spent on tax planning workflows after adopting Instead. This includes automation of client data collection, AI-generated tax strategy recommendations, and streamlined document management. For example, a typical 20-client tax planning engagement that previously required 40 hours now takes approximately 26 hours, saving 14 hours per engagement. Time savings free staff to focus on higher-value advisory work, increasing overall firm productivity.

Instead’s AI-driven tax strategy engine helps firms identify additional tax savings opportunities and upselling points, increasing tax planning revenue by an average of 20%. For instance, a mid-sized firm with 300 clients saw a $90,000 annual increase in planning fees after implementing Instead. Improved client engagement and faster turnaround also contribute to higher retention rates and more frequent tax planning engagements throughout the year.

Instead is best suited for CPA firms, Enrolled Agents, and tax advisory practices seeking to modernize their tax planning with AI-driven insights and client collaboration tools. Mid-sized to large firms benefit most from its integration capabilities and workflow automation. Firms aiming to increase tax planning revenue and improve client engagement year-round will find Instead particularly valuable. It is also suitable for firms with compliance needs such as SOC 2 or HIPAA.

Very small firms or sole practitioners with minimal tax planning volume and simple workflows might find Instead’s pricing and feature set excessive. Additionally, firms requiring highly specialized niche tax planning features, such as detailed estate or trust tax modeling, may prefer more specialized tools like BNA Income Tax Planner. Firms heavily reliant on proprietary or uncommon tax preparation software not supported by Instead’s integrations may also face challenges.

Instead employs enterprise-grade security measures, including end-to-end encryption of data in transit and at rest, multi-factor authentication, and regular third-party penetration testing. The platform is SOC 2 Type II certified, ensuring rigorous controls around data security, availability, and confidentiality. Hosting on AWS GovCloud further enhances compliance with federal and industry security standards. Firms can confidently handle sensitive client information knowing that Instead meets or exceeds industry benchmarks for data protection.

Yes, Instead offers optional HIPAA compliance modules that firms serving healthcare clients can enable. This includes enhanced data encryption, audit logging, and compliance workflows tailored to healthcare tax professionals. While the base product is SOC 2 certified, HIPAA compliance is an add-on feature priced separately. Firms in industries subject to HIPAA regulations should verify compliance features during onboarding to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

Instead offers tiered support depending on the pricing plan. Entry-level plans include email and chat support with a 24-hour response SLA during business days. Mid-tier and enterprise customers receive priority support with phone access and 24/7 availability. The vendor also provides extensive knowledge bases, training webinars, and dedicated account managers for large firms. Users report high satisfaction with support responsiveness and technical expertise.

For firms seeking basic client document management without tax planning automation, TaxCaddy at $900/year provides strong mobile-friendly document portals. Firms needing detailed tax projections without AI may prefer BNA Income Tax Planner starting at $2,000/year. QuickBooks-centric firms can consider Intuit Tax Planning at $1,800/year for integrated projections. Canopy Tax Planning offers workflow and task management features but lacks AI-driven strategy generation. Each alternative suits different firm priorities, but none combine AI and integrations as comprehensively as Instead.

Firms preferring manual tax planning often rely on Excel-based models supplemented by tax research databases like Thomson Reuters Checkpoint or CCH AnswerConnect. These approaches require significant staff time for data entry, scenario modeling, and updates. While cost-effective initially, manual methods lack automation and scalability. Instead offers a more efficient alternative by automating data collection and integrating AI tax strategy recommendations, reducing errors and improving turnaround time compared to spreadsheet-only workflows.

In 2026, Instead launched its AI Tax Advisor engine, which leverages machine learning to analyze client financial data in conjunction with real-time IRS tax code updates. This enables dynamic tax strategy recommendations tailored to each client’s circumstances. The platform also introduced a redesigned client portal with mobile optimization and e-signature capabilities, enhanced workflow automation with task dependencies, and SOC 2 Type II security certification. These updates address key tax firm demands for automation, compliance, and client engagement.

Instead’s roadmap includes expanding AI capabilities to incorporate predictive client behavior analytics, enabling firms to identify at-risk clients and recommend proactive outreach. Planned features include automated tax scenario generation using natural language processing and deeper integration with accounting platforms for real-time financial data ingestion. Additionally, Instead aims to implement AI-driven compliance risk assessments and enhanced chatbot support for client queries, further streamlining tax planning workflows and client communication in future releases.