Do clients need to create an account to use DocTick?

No. Clients receive a magic link by email and upload from their phone or computer. No account, password or app download is needed.

Can DocTick pull W-2s and 1099s from a client's bank?

No. DocTick only collects files that clients upload. If automatic retrieval from financial institutions is important, TaxCaddy offers that.

Does DocTick integrate with tax software?

No. DocTick saves collected files to your Google Drive, and you bring them into your tax software yourself.

For Tax Preparers & CPAs

✨ DocTick vs TaxCaddy

A TaxCaddy Alternative That Needs No Client Account or App

TaxCaddy has clients create an account and can pull forms from linked financial institutions. If you would rather send a link and receive files in your own Google Drive, DocTick does that for $14.99/mo.

Zero storage liability Direct Google Drive sync No client passwords or apps

The Transparent Verdict

Which one is right for your firm?

We believe in honest software recommendations. Here is how to choose between TaxCaddy and DocTick.

Choose TaxCaddy if:

TaxCaddy

1You want clients to link financial institutions so W-2s, 1099s and 1098s can be retrieved automatically.
2You want your clients to have a persistent account they keep across years, with a mobile app.
3You use Thomson Reuters tax software and want TaxCaddy's tax software integration.
4You want e-signatures and invoice payments in the same client app.

Choose DocTick if:

Recommended

You want clients to upload through a link without creating an account or installing an app.
You want files saved in your own Google Drive.
You want a published, flat price you can start on today, with a free plan.
You need reusable checklists for non-tax work too, such as mortgage, legal intake or onboarding.
You want to approve or reject each item with a note.

Side-by-Side Breakdown

Feature Comparison: DocTick vs TaxCaddy

See exactly how features, client workflows, and architectures compare.

← Swipe horizontally to view full table →

Feature / Capability	DocTick Our Pick	TaxCaddy
Client Login	None: magic link, no account or password	Client signs up free and logs in to a TaxCaddy account
Mobile App TaxCaddy lets clients photograph documents in its app; DocTick users upload from the browser.	•No app; works in the phone browser	iPhone and Android apps, plus web
Automatic Retrieval of Tax Forms	•No: clients upload files	Clients can link financial institutions to retrieve W-2s, 1099s and 1098s
Where Files Are Stored	Your own Google Drive	TaxCaddy / Thomson Reuters storage
Published Pricing	Free plan; Pro $14.99 / month	Firm pricing on request
E-Signature	•Not included	Clients can sign engagement letters, consents and e-file authorizations
Messaging and Payments	•Not included	Client messaging, invoice payments and tax payments in the app

Cost & Commitment Comparison

Transparent Pricing with No Forced Upfront Contracts

See the real financial difference between committing to TaxCaddy vs flexible month-to-month DocTick.

TaxCaddy Pricing

Pricing on request

Firm pricing is not published on taxcaddy.com

Commitment: Contact Thomson Reuters for terms

Limits: TaxCaddy's site shows no firm pricing; contact Thomson Reuters for current terms.

Save Hundreds Annually

DocTick Pricing

$0 Starter Free or $14.99 / month Pro

Month-to-month, cancel anytime

Solo Savings: Depends on your TaxCaddy quote

3-Person Firm Savings: Depends on your TaxCaddy quote

Critical Analysis

Why Professionals Are Moving to DocTick

Account-Based vs. Link-Based Collection

TaxCaddy is a client-side app: the taxpayer signs up for a free account, logs in on the web or mobile app, and shares documents with their tax professional. Its site says the account is theirs to keep, even if they change firms. DocTick takes the opposite approach. You send a magic link, the client sees an itemized checklist and uploads each item, with no account or password. That suits clients who will only touch the process once or twice a year; an account is more useful for clients who want a persistent home for their tax records.

What TaxCaddy Does That DocTick Does Not

TaxCaddy can retrieve W-2, 1099 and 1098 forms from linked financial institutions, offers e-signatures for engagement letters and e-file authorizations, lets clients message their preparer, and supports payments. It is part of Thomson Reuters and integrates with tax software. DocTick has none of these. It does one thing: collect a defined list of documents and put them in your Google Drive. If automatic form retrieval or an in-app signature flow matters to your practice, TaxCaddy is the better fit.

Pricing Transparency

TaxCaddy's website offers free sign-up for taxpayers but does not publish firm pricing, so a cost comparison requires a quote from Thomson Reuters. DocTick's pricing is public: free for up to 3 active requests, or $14.99/month for Pro with unlimited requests, automated reminder emails and custom firm branding.

Common Questions