TAX SOFTWARE & PARTNER SOLUTIONS
Choose the Tax Software Partnership That Fits How You Want to Grow.
Whether you are building your own tax practice or expanding into software reselling, Fresh Start gives you professional tax software, support, training, resources, and a clear path forward.
CHOOSE YOUR PATH
Two Paths. Four Levels of Support.
Start with how you want to operate. Then choose the level of support that fits where you are building next.
PATH 01
PEAK PERFORMER
For tax professionals operating their own tax practice.
Choose Lite or Pro based on the level of education, business support, tools, team development, and accountability you need.
PEAK PERFORMER LITE
Software + the essentials.
For EFIN holders who need professional tax software, support, software training, banking integration, and essential partner resources.
PEAK PERFORMER PRO
Software + business-building support.
For EFIN holders ready for stronger business education, ERO training, team development, CRM tools, expert access, and ongoing partner support.
EFIN required for Peak Performer packages.
PATH 02
EMPIRE ESSENTIALS
For software resellers and service bureau growth.
Choose Lite or Pro based on the level of reseller infrastructure, training, business development, and ongoing partner support you need.
EMPIRE ESSENTIALS LITE
Start your software reseller path.
For entrepreneurs who want to resell professional tax software with software training, reseller resources, dedicated support, and the Fresh Start partner community.
EMPIRE ESSENTIALS PRO
Build the service bureau behind the software.
For tax business owners ready to build a more complete service bureau model, support EROs, and grow a software reseller network.
An EFIN is not required when participating strictly as a software reseller.
THE SOFTWARE BEHIND THE BUSINESS
Professional Tax Software. Fresh Start Support.
Your software should help you run the work—not leave you figuring everything out alone. Fresh Start combines professional tax software options with training, banking integration, resources, and partner support based on the package you select.
TAXSLAYER
Professional tax preparation software supported through the Fresh Start partner ecosystem.
TAXWISE
A trusted professional tax software option available to qualifying Fresh Start partners.
DRAKE
Available upon request based on partner needs and software availability.
Not sure which software or package fits? We can help you identify the right starting point.
FRESH START TAX SOFTWARE PACKAGES
Choose the Support Level That
Fits Your Business
Start with the path that fits how you operate today, then choose the level of support that fits where you are building next.
PEAK PERFORMER
Peak Performer Lite
Software + the essentials.
Best for: EFIN holders who need professional tax software, support, software training, banking integration, and essential partner resources.
ANNUAL INVESTMENT
$597/year
What's Included:
- Unlimited Returns
- Tech, Bank & Return Support Center
- Incorporation of Tax Bank Products
- Self-Paced Software Training
- Resource Portal
- Community Group Access
Requirement: EFIN Required
PEAK PERFORMER
Peak Performer Pro
Software + business-building support.
Best for: EFIN holders ready for stronger business education, ERO training, team development, CRM tools, expert access, and ongoing Fresh Start partner support.
ANNUAL INVESTMENT
$1,997/year
What's Included:
- Unlimited Returns
- Tech, Bank & Return Support Center
- Incorporation of Tax Bank Products
- Business Setup Walk-Through
- Self-Paced Software Training
- Resource Portal
- Community Group Access
- Fresh Start Core Academy
- Fresh Start Core Academy for Direct Team
- Group Expert Hours
- Weekly Individual Partner Call with FS Team Member
- Basic CRM
- ERO Specialty Training
Requirement: EFIN Required
EMPIRE ESSENTIALS
Empire Essentials Lite
Start your software reseller path.
Best for: Entrepreneurs who want to resell professional tax software with software training, reseller resources, dedicated support, and the Fresh Start partner community.
INITIAL ENROLLMENT
$2,497
ANNUAL RENEWAL: $997/year
What's Included:
- Software Reseller Capability
- Unlimited Returns
- Tech, Bank & Return Support Center
- Dedicated Support Number
- Incorporation of Tax Bank Products
- Self-Paced Software Training
- Resource Portal
- Community Group Access
EFIN note: EFIN not required when participating strictly as a software reseller.
EMPIRE ESSENTIALS
Empire Essentials Pro
Build the service bureau behind the software.
Best for: Tax business owners ready to build and operate a more complete service bureau model while supporting EROs and growing a software reseller network.
INITIAL ENROLLMENT
$4,497
ANNUAL RENEWAL: $1,497/year
What's Included:
- Software Reseller Capability
- Unlimited Returns
- Tech, Bank & Return Support Center
- Dedicated Support Number
- Incorporation of Tax Bank Products
- Business Setup Walk-Through
- Self-Paced Software Training
- Resource Portal
- Community Group Access
- Fresh Start Core Academy
- Fresh Start Core Academy for Direct Team
- Group Expert Hours
- Weekly Individual Partner Call with FS Team Member
- Basic CRM
- ERO Specialty Training
- Service Bureau Specialty Training
EFIN note: EFIN not required when participating strictly as a software reseller.
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
What Changes as Your Support Level Grows?
Every Fresh Start package includes professional software support and essential partner resources. The biggest differences are in business development, team support, reseller capability, training, technology, and access.
ALL FOUR PACKAGES INCLUDE: Unlimited Returns • Tech, Bank & Return Support Center • Incorporation of Tax Bank Products • Self-Paced Software Training • Resource Portal • Community Group Access
| Feature / Capability | Peak Performer Lite $597/year | Peak Performer Pro $1,997/year | Empire Essentials Lite $2,497 initial $997/year renewal | Empire Essentials Pro $4,497 initial $1,497/year renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNLIMITED RETURNS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| TECH, BANK & RETURN SUPPORT CENTER | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| INCORPORATION OF TAX BANK PRODUCTS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SELF-PACED SOFTWARE TRAINING | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| RESOURCE PORTAL | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| COMMUNITY GROUP ACCESS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SOFTWARE RESELLER CAPABILITY | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| DEDICATED SUPPORT NUMBER | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| BUSINESS SETUP WALK-THROUGH | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| FRESH START CORE ACADEMY | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| FRESH START CORE ACADEMY FOR DIRECT TEAM | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| GROUP EXPERT HOURS | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| WEEKLY INDIVIDUAL PARTNER CALL WITH FS TEAM MEMBER | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| BASIC CRM | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| ERO SPECIALTY TRAINING | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| SERVICE BUREAU SPECIALTY TRAINING | — | — | — | ✓ |
| EFIN REQUIREMENT | EFIN Required | EFIN Required | Not required when participating strictly as a software reseller | Not required when participating strictly as a software reseller |
- ✓ Unlimited Returns
- ✓ Tech, Bank & Return Support Center
- ✓ Incorporation of Tax Bank Products
- ✓ Self-Paced Software Training
- ✓ Resource Portal
- ✓ Community Group Access
- — Software Reseller Capability
- — Dedicated Support Number
- — Business Setup Walk-Through
- — Fresh Start Core Academy
- — Fresh Start Core Academy for Direct Team
- — Group Expert Hours
- — Weekly Individual Partner Call with FS Team Member
- — Basic CRM
- — ERO Specialty Training
- — Service Bureau Specialty Training
- ✓ Unlimited Returns
- ✓ Tech, Bank & Return Support Center
- ✓ Incorporation of Tax Bank Products
- ✓ Self-Paced Software Training
- ✓ Resource Portal
- ✓ Community Group Access
- — Software Reseller Capability
- — Dedicated Support Number
- ✓ Business Setup Walk-Through
- ✓ Fresh Start Core Academy
- ✓ Fresh Start Core Academy for Direct Team
- ✓ Group Expert Hours
- ✓ Weekly Individual Partner Call with FS Team Member
- ✓ Basic CRM
- ✓ ERO Specialty Training
- — Service Bureau Specialty Training
- ✓ Unlimited Returns
- ✓ Tech, Bank & Return Support Center
- ✓ Incorporation of Tax Bank Products
- ✓ Self-Paced Software Training
- ✓ Resource Portal
- ✓ Community Group Access
- ✓ Software Reseller Capability
- ✓ Dedicated Support Number
- — Business Setup Walk-Through
- — Fresh Start Core Academy
- — Fresh Start Core Academy for Direct Team
- — Group Expert Hours
- — Weekly Individual Partner Call with FS Team Member
- — Basic CRM
- — ERO Specialty Training
- — Service Bureau Specialty Training
- ✓ Unlimited Returns
- ✓ Tech, Bank & Return Support Center
- ✓ Incorporation of Tax Bank Products
- ✓ Self-Paced Software Training
- ✓ Resource Portal
- ✓ Community Group Access
- ✓ Software Reseller Capability
- ✓ Dedicated Support Number
- ✓ Business Setup Walk-Through
- ✓ Fresh Start Core Academy
- ✓ Fresh Start Core Academy for Direct Team
- ✓ Group Expert Hours
- ✓ Weekly Individual Partner Call with FS Team Member
- ✓ Basic CRM
- ✓ ERO Specialty Training
- ✓ Service Bureau Specialty Training
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
Do You Need an EFIN?
Your EFIN requirement depends on how you plan to operate.
PEAK PERFORMER
Yes - An EFIN Is Required
Peak Performer is designed for tax professionals operating their own tax practice. An active EFIN is required to enroll in either Peak Performer package.
Applies to Peak Performer Lite and Peak Performer Pro.
EMPIRE ESSENTIALS
Not Always
If you are participating strictly as a software reseller, an EFIN is not required. If you also operate as an ERO and electronically file returns through your own business, an EFIN is required for that activity.
Applies to Empire Essentials Lite and Empire Essentials Pro.
Not sure which path applies to your business model? We can help you determine the right starting point.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions Before You Choose?
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Fresh Start tax software packages, support levels, and reseller options.
What is the difference between Peak Performer and Empire Essentials?
Peak Performer is designed for tax professionals operating their own tax practice and requires an active EFIN. Empire Essentials is designed for software resellers and service bureau growth. An EFIN is not required if you are participating strictly as a software reseller.
What is the difference between Lite and Pro?
Lite provides the essential software, support, training, and partner resources for that path. Pro adds deeper business-development support, education, team resources, expert access, technology, and specialty training.
Do I need an EFIN?
An active EFIN is required for Peak Performer Lite and Peak Performer Pro. For Empire Essentials, an EFIN is not required if you are participating strictly as a software reseller. If you also operate as an ERO and electronically file returns through your own business, an EFIN is required for that activity.
Which tax software options are available?
Fresh Start currently supports TaxSlayer and TaxWise, with Drake available upon request based on partner needs and software availability.
Is software training included?
Yes. Self-Paced Software Training is included with all four Fresh Start software packages.
Is Fresh Start Core Academy included with every package?
No. Fresh Start Core Academy is included with Peak Performer Pro and Empire Essentials Pro. It is not included with Peak Performer Lite or Empire Essentials Lite.
Can my direct team receive Fresh Start Core Academy training?
Fresh Start Core Academy for Direct Team is included with Peak Performer Pro and Empire Essentials Pro.
Which packages include ERO Specialty Training?
ERO Specialty Training is included with Peak Performer Pro and Empire Essentials Pro.
Which package includes Service Bureau Specialty Training?
Service Bureau Specialty Training is included with Empire Essentials Pro.
Which packages allow me to resell tax software?
Software Reseller Capability is included with Empire Essentials Lite and Empire Essentials Pro.
How are the package fees structured?
Peak Performer Lite is $597 per year.
Peak Performer Pro is $1,997 per year.
Empire Essentials Lite has a $2,497 initial enrollment and a $997 annual renewal.
Empire Essentials Pro has a $4,497 initial enrollment and a $1,497 annual renewal.
Can I see the software before choosing a package?
Yes. A Free TaxSlayer Software Demo is available so you can see the software before choosing your Fresh Start package.
READY TO MOVE FORWARD?
Choose the Fresh Start Path That Fits Your Business.
Whether you are building your own tax practice or expanding into software reselling, choose the package that gives you the software, resources, training, and support you need for your next stage.
Still not sure which option fits? Our team can help you identify the right starting point
.