# Desktop Tax Software Halfpricesoft Adds Direct W-2 and 1099 E-Filing to ezW2 2026 By Adam Harrie | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-17 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desktop-tax-software References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ezw2-2026-now-available-with-built-in-w-2-and-1099-e-file-service-for-the-2027-tax-season-302900398.html)  Halfpricesoft's 'ezW2 2026' adds direct e-filing to its desktop tax software, enabling small businesses and accountants to prepare and send forms from one place. Built for the 2027 tax season, it supports U.S. year-end reporting across [payroll and contractor workflows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-payroll-dashboards). It handles W-2 wage statements and 1099-NEC contractor forms, along with their related summaries. Users can file in the app without an IRS transmitter code or a Social Security Administration account. They can also create agency-ready text files for portal uploads. The E-File edition starts at $119 for one installation, while the [Print-and-Mail version](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/check-supply) starts at $69. Both editions remove caps on form volume and company count, and the software runs on Windows PCs, Windows Server, and macOS via virtual environments. Pricing starting at $69 widens access for SMBs that want [filing software without per-company caps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sales-tax-compliance). The in-app submission path also simplifies multi-client work for accountants. Image Credit: Halfpricesoft ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/computers) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Embedded Tax E-filing:** Desktop tax platforms with built-in submission tools are reducing dependence on separate agency portals and creating room for streamlined compliance ecosystems. - **Unlimited Form Pricing:** Flat-rate software models without company or volume caps are reshaping affordability expectations for small businesses and multi-client accounting practices. - **Hybrid Desktop Compliance:** Windows-based tools with virtual macOS compatibility highlight a continued market for secure, locally managed tax workflows alongside cloud-first alternatives. ### Who This Affects Most - **Tax Software:** Integrated W-2 and 1099 filing features are expanding desktop software from preparation utilities into end-to-end compliance platforms. - **Small Business Accounting:** Lower-cost filing tools give SMBs access to capabilities once associated with larger firms, shifting how routine payroll reporting is managed. - **Payroll Services:** Year-end reporting solutions that combine employee and contractor forms are increasing pressure on payroll providers to simplify fragmented compliance tasks. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tax-Filing Parties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taxact-admin-night.md) - [Tax-Focused Marketing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/now-this-is-taxes.md) - [AI-Friendly Desktop Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desktop-scanners.md) - [AI Bookkeeping Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taxhero-ai.md) - [Efficient Hospitality Payroll Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/payroll-program.md) - [Service Industry Payroll Software](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ezpaycheck.md) - [Tax Filing Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easy-return.md) - [AI Tax Calculation Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pcb-calculator.md) - [Permission-Controlled Check Printing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/admin-controls.md)