kitio.aiBlack Ore vs Cranston
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Black Ore starts at See pricing page and Cranston starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- 1040 automation
- K-1 and K-3 extraction
- Workpapers and tie-outs
- Anomaly detection
- Intuit integration
- Automated return preparation
- Missing-document checks
- Prior-year comparison
- Source-linked figures
- Tax planning scenarios
- Cited tax research
| Feature | Black Ore | Cranston |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI that prepares complex tax returns inside CPA firm software | AI that prepares tax returns inside your CPA firm's tax software |
| Category | Legal, finance & HR | Legal, finance & HR |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Made by | Black Ore | Cranston |
| Based in | – | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Black Ore starts at See pricing page and Cranston starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Small & Mid-Sized Firms
From $60 / return
- Automated 1040 preparation
- K-1 extraction
- AI-guided review
National Firms
Contact sales
- Enterprise deployment
- K-1 and K-3 automation
2 plans
Tax prep
$40 / prepared return
- Any form: 1040, 1120, 1120-S, 1065
- Federal and state in one workpaper
- Billed as each return is prepared
Planning and research
Contact sales
- Tax planning scenarios
- Cited tax research
Prices in USD, checked Nov 5, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Black Ore
- Handles complex K-1 heavy returns
- Writes into existing tax software
- Per-return pricing for small firms
- Only for US tax preparers
- Enterprise pricing not public
- Needs supported tax software
Cranston
- Works inside existing tax software
- Flat price per return, any form
- Reviewer approval required before filing
- Built only for accounting firms
- Planning and research priced separately
- Costs add up over a busy season
Which one should you choose?
Choose Black Ore if you want:
- Handles complex K-1 heavy returns
- Writes into existing tax software
- Per-return pricing for small firms
Watch out: only for us tax preparers.
Choose Cranston if you want:
- Works inside existing tax software
- Flat price per return, any form
- Reviewer approval required before filing
Watch out: built only for accounting firms.
Black Ore vs Cranston FAQ
What is the difference between Black Ore and Cranston?
Black Ore: AI that prepares complex tax returns inside CPA firm software. Cranston: AI that prepares tax returns inside your CPA firm's tax software. Both are legal, finance & hr tools.
Is Black Ore or Cranston cheaper?
Black Ore starts at See pricing page and Cranston starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Black Ore and Cranston have free plans?
Black Ore: No. Cranston: No.
Who makes Black Ore?
Black Ore is made by Black Ore.
Who makes Cranston?
Cranston is made by Cranston, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Black Ore or Cranston?
Choose Black Ore if you value handles complex k-1 heavy returns and writes into existing tax software. Choose Cranston if you value works inside existing tax software and flat price per return, any form.