EXHIBIT 16.1 ERNST & YOUNG LETTERHEAD July 27, 1998 Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20549 Gentlemen: We have read Item 4 of Form 8-K dated July 27, 1998 of Tier Technologies, Inc. and are in agreement with the statements contained in the last sentence of paragraph 1 and the entire paragraphs 2 and 3 on page 1 therein. We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements of the registrant contained therein. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP 5 ERNST & YOUNG LETTERHEAD July 24, 1998 Mr. George Ross Chief Financial Officer Tier Technologies, Inc. Walnut Creek, Ca. 94596 Dear Mr. Ross: This is to confirm that the client-auditor relationship between Tier Technologies, Inc. (Commission File Number 000-23195) and Ernst & Young LLP has ceased. Very truly yours, /s/ Ernst & Young LLP cc: Office of the Chief Accountant SECPS Letter File Securities and Exchange Commission Mail Stop 11-3 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 6