SmartVault vs. Wolters Kluwer CCH ProSystem fx

SmartVault sends out a cover letter with the tax returns that includes a link for them to download their tax returns, avoiding the insecurity of an email attachment. It does not include a statement retrieval feature but does work very nicely with a third-party app called FileThis. The majority of the users in the office have not been able to install the Outlook plug-in due to "a certificate error." In five years, SmartVault has not addressed this issue.

Incentivized

It does well with preparing tax returns once all the updates are in. It does a good job of providing report creation flexibility. Their multiple applications communicate well with each other. The Engagement module which is designed for audits needs improvement. So does their Scan module which is designed for document management.

Incentivized

• Easy navigation
• Email notifications
• Document previews

• Robust tax preparation
• Workflow management for teams
• Integration with other apps

Incentivized

• They have cut back on support as have many SaaS companies recently.
• The documentation can sometimes be a little difficult to follow.

Incentivized

• There are times in which the program does freeze/stopped processes
• The binder search feature could be enhanced for easier use
• Ability to change a client name and have it reflected in the local file room

Incentivized

Reaching someone is more difficult than it should be. Also, they don't take possession of known issues always suggesting it is a local PC issue in initial conversations. That, of course, can be frustrating for the end-user.

Incentivized

Sales team was responsive, price was good, functionality was acceptable

Intacct is what we use for data input and management. It is on cloud like CCH ProSytem fx is. We can use it anywhere, away on a conference, work from home, work offsite, as long as we have a laptop and internet. There is nothing to install on your computer, you just need the link and your username and password to log in. Microsoft Dynamics GP was used for 3 years and we finally abandoned it after trying out QuickBooks. The interface was not user friendly. We used QuickBooks for 3 years before we transitioned to Intacct, there was always something broken--no major issues, just small problems--and we got fed up.

Incentivized

• has made sharing documents with large numbers of clients easier
• has forced us into using their service, or spending time to find a better alternative, in my experience.
• Speaking personally the product has cost us several thousand dollars over predicted budget costs for a 3-year projection