Are you worried about the security of your legacy desktop tax preparation software? Or are you trying to set up a remote tax office so you can support your clients from home or abroad? Maybe you want to avoid the kind of tax-based legal issues only attorney Glen Frost can help you with? No matter your reason for considering a switch to cloud-based tax preparation software, there are an array of options available. How do you know which cloud-based service is right for your tax prep business? Here’s a guide to help you evaluate the options.
Do your software research
With so many cloud-based tax preparation software options available, it’s not easy to know which service to choose. Take the time to evaluate your options carefully, so you choose software that aligns with your goals, accessibility, customer service needs, client profiles, and budget.
For example, If bank products are already a part of your legacy tax prep software, you’ll want to maintain that kind of integration with your new cloud-based software. Linked bank products make it easy to deduct your fee from your clients’ refunds, allowing you to offer your services with no upfront costs and potentially giving you an edge over other tax preparers. So make sure bank product integration is part of your new cloud-based tax prep software.
Similarly, if you’re looking to provide more seamless collaboration with other tax preparers in your office, you’ll want to choose a software solution that allows you to easily share and exchange documents, track changes, and communicate through secure channels, especially if you or your employees are working remotely.
Ensure data integration is appropriate for your existing database
Data integration is likely your top concern as you consider switching from your legacy tax prep software to a cloud-based option. Most cloud-based tax preparation software can integrate your client data from other programs, but some make the process easier than others, so do your homework before you commit to a switch.
Look for a cloud-based tax preparation software option that offers easy-to-follow instructions for setup and an intuitive system that will automatically integrate and format your client data.
If you’re concerned about possible issues with data integration, speak to a customer service representative to find out more. Ask pointed questions about their process, so you’ll know what to expect and whether or not you’re likely to encounter any issues:
● How will I be directed through the data conversion process?
● How long does data conversion usually take?
● How can I back up my data before the conversion process begins?
● What problems do other customers usually encounter when integrating their data?
● What role does customer service play in helping me convert my data?
If you have a lot of clients, data integration could take several hours or more, but it should be a hands-off process. After your data has been uploaded to the cloud and integrated, your new software provider should provide you the chance to review it for accuracy and completeness.
Choose a software provider with reliable customer support
New software isn’t always easy to navigate alone, so make sure you choose a cloud-based software provider with a responsive customer support team. You don’t want to lose valuable working hours trying to troubleshoot integration issues on your own.
Before you purchase a new cloud-based tax prep software, read customer reviews and testimonials, and look for a provider that offers both exclusive customer service and a customer success team. Customer service teams help you set up and troubleshoot your software to ensure a successful and seamless transition, while customer success teams focus on helping you get the most out of your new software and growing your business.
Consider your clients’ needs
Don’t forget that the cloud-based tax prep software you choose will impact your clients, so choose a solution that makes their engagement with you easier. For example, some software will allow your clients to upload their documents using only the camera on their smartphones, providing them with secure and simple document transfer options as well as secure e-signing features.
A cloud-based tax preparation solution with a mobile app is critical if you work remotely with clients and need features that won’t require in-person meetings or the scanning, faxing, and mailing of documents. Cloud-based software can simplify things for your clients. Thus, you’ll want to evaluate cloud-based tax prep solutions for client accessibility and ease as well.
Request a tax software demo
You wouldn’t buy an automobile without a test drive. Similarly, don’t buy a new tax prep software package without a test drive, too. Before you purchase any cloud-based tax prep software, make sure to try it out. Free trials and software demos are a great way to test the product before you commit. You’ll get a chance to use the interface, explore features, and interact with customer service.
Ensure software pricing is in your ballpark
While you want to find the best and most affordable software available for your tax preparation needs, know that understanding a software solution’s true price can be tricky. Pricing for most tax prep software packages is readily available, but it’s important to know if that pricing includes fees for filing a large number of returns. Chances are, you want a cloud-based tax prep solution that offers “unlimited filing.”
Also, be wary of prices that seem too low to be true, as it may mean the software’s functionality is limited and may lack the forms, features, or bank product integrations you need. If you have to buy additional software or integrations to make your cloud-based solution work, you may end up spending more money than you bargained for.
Whether you’re looking to make the switch to cloud-based tax software to help you more easily operate a remote office or to enhance your tax office’s ability to collaborate securely, make sure you understand your business and your client’s unique needs as you evaluate your options. If you do your homework, switching to cloud-based tax prep software will not only increase your productivity (and revenue) but also offer you the ability to work anywhere at any time.
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