Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “prepare tax returns and workpapers”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

180 min
typically, once a week
40%
of the time can be automated
A small project
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Let the tax software read and sort client documents

SurePrep, CCH Axcess with AutoFlow, Thomson Reuters UltraTax with source document processing, Lacerte and TaxDome can read W-2s, 1099s and K-1s and fill in the return for you to review.

Typically saves about 35% of the time4 h to set up
  1. 1Check which document scanning features your tax software includes or offers as an add-on.
  2. 2Collect client documents through the portal so they arrive in one place.
  3. 3Run the automatic data extraction and review the flagged fields.
  4. 4Keep a reviewer check on every return as you do today.

Tools: SurePrep · CCH Axcess AutoFlow · UltraTax CS · Lacerte · TaxDome

Fix 2 of 2

Software feature

Request documents through a portal with automatic reminders

TaxDome, Karbon, Canopy, Content Snare, SmartVault and Clio for Clients send clients a checklist, collect the files in the right place and chase them for you.

Typically saves about 55% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1Turn your usual document list into a request template (by service: bookkeeping, tax return, new matter).
  2. 2Send it through your portal or Content Snare instead of email.
  3. 3Turn on automatic reminders every few days until it is complete.
  4. 4Files land in the right client folder, so you stop saving attachments by hand.

Tools: TaxDome · Karbon · Canopy · Content Snare · SmartVault · Clio for Clients

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Do clients upload documents through a portal that chases them for you?
Portals like TaxDome, Karbon, Content Snare or Clio for Clients send a checklist, collect files in the right folder and send reminders until everything is in.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

Accountant / Bookkeeper (firm)

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Other common tasks for Accountants / Bookkeepers (firm)