The words “software implementation” can send even the most seasoned, even-keeled person running from the room. The reputation of traditional tax software implementation falls somewhere between a cumbersome, lengthy procedure to an overwhelming, daunting task that could make even a rocket scientist cringe. But there are some myths associated with tax software implementation that do not apply as a blanket for all solutions.
SafeSend Returns, the flagship product of the SafeSend Suite, is a sophisticated solution that blows the doors off traditional implementation timetables. Here are a few myths that do not apply when it comes to implementing SafeSend Returns.
Myth: Tax Software Implementation Takes Too Much Time
SafeSend Returns does not require the large upfront software investment, timetable, or rollout schedule associated with the traditional tax software implementation process. There is no need to transfer or convert data, no costs involved in obtaining multiple licenses, nor is there anything to install with SafeSend Returns, a completely web-based solution. Tax returns are still prepared on your current tax software, but the labor-intensive tasks associated with assembly and delivery of the prepared return are streamlined.
This highly specialized automation technology collates and organizes the prepared digital tax return in the same way you would a paper return, eliminating the manual elements many tax departments experience producing client-ready tax returns. The cloud-based, “plug-n-play” technology is equally convenient for remote or hybrid work situations because nothing needs to be installed on a workstation. Staff can log in from anywhere – office, home, or other remote location. Plus, the straightforward SafeSend Returns implementation means involving your firm’s IT department isn’t required.
Since SafeSend Returns is designed to automate the last mile of assembly and delivery of the prepared return, only a few members of your staff need to utilize it. Implementation is straightforward. If you thought you had to wait until after April 15th to get on board with SafeSend Returns because it would take too much time, think again. In fact, including onboarding and implementation, your firm can be up and running in just a few hours!
“The training was highly informative; and the implementation process was very smooth.“
– Eric Morgan, CPA, Senior Manager, BiggsKofford, P.C.
Myth: Our Firm is Already Completely Digital Because We Have a Portal
A portal does exactly what it’s meant to do – send and receive information securely and store documentation. Your firm may be delivering the tax return through a portal, but then you need to use additional solutions, such as an e-signature solution, to collect e-signed e-file forms, which means it’s going through a separate process. Clients end up receiving two different communications in order to view their tax return and complete the necessary steps you need in order to file. That can be frustrating for both you and your clients!
The SafeSend Suite addresses all the pain points firms and clients may experience throughout the tax engagement. From engagement letters to 8879s, K-1s to POAs, organizers to extensions – the SafeSend Suite addresses every client touchpoint. Live tracking and reporting, along with automated reminders, means you can always see where clients are in the process and eliminate the manual process of hounding them with phone calls! Less manual work results in happier staff who feel appreciated because they can enjoy a healthier work-life balance!
“I just want to thank you so much because the SafeSend Suite has really solved so many pain points of our firm over the last couple of years. You just keep building on it and improving. You’re amazing!”
– Cheryl Papay, Sax LLP
Myth: There’s Not Enough Value in New Tax Software Implementation
It’s no secret that your staff and clients are your two most important assets. Without clients you’d have no business and without staff no business would get done. Here’s how the SafeSend Suite increases satisfaction for clients and decreases stress for staff.
Firms want to meet their clients’ needs; and clients need an easy, guided way to complete their tax return. They need to find what they’re looking for as well as understand what action is being required of them. SafeSend Returns intuitively walks clients through the steps: review the return, sign the e-file forms, pay taxes, and even the option to pay their invoice – from any device! Whether they use smart phones, tablets, Macs, PCs, or laptops they are all compatible. And when you expand to using the additional functionality of the SafeSend Suite, such as SafeSend Signatures and SafeSend Organizers, then the look and feel of every step in the tax engagement is going to be the same for your clients. One intuitive platform offers your clients a greater experience resulting in a higher adoption rate with happier clients.
“Even for me, a retired partner who’s not as tech-savvy, SafeSend Returns was very easy to use. Paying my estimates was very simple. SafeSend Returns directs you right through the payment options. Now, for the first time, I’m making electronic payments rather than writing checks, which is much easier.”
– Gordon Krater, Retired Firm Managing Partner, Plante Moran, PLLC
Streamlined processes through automation means your firm has sophisticated technology that is simple for clients and yet, relieves your staff from the stress of performing tedious, time-consuming tasks. Using a cloud-based solution means they can process and send returns securely from the office or from a remote-work environment. SafeSend Returns provides a superior firm experience – reducing work from hours to just minutes for assembly and delivery and offering live tracking and reporting. Your staff can see where clients are in the process and have the answers at their fingertips.
From a centralized location they’ll know:
- How many clients haven’t even opened the email that we sent?
- Where is each client at within the process?
- Did they pass Knowledge Based Authentication (KBA)?
- Did they distribute K-1s?
- Did any shareholders or partners download those K-1s?
All of this is imperative information that no longer needs to be tracked manually, saving your team precious time.
“SafeSend Returns has automated and standardized some of our inconsistencies that center around the assembly. It saved our administrative team countless hours and allowed them to help out in other areas of the firm and have time back with their families.”
– Benjamin Kramer, Senior Manager of IT Services, Friedman & Huey Associates LLP
The SafeSend Suite, featuring SafeSend Returns, is busting all the tax software implementation myths! It’s fast to get started, easy to use, your systems are streamlined, your clients are pleased, your staff is delighted, and your bottom line is improved – and that’s the truth!
Schedule Your SafeSend Suite Demo Today
SafeSend Returns is the flagship solution in the SafeSend Suite and a multi-year winner of the CPA Practice Advisor Technology Innovation Award. SafeSend Returns eliminates the manual, labor-intensive elements many tax departments experience producing client-ready tax returns.