It is that time of year again where I reevaluate all software I am using--tax, encrypted e-mail, DMS/portal, even for accounting (though I still have not found anything to sway me from QB).
I switched away from Citrix Sharefile in favor of Encryo for encrypted e-mail, and SmartVault for DMS. ShareFile was just too expensive for what it provided. While it is not necessary and I can achieve many of the same functions via my existing UltraTax, I do like the direct integration SmartVault has with Lacerte/ProSeries. Already took a look at ProSeries and do not like it (literally ruled it out after 15 minutes of the trial--it feels like 20 year old software, just like Drake). Now, looking at Lacerte on the PRP equivalent basis, but have not even opened it up, yet. Honestly, nothing keeps me with UltraTax other than I know how to use it but they piss me off every year. Intuit Link certainly looks appealing, but I am definitely not sold on their tax prep products.
Next up is accounting. I feel like I need to have an offering besides QBO for cloud accounting. I do not like Xero when an accountant/CPA is involved, and I am with a number of my clients. There is a CPA here that brags about having an accounting system that has client portals where he can post key financial information and metrics (KBIs), but he will not reveal what he is using (or how). It makes me think he just has a portal and uploads PDFs of that information rather than anything that is automated. Is anyone aware of a cloud accounting platform that provides a portal where an accountant can release specific information to clients, but not allow full access? The information would have to be approved before being "published" to the Portal, though.
Goal is to try to streamline and simplify everything as much as possible on client side, and make it easier for me to ensure I have what I need. I would prefer to have organizers, engagement letters, and other basic tax information forms all completed electronically, rather than printed off and returned to me manually filled out. Seems Intuit Link would help achieve this, but do not see where it is available as a standalone product. Suggestions?