Collecting client data: meeting modern expectations
One of the first and most important stages of the tax process is collecting information from clients. Historically, this has been a painful and inefficient process – clients may drop off paper forms, mail documents, or send sensitive data via unsecured email. These practices not only waste time but also introduce security and compliance risks.
AI-enhanced tools are helping firms meet clients where they are – on their phones. Mobile-first, client-facing platforms allow taxpayers to complete questionnaires, upload documents, and respond to requests anytime, anywhere.
CCH Axcess™ Client Collaboration simplifies this stage by providing a client-centric collaboration hub. Clients can scan and submit tax documents via a mobile app, complete digital organizers, and track progress throughout the process. This real-time access creates a seamless exchange of information and reduces back-and-forth communication.
By digitizing and automating data collection, firms can reduce bottlenecks early in the workflow and deliver a more responsive client experience.
Input & ingestion: validated at the source
Once documents are collected, the next challenge is getting that information into the firm’s systems. Manual data entry is not only time-consuming but also prone to human error – a costly risk in a field where accuracy is everything.
AI-enabled ingestion tools automate this step using technologies like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and machine learning. These tools don’t just extract data – they validate and verify it as part of the process.
CCH® ProSystem fx® Scan uses intelligent automation to read and interpret scanned source documents, organize the data, and import it directly into tax prep workflows. This eliminates redundant entry and ensures data is correct and consistent across the board.
By using data ingestion tools with built-in validation, firms can improve accuracy, reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, and redirect staff to more value-added activities.
Prepare & review: smarter compliance through AI
As firms move into the tax preparation and review phase the power of AI becomes even more pronounced. Preparing a tax return involves interpreting complex financial data, applying ever-changing tax laws, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. These steps traditionally required significant manual review and deep domain knowledge.
AI is helping tax professionals work smarter. Features like anomaly detection and pattern recognition flag inconsistencies, suggest corrections, and ensure all entries align with current laws and standards.
CCH Axcess™ Tax supports this work by integrating advanced diagnostics directly into the preparation process. The software highlights potential issues, surfaces unexpected results, and streamlines collaboration between preparers and reviewers.
In tandem,
CCH® AnswerConnect delivers AI-enhanced tax research tools that provide contextual guidance, summarize relevant regulations, and answer nuanced questions without leaving the workflow. This keeps professionals focused and efficient.
The result? Faster turnaround times, fewer amendments, and greater confidence in compliance — all without sacrificing thoroughness.
Deliver: simplifying the payment experience
Once the return is prepared and reviewed it’s time to deliver it to the client and collect payment. But, many firms still use manual billing systems or disjointed payment processes that delay collections and frustrate clients.
Digital payment solutions solve this problem by integrating seamlessly into the tax workflow, allowing firms to invoice clients electronically and accept payments before filing.
CCH Axcess™ Practice includes payment tools that sync with the preparation and review process so firms can issue bills as soon as a return is complete. Clients receive secure links to pay online, improving cash flow and reducing the risk of late or missed payments.
By automating this phase, firms can modernize the client experience and eliminate time spent chasing down payments.
E-File: tracking in real time
Electronic filing is the norm for most firms today, but many still manage the process using spreadsheets or manual systems to track return statuses, filing acknowledgments, and rejections. This fragmented approach increases the risk of missed deadlines or errors.
AI-enabled e-filing platforms provide real-time tracking and dashboards that consolidate all returns – federal and state – into one view.
CCH Axcess™ Tax has built-in e-filing capabilities with intelligent status updates so firms can track signatures, filing confirmations, and IRS or state acknowledgments in one dashboard. Alerts and notifications ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
This level of visibility reduces stress during the filing season and gives clients peace of mind that their returns have been filed correctly and on time.
Advise: turning data into strategy
Once a return is filed, most firms move on to the next client. But this is also a missed opportunity. The tax data gathered and processed during the preparation cycle holds valuable insights that can be used for strategic planning and advisory work.
AI is changing this post-filing phase by using predictive intelligence to analyze client data and flag tax changes, planning opportunities, or risk areas.
CCH Axcess™ iQ automatically scans federal and state legislation, matches it against client profiles, and highlights changes that affect them. For example, if a new deduction becomes available or a regulation is set to expire, the software will surface that insight proactively.
This allows firms to have forward-looking conversations with clients, offer value-added services, and move beyond compliance to year-round advisory relationships. Predictive analytics can be a key differentiator and help to generate additional revenue.
