New Tax Deadlines Update Automatically in CCH Axcess® Workstream

As we all know by now, CCH® Axcess Workstream implemented a new feature at the end of 2019 that integrates CCH® Axcess Workstream’s form due dates with the Wolters Kluwer Tax and Accounting Research and Learning (R&L) Tax Calendar.  This innovative integration handles an otherwise large and daunting administrative task with behind the scenes ease that requires no reaction from our valued customer. With the R&L tax calendar integration, CCH® Axcess Workstream will automatically update form due dates and recalculate those form due dates on projects.  As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented amount of forms have new tax deadlines.

Here is a summary of some of the actions we have taken and will continue to take.  Also included is some insight into the steps the team takes prior to updating the form due dates in the tax calendar.

New due dates already in the CCH Axcess Workstream

Per notice IR-2021-59, the 2020 federal income tax filing deadline of April 15, 2021 extension until May 17, 2021 has already been updated in the R&L Tax Calendar for Federal Forms, and the related extension requests and estimated payments. These new tax deadlines were picked up by CCH® Axcess Workstream within 24 – 48 hours after Research and Learning published the updates. 

Dealing with state deadline changes

State jurisdictions that have reacted to the extension of the federal filing deadline have been updated in the tax calendar.  As more states make similar changes, the tax calendar will continue to be updated over the next few days and weeks.  As such, CCH® Axcess Workstream will automatically update those new tax deadlines and recalculate impacted form due dates on projects within 24-48 hours after they are published on the tax calendar.

We will continue to update the state forms as they are approved by the state jurisdictions.

If a state does not make it clear as to whether a due date should be moved for a particular filing, we use the due date change that we are able to support.  In other words, we need to be able to point to a reliable source before we update a due date.

Adapting to changes as they happen

The R&L team looks at all of the 51 jurisdictions and how they may address their due dates for all of their various filings (returns, payments, extension requests, estimated payments, etc.) for the different tax types (corporate, personal, sales & use, employment, franchise, etc.). As you can expect, not all 51 jurisdictions do it across the board for all forms.  They, historically, tend to pick and choose.  As you can also expect and understand, this is a large undertaking.

Additionally, the states (and D.C.) issued broad statements on extending due dates as part of their COVID-19 relief efforts, but they issued few details.  Rarely did a jurisdiction give clear guidance as to what specific form filings the extensions applied. As such, the R&L team is taking a diligent approach to ensure the appropriate forms are updated accurately and timely.

Please note, that custom forms added by a firm are maintained and owned by the firm.  As a result, those custom forms will need to be updated by the firm. 

Automatic updates save time

In a very unfortunate situation, we are fortunate to have had this integration in place.  It is removing hours, days and even weeks of manual updates and recalculations for our customers.