Fiscalité et comptabilité Mis à jouroctobre 23, 2026

How to take the pain out of switching tax software

Par : Wolters Kluwer Tax and Accounting

Points clés

  • A milestone-based implementation plan breaks a tax software migration into manageable stages and aligns teams around clear goals.
  • Standard CCH Axcess Tax conversion offers a self-service process with no added charge or limit on returns or submissions.
  • Role-based training helps employees focus on the workflows and tasks that match their responsibilities in the firm.
  • Guided onboarding and post-implementation support help firms stay productive through the first year and beyond.

There may be plenty of reasons to change tax software, but one concern can keep firms with a system they've outgrown: switching sounds like too much work.

Moving years of tax data, configuring a new system, training employees and getting everyone ready for the next filing season can seem daunting. But the right migration process can remove much of that burden. With CCH Axcess™ Tax, implementation, conversion, training and onboarding resources are designed to help your firm make the move with confidence.

If concerns about disruption are keeping your firm from considering a better long-term solution, here’s what you should know about making the switch.

Start with a transition plan

The CCH Axcess implementation process uses a milestone-based approach, with previous steps completed before the next stage begins. Firms work with a coordinated team that can include scheduling coordinators, implementation specialists, and training consultants, along with self-service tools for managing implementation tasks.

Implementation consultants focus on making firms successful in the new software so they can quickly realize the benefits of their investment. The Wolters Kluwer implementation consultant team has a mix of technical, analytical, and project management skills that will reduce the challenges often associated with onboarding a new software platform.

This structured approach can help turn what initially feels like a major technology change into a series of more manageable milestones.

Before implementation begins, think about what success should look like for your firm. Consider which processes you want to improve, who will be affected by the change, and what employees need to learn before they begin working in the new system.

Take control of your tax data conversion

For many firms, moving historical tax information is one of the biggest perceived barriers to changing software. CCH Axcess Tax is designed to make standard tax conversion more manageable.

Standard tax conversions are available at no additional charge, with no limit on the number of returns or submissions. There's also no need to schedule the conversion. The self-service model allows firms to decide when they're ready to submit returns, with returns converted according to published schedules.

The specific data that can be converted varies by return type and source system, so firms should confirm current conversion availability and requirements as part of the planning process.  The key is to make conversion part of your implementation plan from the beginning rather than treating data migration as a separate project.

In addition to the standard conversion process, Xpitax® Premium Conversion Services are available for firms seeking additional assistance with supported tax software conversions. The service uses the standard conversion process and adds support from an Xpitax team member who reviews and inputs data that did not convert. 

Prepare your people, not just your technology

Purchasing new software is a major investment for most firms. Proper training and consulting are critically important to maximize your return on investment and realize the benefits of your new solution. Employees need to be comfortable using the new system in the work they perform every day.

CCH Axcess training is tailored to roles within the firm, with delivery options that include live sessions, webinars, and self-paced eLearning. Role-based training can help keep the learning process relevant. Rather than expecting every employee to learn every part of the system, firms can focus training on the tasks and processes associated with different responsibilities.

It's also important to think beyond software proficiency. A change in technology can be an opportunity to revisit existing processes instead of automatically recreating the way work was performed in the previous system.

Get guidance through your first year and beyond

Support doesn’t end when implementation is complete. CCH Axcess Tax customers have access to a guided onboarding experience that brings together setup, training, support, and first-year success resources. The experience provides onboarding steps, centralized resources, and pathways to support and learning content.

After implementation, CCH Axcess customers can continue to access post-implementationsupport resources to help them stay productive and informed. Whether it’s a quick question or a deeper workflow challenge, help is always available so your team can stay focused on serving clients.

The hardest step may be deciding to make a change

Switching tax software is a significant decision, but concerns about implementation shouldn't automatically keep your firm tied to its current system. A structured implementation process, flexible conversion options, role-based training, guided onboarding, and ongoing support can make the transition much more manageable.

The more important question is what your firm wants from its tax technology in the years ahead. If your current system is no longer supporting your goals, understanding what the transition really involves can help you evaluate the decision based on where you want to go, rather than simply on the work required to get there.

Wolters Kluwer Tax and Accounting

Wolters Kluwer Tax and Accounting is a leading provider of software solutions and expertise that helps tax, accounting and audit professionals research and navigate complex regulations, comply with legislation, manage their businesses and advise clients with speed and accuracy.

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