The benefits of an AI-enabled paperless tax workflow

Debra Zarzycki discusses The Bonadio Group's digital tax workflow.

Firms that don’t fully commit to an integrated digital tax workflow solution can find themselves wasting time and leaving clients less than satisfied. It’s inefficient to have some steps that are automated and others that still require shuffling papers. If every part of your tax prep process doesn’t work together, technology can be working against you, not for you. 

With a modern, AI-enabled digital tax workflow, firms can improve efficiency, empower staff, increase client satisfaction, and achieve sustainable growth.

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Make your tax workflow faster

Automated tax prep workflow software creates faster, trackable, end-to-end processes, which save your staff time while also satisfying busy clients. Every step, from obtaining client source documents to reviews and approvals is faster, including the final step—you getting paid!

Gain efficiencies with AI-enabled tax automation

With artificial intelligence technologies like computer vision and machine learning, the digital tax workflow reduces data entry and other inefficient manual processes. AI-enabled tax features include automated data ingestion, smart scanning, advanced categorization, grouping patterns and predictive suggestions.

Attract top-quality clients & standout employees

Show clients you can meet both their compliance and advisory needs by embracing automated tax workflow best practices. This approach also helps attract and retain staff who value mobility, work/life balance and working on meaningful client-facing engagements.

Eliminate the cost and burden of paper-based processes

With a completely digital tax prep workflow, your firm can reduce paper and the outdated processes that go along with it. You’ll use less paper, ink, and toner, plus you’ll cut out mailing and storage costs—all while boosting security, transparency and efficiency.

Achieve a digital tax workflow

Step 1: Obtain documentation

A secure client collaboration platform enables firms and their clients to manage all tax workflows.
CCH Axcess™ Client Collaboration

Step 2: Organize

Read, identify, and bookmark client documents so you can easily find and access the information you need.
CCH® ProSystem fx® Scan & Autoflow Technology

Step 3: Prep and review

Achieve accuracy and efficiency by combining comprehensive forms and calculations with innovative technology.

CCH Axcess™ Tax

Step 4: Sign and file

Capture client and employee signatures digitally for IRS, client-facing and internal documents.

CCH® eSign

Step 5: Deliver and store

Leverage centralized document storage with comprehensive management features, including retention, version control and collaboration.
CCH Axcess™ Document with Integrated Portal

Step 6: Invoice and receive

Integrate easy to use time and billing features with powerful reporting capabilities.
CCH Axcess™ Practice

"How-to" guide: End-to-end tax return automation 

  • How to: Streamline client document collection

    Leverage a secure, unified collaboration hub to simplify the entire client engagement process. Electronic engagement letters and customizable tax organizers can help firms gather necessary client documents efficiently. Automated data connectors and integrated eSignatures further enhance the process by reducing manual tasks and ensuring secure, timely submissions. Additionally, a mobile app for taxpayers allows clients to submit documents directly from their mobile devices, making the process more convenient and efficient

    CCH Axcess Client Collaboration provides a unique hub firms and clients share, reducing friction and making it easier than ever to exchange documents. 

  • How to: Automate document scanning and data entry 

    Convert paper-based or PDF documents into a digital, organized format for easy location and validation. AI-powered smart scanning groups related pages of multi-page documents, reducing manual sorting and entry errors. Take this process one step further by automatically extracting key data from tax forms like W-2s, 1099s, and other critical tax source documents. This data is then fed directly into your tax preparation software, significantly reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors.

    Using CCH ProSystem fx Scan with AutoFlow Technology allows you to import data into CCH Axcess Tax automatically — no manual entry is required. The new Scan Optimizer feature meticulously analyzes your documents, and identifies and flags any discrepancies; ensuring your team only needs to review up to about 10% of the data. 

  • How to: Ensure accuracy in the tax preparation and review process

    Look for a tax software with comprehensive forms and calculations, along with error-checking features to minimize manual entry errors. A system that integrates seamlessly with other tools allows for smooth data flow, reducing the risk of discrepancies. Onscreen review capabilities can help preparers easily identify and correct issues before finalizing returns. Additionally, maintaining a standardized workflow and regularly updating your software to the latest versions can further enhance accuracy and reliability in your tax preparation and review process

    CCH Axcess Tax provides a powerful tax automation engine, with a complete library of forms and dozens of features to aid in prep, review and tracking. 

  • How to: Improve efficiency with digital e-signatures and e-filing

    Use a secure e-signature solution that complies with legal standards such as the ESIGN Act to send documents to clients for electronic signatures, reducing the need for physical paperwork and speeding up the process. Implement automated email reminders to prompt clients to sign and return documents promptly. Additionally, use an electronic filing system that provides real-time status updates and integrates seamlessly with your tax preparation software. This ensures that returns are filed accurately and efficiently, minimizing delays and errors

    With CCH eSign, Form 8879 e-signature is integrated with our electronic filing system, allowing customers to enjoy the efficiency of a paperless filing process from start to finish. 

  • How to: Securely deliver and store paperless tax returns

    A robust document management system should allow for the digital storage, sharing, and management of tax returns and related documents. Utilize features such as secure file transfer protocols and encryption to protect sensitive information during transmission and storage. By tagging, sorting, and categorizing documents, you can ensure easy retrieval and organization. Additionally, maintaining audit trails and user logins helps track document access and modifications, enhancing security and compliance

    CCH Axcess Document with Integrated Portal electronically organizes and stores all types of client documents and business communications in one place to support a true paperless work environment.

  • How to: Enable timely payment with automated billing & invoicing

    Implement a system that integrates billing and invoicing processes into a single, streamlined workflow. Features such as automated invoice generation and electronic delivery help ensure invoices are sent promptly. Facilitate quick and easy electronic payments with direct, electronic links to an e-payment system. Additionally, send automated reminders to prompt clients to pay outstanding invoices, reducing delays. By tracking payments and outstanding balances in real-time, you can maintain accurate records and improve cash flow management.

    CCH Axcess Practice simplifies time and billing, enhances client service, and enables you to analyze and improve profitability.

Manage complexity and add value for clients 

CCH Axcess™ Engagement Essentials

Instantly produce accurate balances for preparing business tax returns.
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CCH® AnswerConnect

Elevate your research experience with the longest-standing tax research software in the industry.
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CCH® ProSystem fx®
Fixed Assets

Simplify all your asset management and depreciation tasks. 
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CCH® ProSystem fx® Planning

Be more productive by quickly reviewing multiple what-if tax scenarios.

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View a customized, interactive demonstration

See the complete CCH Axcess digital tax workflow in action when you sign up for an on-demand demonstration.
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Automate with the power of APIs

Build a more modern firm experience for your clients and staff. Powered by the CCH Axcess Open Integration Platform, CCH Axcess APIs enable accounting firms and third-party software partners to create integrations and applications that connect with CCH Axcess data.


Every CCH Axcess customer can benefit from open integration APIs, whether you create your own integrations or leverage the integrations created by one of our partners. The CCH Axcess open integration API strategy gives firms more opportunities to create productive workflows throughout the firm.

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Productivity tools

1040 Passthrough Import Utility

The 1040 Passthrough Import Utility streamlines the K-1 process by allowing preparers and reviewers to work in Excel, where they can more easily view, edit, and validate data before importing it back into the return.
1040 Passthrough Import Utility

Batch E-File Extension Utility

Manually uploading and filing extensions can slow down your team during peak deadlines. The Batch E-File Extension Utility simplifies the process by allowing you to upload, hold, release, and track extensions in batches.
Batch E-File Extension Utility

Batch Print Set Utility

Simplify the printing process to create a better experience for collating, delivering and storing returns. The CCH Axcess Batch Print Set Utility lets you easily print up to 10 print sets at once for up to 50 returns at a time. 
Batch Print Set Utility

Bulk Return Creation Utility

Training new staff or refreshing skills before busy season is critical, but it can be time-consuming. The Bulk Return Creation Utility automates the process of duplicating returns, so your team can focus on learning, not logistics. 
Bulk Return Creation Utility

CCH Axcess™ DataScan 

Extract specific, detailed information from your client database to assist you in offering new services, responding faster to tax law changes, or just giving personalized attention to clients with specific tax needs.
CCH Axcess DataScan

CCH® Tax Projector

This simple integrated projection tool reflects projection variations for the Federal return up to one year in advance, with a comparison of the tax liability calculation, projected government forms, 2-year rate comparison and a list of assumptions and explanations.
CCH Tax Projector

CCH® ProSystem fx® PDFlyer

Speed audit and tax workflow using a unique Adobe® Acrobat® plug-in that enables you to prepare engagements using multiple PDF files in a paperless environment.
CCH ProSystem fx PDFlyer

K-1 Batch Import Utility

Working with multiple K-1s adds complexity during the busiest time of the year, creating opportunities for errors and inefficiency. The K-1 Batch Import Utility enables staff to work in Excel and then import that data directly into returns in bulk. 
K-1 Batch Import Utility

Recommended CPA firm resources​

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eBook: How Tax & Accounting Firms Supercharge Efficiency with a Digital Workflow

With an integrated, digital tax workflow, firms can automate much of the data collection and input tasks that take up so much time.
Download the eBook

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Article: Digital tax workflow tips and tricks

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Additional resources

Tax resource center

Every tax season presents its own unique challenges, and this year is no different. Rest easy — Wolters Kluwer is here to help you get through tax season and beyond with these tools and resources. Check back often for the latest federal and state tax news articles, resource kits, best practices and more.
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CCH® Marketplace

The CCH Marketplace is an online resource center that makes it easy for firms to find software integrations for their systems. These integrations enable firms to automate many of the most time-consuming tasks in their tax, audit and firm management workflows.
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