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How We Compare

How SmartVault Compares to FileCabinet CS®

FileCabinet CS slows firms down with outdated, clunky tools. SmartVault streamlines your workflows, automates document routing, and ensures secure, compliant collaboration with every client.

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FileCabinet CS Is Going Away. Waiting Means Risk.

FileCabinet CS Is Going Away. Waiting Means Risk.

Don’t get stuck dealing with crashes, compliance issues, and unhappy clients.

  • Frequent system crashes during busy season
  • 100GB storage caps requiring manual purges
  • No integrated eSignatures or client portal
  • Desktop-only access with no mobile support
  • Poor client experience and rising support frustrations

You don’t have to wait for the plug to be pulled. SmartVault is ready now.

What You Used to Deal With
100GB storage cap
Manual file naming and routing
No built-in eSignatures
Desktop-only access
Support fees and slow response
What SmartVault Delivers
Unlimited storage and no per-client fees
SmartRouting from UltraTax CS automates it all
Secure portal with DocuSign integration 
100% cloud-native and mobile-friendly
U.S.-based, extended hours, and no cost for help

No More “Save to PDF.” 
No More Drag and Drop. 

With SmartVault’s SmartRouting, UltraTax CS users can print directly to the correct client folder with naming conventions already applied.

  • Print directly from UltraTax CS
  • Auto-routes and renames documents
  • Files stored in the right folder instantly
  • Signed 8879s auto-file back where they belong

A Client Portal Your Firm & Your Clients Will Actually Love Using

SmartVault’s modern, mobile-ready portal makes sharing, signing, and accessing documents easy and secure from anywhere.

SmartVault Portal Benefits:

  • Mobile-friendly and easy to navigate
  • Built-in eSignatures with DocuSign
  • Auto-filing of signed documents
  • Drag-and-drop document uploads
  • Full audit logs and permission controls
  • Firm-branded experience with custom subdomain

Move Off FileCabinet CS 
Without Losing a Beat

Our U.S.-based onboarding team has helped hundreds of firms switch from FileCabinet CS without disruption.

  • Onboarding in 4–6 weeks
  • Personalized folder setup and SmartRouting config
  • Full data verification
  • Staff training and go-live support
  • Extended tax season support hours
  • No fees for support—ever

Not a Fan of Onvio Either? 
You’re Not Alone. 

Onvio isn’t the upgrade many hoped for. Firms report:

  • Outages during filing season
  • Poor client usability
  • Limited workflow automation
  • Unclear support structure and pricing

SmartVault delivers a smoother, modernized experience without the complexity or vendor lock-in.

SOC 2 Type 2, IRS 4557, FTC Safeguards – Covered

SmartVault Helps You Stay Compliant With:

  • SOC 2 Type 2 security controls
  • FTC Safeguards Rule readiness
  • IRS Pub. 4557 alignment
  • 256-bit encryption (in transit and at rest)
  • Role-based access + full activity logs

Don’t Wait for the Deadline. 
Own Your Timeline.

You know FileCabinet CS is ending. Why scramble at the last minute when you can start fresh now with a better system?

SmartVault Gives You:

  • Native UltraTax CS integration
  • Unlimited storage and users
  • A modern client portal
  • Built-in eSignatures
  • Seamless assisted onboarding
  • Reliable support—no hidden fees
Feature Comparison:

SmartVault vs. FileCabinet CS

If your goal is to keep your accounting practice stuck in neutral, FileCabinet CS is the perfect solution for you. But if you want to grow? SmartVault’s the clear choice.

This table highlights the key features that differentiate these solutions: 

 
SmartVault
Client Management (Engagement and Onboarding)
Client Intake Forms and Templates
Yes
No
Engagement Letters with eSignature*
Yes
Yes
Proposals and Quotes
Yes
Yes
Automated Folder Structure and User Permission Creation
Yes
No
Unlimited Clients
Yes
No
Custom List to Request Source Documents
Yes
No
Source Docs Automatically Route to Correct Folder
Yes
No
Robust Dashboard to View Status and Send Reminders
Yes
No
Automatic Notifications Keep Everyone Updated
Yes
No
Document Management & Security
Cloud-Based 24/7 Access
Yes
No
Unlimited Cloud Storage
Yes
No
Customizable Folder Structures
Yes
No
Ability to Link (group) Multiple Clients
Yes
Yes
Docs Available Online and on Desktop
Yes
No
PDF to Print Functionality 
Yes
Yes
Auto-Routing/Saving
Yes
No
Document Locking
Yes
No
Version Control & Document History
Yes
Yes
Advanced Search Functionality
Yes
Yes
OCR for Scanned Documents
Yes
Yes
Document Data Extraction
Yes
No
Integration with Multiple Tax Prep Systems
Yes
No
Seasonal Worker Licenses
Yes
Yes
Client Portal & Collaboration
Included Custom Client Portal
Yes
No
Add Link to Portal on Website
Yes
Yes
Secure File Sharing
Yes
Yes
Real-Time Staff Collaboration
Yes
No
Multi-Channel Client Communication*
Yes
No
eSignature Workflow (incl. 8878/8879)*
Yes
Yes
Unlimited Guest Users
Yes
No
Configurable Notifications
Yes
No
Send Password-Protected Files Via Email
Yes
No
Integrated Payment Collection
Yes
No
Platform Reliability & Compliance
Mobile Access
Yes
No
Reliable (~100% Uptime)
Yes
No
SOC 2 Compliant
Yes
Yes
FINRA, SEC, GLBA Compliant
Yes
Yes
Specialized for Accounting
Yes
Yes
Backup and Recovery
Yes
No
Activity Tracking and Audit Logs
Yes
No
* through an integration
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FileCabinet CS Is Going Away—Here’s Why Accountants Are Switching to SmartVault

Thomson Reuters is sunsetting FileCabinet CS, and accounting firms are searching for a modern, secure, and fully supported alternative. Don’t just replace FileCabinet CS – upgrade your entire document management experience by switching to SmartVault.