Building the Perfect Intuit ProConnect Tech Stack with SmartVault, Karbon, and Ignition
The way accounting firms manage their tax workflows has changed dramatically in recent years. Firms can now build a best-of-breed tech stack that integrates seamlessly across their tax prep app, client engagement, practice management, and document management.
That’s exactly what SmartVault, Karbon, and Ignition explored in a recent joint webinar: how firms can optimize their processes, boost efficiency, and deliver a better client experience by connecting the right tools.
Why Tech Stacks Matter for Accounting Firms
Research shows that the average firm uses 14 different apps to run their practice, with larger firms using upwards of 18. While some apps directly generate revenue, many are practice management or client service tools. The challenge is ensuring these systems talk to one another, eliminating manual steps and reducing inefficiencies.
As Ian Vacin, Co-founder of Karbon, noted during the webinar:
“We’ve all seen how firms can get bogged down trying to stitch together tools that don’t talk to each other. The goal of this ecosystem is to eliminate friction, so every stage of the tax process flows seamlessly.”
That’s where an integrated ecosystem comes in — one that ties together each stage of the tax workflow: engage, collect, prepare, deliver, and archive.
Meet the Core Players in the ProConnect Ecosystem
- Intuit ProConnect Tax Online
- Cloud-based tax prep software with over 30,000 firms using it today.
- Powered by the Lacerte engine, but with added automation, integrations, and AI-driven advisory tools.
- New automation features like the Import Hub streamline data entry from W-2s, 1099s, and payroll providers.
- Built-in access to Intuit Tax Advisor helps firms move into advisory services and year-round client engagement.
Brady Suggs of Intuit explained why this is so powerful:
“Everything that Lacerte does, ProConnect does — and it does it with more automation and integrations. We’ve been on an automation journey for years, and we’re now at a point where we can save firms hours by connecting directly to payroll providers, financial institutions, and document management (SmartVault).” - Ignition
- Handles client onboarding, proposals, engagement letters, and payments.
- Automates billing and ensures firms get paid upfront, reducing AR headaches.
- Deep integration with ProConnect lets firms pull in client lists, return types, and statuses to bulk-generate engagement letters and set up recurring billing.
As Ryan Embree, Head of Partnerships at Ignition, explained:
“Historically, firms relied on Word docs and manual invoicing. With Ignition, you can send out hundreds of proposals in minutes, automate payments, and never chase invoices again.” - Karbon
- A robust practice management and workflow orchestration tool.
- Provides templates designed specifically for ProConnect users, covering all major tax workflows.
- Features like conditional workflows, progress reporting, and IRS transcript monitoring help firms keep teams aligned and meet deadlines.
Ian Vacin emphasized:
“Karbon’s job is to make sure the work gets done at scale. With our ProConnect integration, firms get two-way contact sync, real-time e-file status tracking, and workflow templates designed for tax season from day one.” - SmartVault
- The document management and client engagement hub of the ecosystem.
- Secure, cloud-based platform with unlimited storage and client portals.
- SOC 2 Type II compliant, with granular permissions, audit trails, and support with IRS/FTC safeguard compliance.
- The upcoming direct ProConnect integration automatically routes documents from tax prep into the right SmartVault folders, saving firms hours of admin time.
Jonathan Young of SmartVault put it simply:
“We’re not just a storage bin. SmartVault is an end-to-end document management system that keeps every file audit-ready, secure, and instantly accessible across your workflow.”
The Power of Integration: End-to-End Tax Workflow
Together, these platforms create a seamless experience:
- Engage: Ignition sends proposals, collects e-signatures, and automates billing.
- Collect: Clients securely upload tax documents into SmartVault or via Intuit Link.
- Prepare: Karbon manages tasks, queues, and deadlines while ProConnect automates tax prep.
- Deliver: Final returns are securely shared through SmartVault’s branded client portal.
- Archive & Advise: Returns and client data are stored securely, while Intuit Tax Advisor helps firms expand into proactive tax planning.
Real-World Impact
The ecosystem isn’t just theory. Firms are already seeing measurable results. Amanda Evans of Kindred Accounting shared:
“Karbon, Ignition, and SmartVault have enabled our firm to grow nearly 30% year over year. The only way we manage that kind of growth is with technology. These tools are incredibly affordable for the functionality they offer, and the time savings are huge. Tax season used to feel chaotic. Now it’s calm and organized.”
Why This Matters for ProConnect Users
The accounting tech landscape is crowded, but firms don’t need to waste time evaluating hundreds of disconnected tools. By leveraging Intuit’s Integrated Ecosystem with ProConnect, SmartVault, Karbon, and Ignition, firms can create a future-proof foundation that supports growth, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
To learn more about SmartVault, schedule a demo today.
Click here to learn more about the ecosystem.