
Top 5 Alternatives to FileCabinet CS for Accounting Firms
The good news? You’re not stuck. Today, we’re sharing five alternatives to FileCabinet CS. Let’s dive in.
Why It’s Time to Move on from FileCabinet CS
FileCabinet CS may have been a staple in the accounting world, but its limitations are now too significant to ignore:
- No cloud or mobile access
- 100GB storage cap
- No client portal
- Manual document routing
- End-of-life in 2027
Waiting to make a change could mean rushing into a new system during your busiest season. The sooner you plan your transition, the smoother it will be.
What to Look for in a FileCabinetCS Replacement
You need more than just a place to store PDFs. Today’s top alternatives offer:
- Cloud-based access for staff and clients
- Integration with UltraTax CS
- Secure, branded client portals
- Unlimited storage and guest users
- eSignature workflows
- Strong support and training
- Compliance and audit trails
- Mobile access and remote collaboration
The Top 5 FileCabinet CS Alternatives
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SmartVault
SmartVault is built specifically for accounting and tax pros and was designed to work seamlessly with UltraTax CS. It checks every box when it comes to replacing FileCabinet CS — and then some.Why SmartVault Stands Out:
- Unlimited cloud storage and client capacity
- Direct integration with UltraTax CS that lets you print and auto-route documents
- Secure, modern client portal with custom branding
- Built-in eSignature workflows
- SOC 2 Type 2 Compliant
- Automated folder creation and document routing
- Mobile access, audit trails, and team collaboration tools
Real UltraTax CS + SmartVault Users
Kristie Agar of O’Connor and Agar CPA shared, “We don’t waste time hunting documents across different programs, as everything is organized right in SmartVault. I used to have to print returns to a temporary folder, then upload and sort each one. With SmartRouting, I go straight from UltraTax into SmartVault with one click. It’s a huge time-saver.” When asked if she’d recommend SmartVault to others, Kristie replied: “I went to Thomson Reuters’ Synergy conference and told people, ‘You have to check out SmartVault!’ It reduces headaches and works much smoother than other document management systems. SmartVault is just easy to use, and everything is right where I need it.”
UltraTax CS user Sergio Bustamante, founder of MSB Tax & Accounting, moved from Onvio to SmartVault. “When we were leaving Onvio, I was worried about how we could make the printing from UltraTax CS as painless as possible because you have to save the tax returns somewhere. What happens if you drop it into the wrong client folder?” SmartVault provided the solution with its SmartRouting technology – an intelligent automation feature that recognizes documents and automatically files them in the correct client folders. “It works great,” he says. “It’s like having robots on your team that automatically route documents for you. You don’t have to worry about documents going into the wrong folders.”
You can keep using UltraTax CS and simply replace your outdated DMS and portal tools. Learn more by requesting a demo of SmartVault today.
Want to dig deeper? In this free guide, you’ll learn how to enhance your UltraTax CS investment and create a more efficient, secure, and profitable future with tools outside of the Thomson Reuters ecosystem.
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GoFileRoom
GoFileRoom is another product in the Thomson Reuters ecosystem. It’s a web-based DMS designed for larger firms that need deep compliance and audit features.Pros:
- Cloud-based access
- Audit tracking and advanced permissions
- TR-native integration (for firms staying within the ecosystem)
Cons:
- Complex setup and interface
- Higher cost, geared toward enterprise-level practices
- Mixed reviews around customer experience and updates
Best for: Mid-to-large firms already using other TR products and willing to invest in onboarding.
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Onvio Document Management
Onvio is Thomson Reuters’ cloud-based successor to FileCabinet CS, but many firms have voiced concerns.Pros:
- Part of TR’s “next-gen” suite
- Cloud-based architecture
- Direct integration with other TR tools
Cons:
- Frequent system outages reported
- Interface complexity frustrates users
- Limited customization and workflow flexibility
If you’ve already tried Onvio and been burned, you’re not alone. Sergio’s experience with Onvio was so terrible that he made the decision to seek new software during tax season. “The questionnaire wasn’t working, clients couldn’t access their portals, they couldn’t create accounts. For our growing firm, it was an absolute nightmare. We needed something that could scale with us.”
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Doc.IT by IRIS
Doc.IT is a document management solution built with accountants in mind. It offers a mix of on-prem and hosted options with decent workflow tools.Pros:
- Designed for accounting workflows
- Decent document storage and version control
- Some client portal functionality
Cons:
- On-premise or hybrid setups may not fit remote workflows
- Less modern UI
- Integration with tax software not as seamless
Best for: Firms not fully committed to cloud yet but wanting to modernize incrementally.
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eFileCabinet (now Revver)
eFileCabinet (recently rebranded as Revver) is a broad DMS used in many industries, including accounting. It provides cloud-based storage with advanced search and automation features.Pros:
- Cloud-based DMS with solid organization tools
- User permissions and templates
- OCR and tagging features
Cons:
- Not accounting-specific
- No direct integration with UltraTax CS
- Workflow feels generic compared to vertical-specific tools
Best for: Firms not using UltraTax CS and looking for a general-purpose DMS.
Making the Switch: Final Thoughts
If you’re still using FileCabinet CS, the 2027 sunset is your wake-up call…not just to replace your DMS, but to rethink how your firm handles documents, collaborates with clients, and secures sensitive information.
Among these five options, SmartVault is the only purpose-built solution that gives UltraTax CS users a faster, smarter way to:
- Manage and organize tax returns with automated folder structures
- Collect source documents effortlessly through a secure client portal
- Collaborate in real-time with clients and team members — from anywhere
And the best part? You don’t have to figure it out alone. SmartVault offers specialized migration services to help FileCabinet CS users transition quickly. Our onboarding team will work with you to:
- Migrate your documents and configure folder structures
- Train your staff using role-based tracks inside SmartVault Academy
- Customize your workflows for UltraTax CS with SmartRouting
- Set up branded client portals your clients will actually enjoy using
Ready to Replace FileCabinet CS?
See how a modern document management and portal platform can save time, enhance security, and give your clients a better experience. Join over 3 million users on SmartVault: Schedule a demo to get started.