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CCH Axcess Documents
How We Compare

How SmartVault Compares to CCH Axcess Documents

CCH Axcess Documents is part of a larger suite, which comes with complexity, absurd price hikes, and “slow AF” (reviewer’s words, not ours) processing. SmartVault offers a more focused, efficient, and affordable solution for modern accounting firms.

The Hidden Costs of CCH Axcess Documents

One Reddit reviewer recalls how their tax season went with CCH Axcess Document: “I spent that tax season feeling like I was trying to sprint through molasses.” Yikes. Here are some more reported downsides of using CCH Axcess Document:

Time and Training Burden:

Complex system requiring extensive training and setup, leading to lost productivity and higher costs.

Unnecessary Features:

Part of a larger, more expensive suite that may include features you don't need, forcing you to pay for unnecessary functionality.

Growth-Limiting Pricing Structure:

Tiered, complicated pricing based on client numbers can stifle your firm's growth potential, forcing difficult decisions as you scale.

The Advantages of Using SmartVault 

Built for accountants, SmartVault addresses the unique needs of accounting practices, offering a robust, user-friendly solution that enhances productivity, ensures compliance, and scales with your firm.

Unlimited Scalability:

Unlimited cloud storage and client capacity allow your practice to scale effortlessly as you take on new business.

Comprehensive Feature Set:

Included custom-branded client portal, 24/7 mobile access, robust integrations, and powerful tools create a seamless, collaborative experience for your team and clients.

Proven Track Record:

15+ years of accounting focus, over 3 million users, and SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance prove we deliver reliable, modern software that meets your needs while supporting compliance.
Feature by Feature Comparison:

SmartVault vs. CCH Axcess Document

If you’re looking for a complex, expensive solution that’s part of a larger suite you may not need, CCH Axcess Document fits the bill. But if you want a focused, efficient, and scalable document management system? SmartVault’s the clear choice.

This table highlights the key features that differentiate these solutions:

 
SmartVault
CCH Axcess Documents
Transparent Pricing
Yes
No
Custom, Digital Client Intake Form
Yes
Yes
Pricing Engine
Yes
No
Engagement Letters with eSignature
Yes
No
Ability to Bulk Send Engagement Letters
Yes
No
Customizable Proposal Templates
Yes
No
Automated Folder Structure Creation
Yes
Yes
Unlimited Clients
Yes
No
Custom List to Request Source Documents
Yes
Yes
Source Docs Automatically Route to Correct Folder
Yes
Yes
Robust Dashboard to View Status and Send Reminders
Yes
Yes
Automatic Notifications Keep Everyone Updated
Yes
Yes
Cloud-Based 24/7 Access
Yes
Yes
Unlimited Cloud Storage
Yes
No
Customizable Folder Structures
Yes
No
Docs Available Online and on Desktop
Yes
No
PDF to Print Functionality
Yes
Yes
Auto-Routing/Saving
Yes
Yes
Document Locking
Yes
Yes
Version Control & Document History
Yes
Yes
Advanced Search Functionality
Yes
Yes
OCR for Scanned Documents
Yes
Yes
Document Data Extraction
Yes
Yes
Integration with Multiple Tax Prep Systems
Yes
CCH Suite Only
Seasonal Worker Licenses
Yes
No
Included Custom Client Portal
Yes
No
Secure File Sharing
Yes
Yes
Real-Time Staff Collaboration
Yes
No
Multi-Channel Client Communication
Yes
No
eSignature Workflow (incl. 8878/8879)
Yes
Yes
Signed Docs Routed to Client Folder Automatically
Yes
No
Unlimited Guest Users
Yes
No
Configurable Notifications
Yes
Yes
Send Password-Protected Files Via Email
Yes
No
Integrated Payment Collection
Yes
No
Mobile Access
Yes
Limited

The User Experience Can Make or Break Your Firm

While CCH Axcess Document and SmartVault may share many features on paper, the user experience couldn’t be more different. Here’s why SmartVault stands out as the simpler, more user-friendly option.

Intuitive Interface vs. Complex Navigation

  • CCH Axcess Document: Complex suite requiring extensive staff training and featuring a steep learning curve
  • SmartVault: Clean, intuitive interface that gets your team up and running in hours, not days

Standalone Power vs. Suite Dependency

  • CCH Axcess Document: Forces adoption of additional suite components you may not need for full functionality
  • SmartVault: Works as a powerful, independent solution that integrates with your choice of accounting software

Client-Friendly Portal vs. Afterthought Add-On

  • CCH Axcess Document: Portal (add-on) feels tacked on with limited customization, leading to client confusion and support requests
  • SmartVault: Purpose-built client portal with custom branding is included makes it easy for clients to collaborate on, share, and download documents

Flexible Workflows vs. Rigid Processes

  • CCH Axcess Document: Rigid, predefined workflows that require vendor intervention for customization
  • SmartVault: Flexible workflow options that adapt to your existing processes and grow with your firm

Get Up and Running with Reliable, Fast Migration

With over 15 years of experience focused on the accounting industry and supporting more than 3 million users, SmartVault truly understands your workflows, challenges, and goals. This knowledge drives every aspect of our services. Our data migration process is quick, and we offer a white-glove service to guide you through every step.

Accelerate Your Entire Tax Prep Workflow

From initial client engagement to storing final returns, SmartVault is designed from the ground up to support the entire tax prep document workflow.

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