How We Compare

How SmartVault Compares to FileCabinet CS®

Want to grow your practice? Provide your clients with better service? Use a software that doesn’t crash on you? SmartVault’s the obvious choice.

Book a Demo View Comparison

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.

Book a Demo

The Hidden Costs of FileCabinet CS

Using FileCabinet CS comes with a hefty price tag – not in dollars, but in lost opportunities, inefficiencies, and security risks.

Growth Limitation:

Limited storage and client capacity restricts firm expansion and forces use of multiple systems.

Operational Inefficiency:

Poor integration capabilities and lack of mobile access hinder team collaboration and client service.

Security Risk:

Basic security features and outdated platform leave firm data vulnerable to cyber threats.

The Advantages of Using SmartVault

SmartVault is designed to help modern accounting practices streamline operations, enhance compliance, and scale to their fullest potential.

Scalability:

Unlimited cloud storage, client capacity, and advanced features support seamless business growth.

Modern Experience:

Custom-branded portal with mobile access, integrations, and collaborative tools enhance client and team workflow.

Enterprise Security:

Bank-grade security infrastructure paired with proven reliability across 3+ million users ensures data protection.

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:

Download Comparison PDF

Client Management (Engagement and Onboarding)

Client Intake Forms and Templates

Engagement Letters with eSignature*

Proposals and Quotes

Automated Folder Structure and User Permission Creation

Unlimited Clients

Custom List to Request Source Documents

Source Docs Automatically Route to Correct Folder

Robust Dashboard to View Status and Send Reminders

Automatic Notifications Keep Everyone Updated

Document Management & Security

Cloud-Based 24/7 Access

Unlimited Cloud Storage

Customizable Folder Structures

Ability to Link (group) Multiple Clients

Docs Available Online and on Desktop

PDF to Print Functionality

Auto-Routing/Saving

Document Locking

Version Control & Document History

Advanced Search Functionality

OCR for Scanned Documents

Document Data Extraction

Integration with Multiple Tax Prep Systems

Seasonal Worker Licenses

Client Portal & Collaboration

Included Custom Client Portal

Add Link to Portal on Website

Secure File Sharing

Real-Time Staff Collaboration

Multi-Channel Client Communication*

eSignature Workflow (incl. 8878/8879)*

Unlimited Guest Users

Configurable Notifications

Send Password-Protected Files Via Email

Integrated Payment Collection

Platform Reliability & Compliance

Mobile Access

Reliable (~100% Uptime)

SOC 2 Compliant

FINRA, SEC, GLBA Compliant

Specialized for Accounting

Backup and Recovery

Activity Tracking and Audit Logs

* through an integration

Have UltraTax CS? SmartVault Integrates Seamlessly

Our integration automatically routes and organizes files from UltraTax CS to SmartVault, freeing you from the hassle of doing it yourself. This saves you time, reduces human error, and makes it easier for your team to quickly find the documents they need.

Learn more about our UltraTax CS integration

What Makes SmartVault’s Client Portal, Different?

SmartVault helps you provide a better experience without the headaches of legacy tools.

Learn More

Mobile-First Design

Clients can upload documents, review files, and eSign from any device—no apps or special logins required.

Integrated eSignatures with Auto-Filing

Send eSign requests via DocuSign. Once signed, documents are automatically routed into the right client folder—no dragging, no saving, no admin work.

Branded Portal Experience

Clients log in through your firm’s custom-branded portal with your logo, colors, and subdomain—instantly boosting trust and professionalism.

Real-Time Transparency

Track every upload, download, and interaction. Know exactly who accessed what and when.

Drag-and-Drop Simplicity

Clients can upload documents without technical guidance. No more “Where do I click?” calls.

Built for Accounting Workflows

SmartVault’s portal is tied into your document storage, SmartRouting logic, and permissioning controls—streamlining both client collaboration and internal processes.

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.

Learn More