How We Compare
How SmartVault Compares to SafeSend
When choosing between SmartVault and SafeSend, it’s important to consider your firm’s complete workflow needs, not just during tax season but throughout the year. SafeSend continues to enhance its tax-specific automation, but SmartVault delivers a unified document management and workflow platform that supports every stage of your firm’s work, from engage, collect, prep & review, delivery and archiving, all year long.
The Hidden Costs of SafeSend
While SafeSend streamlines tax workflows, firms should consider these limitations before relying on it as a complete document management solution.
Restrictive Functionality
Even with recent workflow enhancements, SafeSend remains focused primarily on tax return assembly and delivery. This limited scope leaves gaps for year-round client collaboration, document storage, and non-tax projects.
Integration Constraints
SafeSend integrates tightly within the Thomson Reuters ecosystem but offers minimal connectivity to other leading solutions used by many firms. Practices using Intuit ProConnect, Lacerte, ProSeries, QuickBooks, or other third-party tools often need to maintain additional systems to manage their data.
Workflow Fragmentation
Maintaining separate tools for tax, bookkeeping, and client collaboration adds complexity, increases administrative effort, and raises the risk of version control issues or security gaps.
The Advantages of Using SmartVault
SmartVault empowers firms to unify document management, automate workflows, and enhance compliance for every part of the practice, all in one secure platform.
Complete Document Management
A single platform that handles every stage of your firm’s document lifecycle — from client onboarding and document collection to delivery, eSignatures, and archiving — across all service lines.
Broad Integration Ecosystem
Connects seamlessly with Intuit Lacerte, ProConnect, ProSeries, QuickBooks, UltraTax CS, Drake, and more, eliminating data silos and ensuring smooth information flow between your tax, accounting, and advisory tools.
Enterprise-Grade Security and Compliance
Advanced encryption, granular access controls, and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance protect your firm and client data throughout the year.
Feature Comparison:
SmartVault vs. SafeSend
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled an updated comparison of SmartVault and SafeSend.
This table highlights key workflow and platform differences across both solutions:
Client Intake Form
Pricing Engine & Quoting
Engagement Letters w/ eSignature
Bulk Send Engagement Letters
Accept Payment
Automated Folder Structure Creation
Customizable Client Organizer
AI-Powered Document Requests
Limited
Secure Document Collection
Cloud-Based 24/7 Access
Unlimited Storage and Clients
OCR of Scanned Documents
Via TR 1040Scan
Integration with Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS
Integrated with Intuit Lacerte
Integrated with Intuit ProSeries
Integrated with Intuit ProConnect
Integration from Gather to Workpaper/Binder
Limited to TR SPbinder
Version Control/History
Custom Branded Portal
Integrated eSignature Workflows
FINRA, SEC, GLBA Compliance Support
SOC 2 Type 2 Compliant
Not Publicly Verified
Granular User Permissions
Limited
Specialized for Accounting
Seasonal Worker Licenses
Understanding the Difference
While SafeSend offers strong tax-specific capabilities, SmartVault provides a comprehensive solution that supports your firm year-round.
SafeSend excels in tax return delivery and processing, offering:
- Streamlined tax return assembly and delivery within the Thomson Reuters ecosystem
- AI-assisted document gathering through Gather AI connected to SPbinder
- User-friendly client interface for reviewing and signing tax documents such as Form 8879
- Built-in eSignature for tax forms and secure tax document exchange
SmartVault delivers complete document management:
- Deep integration with essential accounting and tax software including Intuit Lacerte, ProConnect, ProSeries, QuickBooks, UltraTax CS, Drake, and more
- Enterprise-grade security and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance that protect firm and client data
- Year-round client collaboration tools for tax, bookkeeping, and advisory workflows
- Advanced workflow automation powered by features like SmartRequestAI and SmartRouting
- Customizable, branded client portal for document exchange and eSignatures
Still Using FileCabinet CS? That’s About to Change.
Thomson Reuters is sunsetting FileCabinet CS on December 31, 2027.
But the real problems started long before the sunset notice. Firms are switching to SmartVault now—before they’re forced to.
Issue with FileCabinet CS
100GB storage cap
Manual file naming and routing
No integrated portal or eSignatures
Legacy desktop system—no cloud access
Clients frustrated with NetClient CS
Support ends in 2027
How SmartVault Solves It
Unlimited storage and no per-client fees
SmartRouting from UltraTax CS automates it all
Built-in client portal with DocuSign and auto-filing
100% cloud-native, mobile-ready, work-from-anywhere platform
Clients love SmartVault’s simple, branded portal
Ongoing U.S.-based support with extended hours—no hidden fees
