Embracing new cloud technology during the busiest time of the year—tax season—might be the smartest decision you make in 2024. It may seem counterintuitive, but stay with me.
From my discussions with advisors, I’ve noticed a stark difference between two groups: those who harness the power of cloud technology and those who don't. The difference? One group is stressed, while the other is not.
The sheer volume of work during tax season is a major stressor. One significant and often overlooked factor that exacerbates this stress is your clients' promptness in providing source documents. Without your clients’ documents, you’re left making calls, waiting around, and rescheduling appointments. Some advisors even resort to sending bike messengers to collect their clients’ documents!
Thankfully, this is a solvable issue, thanks to cloud-based document automation software. You might be thinking, "I hear you, but let’s wait until after tax season. I don’t have time to set up new software." Stick with me.
Using new software during tax season sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Let’s clear up some common misconceptions about modern cloud software.
“It’s going to take forever to set up”
Conventional software required extensive implementation. However, with cloud software like Zapier Desk, all you have to do is create an account, and you’re ready to go.
“I’ll have to spend money on a sophisticated machine to run new software”
Cloud software is built for convenience. You can access it with any device anywhere with an Internet connection, which is practically everywhere these days. No more costly hardware upgrades!
“I’ll need specialized knowledge for day-to-day operation and maintenance”
Cloud software is designed with the user in mind. Frequent upgrades are rolled out automatically, and downtime is virtually non-existent. There’s no need for complex coding or certification courses!
Now that you’re (hopefully) past your initial apprehensions about new software, let’s discuss why implementing document automation software will be the best decision you make this tax season.
1. It Saves Time and Money by Eliminating Back-and-Forth with Clients
Go paperless with all your clients' bills and receipts stored together online. Clients can email, take a photo with their mobile app, or scan their documents into Zapier Desk. Gone are the days of the dreaded shoebox at year-end! Condense catch-up work by collecting and storing client documents in one place.
2. You Have the Documents You Need, When You Need Them
Documents are filed in their respective folders the day they are uploaded. Looking for that invoice from mid-2022? No more digging in that file cabinet. All your documents are in one searchable location. Save time by engaging in consistent bank reconciliation throughout the year, rather than letting it pile up during tax season.
3. It Reduces the Amount of Data Entry Through Automation
Integrations with accounting platforms like QBO and Xero allow you to automate the creation of entries. This creates efficiencies that reduce the time you spend entering routine data. Having more time during tax season is a lifesaver because you can focus on producing quality work for your clients when they most need it.
Accountants and bookkeepers who are on top of tax season have leveraged the power of cloud-based software to cut their tax season stress. Now, you can too.
Cloud-based software like Zapier Desk makes everything easier. When cloud software works together, you get an unparalleled increase in productivity. For example, Xero Platinum partner BookKeeping Express reduced document collection time by 25% using Zapier Desk. This efficiency makes every client touch more meaningful and productive.
Zapier Desk not only helps with document collection but also offers a range of features that make your workflow more efficient:
Simplified Onboarding Process
Zapier Desk streamlines the customer onboarding process by automating document handling. Prospective clients can easily submit documents such as proof of identity, address verification, financial records, and ownership details for assets they wish to insure. This streamlined automation expedites the onboarding procedure while reducing the likelihood of human errors, thereby enhancing overall customer satisfaction with a more seamless and dependable experience.
Enhanced Accuracy in Asset Valuation
Accurately assessing the value of insured assets is crucial. Manual review of documents can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Zapier Desk's data extraction technology eliminates these pitfalls by automating the process, ensuring precise valuations and appropriate coverage levels.
Improved Claims Processing Efficiency
Claims processing is a document-intensive aspect of the insurance industry. Data extraction technology from Zapier Desk streamlines this intricate process by automatically identifying, classifying, and extracting pertinent information from submitted documents. This automation accelerates the claims processing timeline and significantly reduces the potential for errors.
Handling Complex Cases with Advanced Features
Zapier Desk’s insurance data extraction solutions include advanced features such as language detection and automatic currency conversion. This enables seamless processing of complex claims without extensive manual effort.
If this interests you, come check out Zapier Desk. Getting started is easy. Create an account, connect Zapier Desk to your desired suppliers, and you’re done. In a few minutes, you’ll have your clients’ documents right in front of you. You’ll save hours and stop tax season stress in its tracks.
Embrace the power of cloud technology with Zapier Desk and transform your tax season into a more manageable, efficient, and stress-free experience. Contact a Zapier Desk expert today to learn more about implementing this software into your operations.