If you’re thinking about updating your firm’s professional tax software, the ideal time to do it is well ahead of tax season. Changing your tax software in the middle of tax season can create chaos at the most inopportune time.
Why change your professional tax software?
There’s an old adage that goes: “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” Many accountants and tax preparation firms try to apply this to everything, including software systems. With software, though, something that worked reasonably well in the past can quickly be superseded by a much better alternative. The old software still works, in the sense of being more or less functional. In the years since the organization adopted it, however, it may have become unwieldy and inadequate, no longer appropriate for the needs of a growing and changing business.
Outdated and inefficient tax software brings with it a number of issues. Firstly, it may take more time to use that newer, more appropriate software. There’s often a steep learning curve when new staff is brought on. The inductee has to grapple with non-intuitive interfaces, memorize keyboard shortcuts, and learn workarounds for software deficiencies. Entering new information can be laborious and time-consuming. Errors can start to crop up as the older software is asked to cope with too many files or because manual changes are overlooked.
Technology always moves forward, and burgeoning companies can quickly outgrow software systems. The larger your company becomes, the more complex your tax situation is, and the more demands will be placed on your tax software. That’s why it can be useful to evaluate your current software and decide whether you might want to upgrade to a new system.
Why change before the tax season?
The run-up to the end of the tax year tends to be a busy time for accounts departments. Adding to their usual burdens by introducing a new software system is a recipe for disaster. In a rush to compile all the relevant data, check documentation and finalize reports, it’s too easy for errors to creep in. Without sufficient time for thorough checks and careful monitoring, records can be lost during the transfer process. Duplicate entries may be created; incorrect figures may be entered; many possible issues can arise.
Staff also need time and training to get to grips with the new software. Even the most intuitive, easy-to-use tax software will require a period of adjustment. Staff who were power users of the old software may find that it takes a frustratingly long time to reach a similar level of expertise with the new package. This is particularly true when the system has more features and capabilities than the old one.
Choosing new professional tax software
When you’re ready to take the plunge and update your tax software, you’ll need to find quality software that comes with plenty of support. Sigma Tax Pro offers web-based and desktop demos, allowing you to explore all its features before deciding to buy.
With Sigma Tax Pro you’ll also get expert support, beginning even before you adopt the software. As a prospective customer, you’ll receive prompt and professional replies to all of your email queries. Once you’ve adopted Sigma Tax Pro, you’ll reap the benefits of outstanding customer service agents. During tax season, Sigma Tax Pro’s office hours are extended, and customer service agents are on standby, ensuring that urgent queries are resolved swiftly.
Adopting new software well before the beginning of tax season ensures that all your records are transferred seamlessly and that all your staff knows their way around the latest software. Find out how changing your professional tax software could help your accountancy or tax preparation business.