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.

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The Hidden Costs of CCH Axcess Document

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.

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.

Learn more about our Services

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.

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.

		CCH Axcess Document
Transparent Pricing
Custom, Digital Client Intake Form
Pricing Engine
Engagement Letters with eSignature
Ability to Bulk Send Engagement Letters
Customizable Proposal Templates
Automated Folder Structure 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
Cloud-Based 24/7 Access
Unlimited Cloud Storage
Customizable Folder Structures
Customizable Folder Structures
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		CCH Suite Only
Seasonal Worker Licenses
Included Custom Client Portal
Secure File Sharing
Real-Time Staff Collaboration
Multi-Channel Client Communication
eSignature Workflow (incl. 8878/8879)
Signed Docs Routed to Client Folder Automatically
Unlimited Guest Users
Configurable Notifications
Send Password-Protected Files Via Email
Integrated Payment Collection
Mobile Access		Limited