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.
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 | | |
| Engagement Letters with eSignature | | |
| 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 | | |
| 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 | | 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) | | |
| Unlimited Guest Users | | |
| Configurable Notifications | | |
| Send Password-Protected Files Via Email | | |
| Integrated Payment Collection | | |
| Mobile Access | | Limited |
| Reliable (~100% Uptime) | | |
| SOC 2 Compliant | | |
| FINRA, SEC, GLBA Compliant | | |
| Specialized for Accounting | | |
| Backup and Recovery | | |
| Activity Tracking and Audit Logs | | |
Gather Ideas on How to Make Your Business Run More Efficiently
See SmartVault in Action
Book a 15-minute demo to see exactly how SmartVault can work for your business.
See A Demo