How We Compare
How SmartVault Compares to SafeSend
When choosing between SmartVault and SafeSend, it’s important to consider your firm’s complete needs – not just during tax season, but year-round. While SafeSend offers strong tax-specific capabilities, SmartVault provides a comprehensive solution that grows with your practice.
Understanding the Difference
SafeSend excels in tax return delivery and processing, offering:
- Streamlined tax return assembly and delivery
- User-friendly client interface for tax document review
- Built-in eSignature for tax forms like Form 8879
- Secure tax document exchange
SmartVault delivers complete document management:
- Deep integration with essential software (ProConnect, ProSeries, QuickBooks, Lacerte, UltraTax CS, and more)
- Bank-grade security and compliance features
- Year-round client collaboration tools
- Advanced workflow automation
- Customizable branded client portal
The Hidden Costs of SafeSend
While SafeSend efficiently handles tax workflows, consider these limitations:
Restrictive Functionality
Limited scope focuses primarily on tax processes, leaving gaps in year-round document management needs.
Integration Challenges
Lack of integration with popular accounting software like Intuit ProSeries, ProConnect, and QuickBooks limits its usefulness outside of tax season.
Workflow Complexity
Creating separate systems for tax and non-tax work increases complexity and potential for errors.
The Advantages of SmartVault
SmartVault is a complete solution, supporting your firm’s needs year-round.
Versatile DMS
Comprehensive document management system covers all aspects of your practice, not just tax season.
Extensive Integration
Integrates with a wide range of accounting and tax software, including Intuit ProConnect, ProSeries, Lacerte, and QuickBooks, as well as UltraTax CS and more.
Robust Security Features
Advanced security features and compliance support keep your practice protected year-round.
Feature by Feature Comparison: SmartVault vs. SafeSend
See how SmartVault and SafeSend measure up across key features that matter most to accounting firms.
 | SafeSend | |
|---|---|---|
| Client Intake Form |  |  |
| Pricing Engine & Quoting | | |
| Engagement Letters w/ eSignature | | |
| Ability to Bulk Send Engagement Letters | | |
| Accept Payment | | |
| Automated Folder Structure Creation | | |
| Customizable Client Organizer | | |
| Secure Document Collection | | |
| Cloud-Based 24/7 Access | | |
| Unlimited Storage and Clients | | |
| OCR of Scanned Documents | | |
| Integration with Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS | | |
| Integrated with Intuit Lacerte | | |
| Integrated with Intuit ProSeries | | |
| Intuit ProConnect Integration (2025) | | |
| Version Control/History | | |
| Custom Branded Portal | | |
| Integrated eSignature Workflows | | |
| FINRA, SEC, GLBA Compliance Support | | |
| SOC 2 Compliant | | |
| Granular User Permissions | | |
| Specialized for Accounting | | |
| Seasonal Worker Licenses | | |
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.
SmartVault: The Complete Solution
SmartVault creates opportunities for efficiency and growth across various aspects of your firm's daily operations.
Streamlined Tax Season and Return Processing
SmartVault automates document organization, sorting client source documents into predefined folders upon upload. From 1040s and 8300s to Schedules A, you can create request lists to automatically request source docs based on client or engagement type. Send clients their tax return to review and eSign, saving the final return in their vault for compliant, long-term storage and easy access. Integration with tax software like UltraTax CS and Intuit products automatically route completed returns to the correct client folder, reducing manual steps, human errors, and security risks. This comprehensive approach saves hours, reduces risks of misplaced files, and enables proactive follow-ups for smoother workflows.
Efficient Client Onboarding and Management
SmartVault simplifies new client onboarding with templated engagement letters, routing for eSignatures, and secure collection of necessary documentation like SEC Filings through custom intake forms. Clients can access a branded, 24/7 portal to securely view and download important documents. Automatic notifications for new document uploads reduce client inquiries. This streamlined process significantly cuts onboarding time, allowing billable work to start sooner and enhancing overall client service.
Seamless Remote Collaboration and Mobile Productivity
With secure cloud access, team members can review and edit documents in real-time, maintaining a clear audit trail of all changes and ensuring they’re working on the latest version. SmartVault locks files to prevent simultaneous editors. Accountants can review, edit, and share documents from their mobile devices during client meetings or while traveling. This eliminates version control issues, speeds up project completion, and ensures work continues smoothly regardless of team members’ locations or devices.
Comprehensive Document Management and Compliance
SmartVault’s system makes audit preparation stress-free with all client communications, work papers, and final deliverables securely stored and easily searchable. Detailed audit trails and reports can be generated with a few clicks. Built-in security features help meet various regulatory requirements (IRS 4557, Federal Trade Commission, etc.) without additional effort. This ensures readiness for regulatory reviews and simplifies compliance management.
Scalable Practice Growth and Paperless Transition
As firms grow, SmartVault grows with them, offering unlimited storage and client capacity. Standardized folder structures and workflow automations ensure consistency when adding new staff or clients. It supports firms in going 100% paperless, reducing physical storage needs and improving document accessibility. This scalability maintains efficiency as the practice expands – just ask Nick Boscia, who doubled his client base while working less hours.
Elevating Client Experience
Clients can securely upload documents, view and download tax returns or financial statements, and collaborate with your team through the 24/7 secure portal. The user-friendly interface enables clients to complete and sign documents electronically, eliminating the need for printing, scanning, or in-person meetings. Automatic notifications keep clients informed of new uploads or pending tasks, reducing back-and-forth communication.
What Our Customers Say
SmartVault has become a one-stop place for storage, portals, encrypted email, auto-filing, electronic signatures, and proposals. I would highly recommend SmartVault to others…who want to modernize their practice and provide an exceptional client experience.Carolle Ryan Liberty Tax Service
We were doing about 700 tax returns. Now we're more than double that at about 1,800. We would have never been able to do that without improving our communication with our clients on a mass scale.Nick Boscia Boscia & Boscia P.C.
SmartVault helps us provide personalized services to our clients, increase collaboration, and create stability and security in our workflows.Diane Curtis Affiliated Financial Services
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