2015 Review of Intuit Lacerte and ProSeries Scan and Import

Strengths

• A two-stage optical character recognition function increases data reliability
• The ability to directly download W-2 and 1099 data electronically from the financial institutions and payroll service providers that issued them
• Review feature streamlines data verification
• Various pricing options, including per-return, bundled and unlimited

Potential Limitations

• Integrates only with Lacerte and ProSeries tax and the document management systems in those tax programs

Tax Scan and Import is a module for firms using the ProSeries and Lacerte tax preparation systems, offering the ability to scan in client documents, with the system then using optical character recognition (OCR) to determine which forms were scanned, and then pulling the appropriate client data from each. Following an accuracy check, the system can then automatically input the data into a client’s return.

The Tax Scan and Import module has a unique feature compared to the other systems in this review, in that it includes integration with dozens of financial institutions and payroll service providers. This speeds up the process of obtaining client source documents, and also helps improve data accuracy, since no scanning of paper documents is required.

Core Product Functions/Features: 4.5 Stars

Tax San and Import is a cloud-based service that users access via links in Lacerte and ProSeries. The system opens up via user-friendly screens that guide the user through the process of selecting a client, then scanning and importing the client’s documents. The features are automatically available if a firm decides to try the system during tax season, with instant access and no program downloads or installation processes.

The Import function (from financial institutions) is available at no additional cost to firms with a Fast Path license, which is the bundle firms get, with efile fees, network access, and other services included. The Scan feature can be used on a per-return basis or via prepaid bundles. When working with the tax system (ProSeries or Lacerte), users can access previously scanned in documents and those that have been imported from financial institutions. The system includes built-in security with use bank-level encryption on all client data. No client logins or identifying data is stored in the program.

Paperless Workflow: 4.25 Stars

When the user scans in client documents and submits them to the secure online server hosted by Intuit, the program produces a set of PDF workpapers that are organized, bookmarked and highlighted. Users can edit or annotate these through the ProSeries and Lacerte Document Management Systems. The PDF workpapers are completed within less than 20 minutes after uploading the scanned documents. The system supports form W-2, W-2G, various versions of 1099, 1098 and K-1, as well as consolidated brokerage statements.

Tax Scan can read data from most common IRS forms, as well as from consolidated brokerage statements. The system includes a Transaction Data Reviewer feature to ensure and edit documents in Microsoft Excel format prior to importing it into a client’s return in ProSeries or Lacerte. Users can view source documents and the data sheet on a side-by-side screen, along with proforma information from the prior year, if available. Within the client tax return, data that has been imported is highlighted in green to make it easy to verify.

Integration: 4.5 Stars

Tax Import directly integrates with Lacerte and ProSeries, and the document management systems for each, it does not integrate with other tax systems. The financial institution integration and data import function streamlines data entry and accuracy. The program uses Excel spreadsheets for data review.

Help/Support/Training: 4.5 Stars

User help functions are accessed through the tax system (ProSeries or Lacerte). Online support is available through the Intuit Resource Center, which offers how-tos, short videos, FAQs, user documentation and an online user community. Phone and web-based live support is included with the tax programs. Via Intuit’s website, users have given the system a 4.6 out of 5 star rating.

Summary & Pricing

ProSeries and Lacerte Scan and Import streamlines tax data entry two ways: By allowing users to scan in client documents, which are then processed into PDF tax workpapers with bookmarks and links; and via the financial institution import functions, which can pull W-2 and 1099 information instantly via secure integration.

The system can be used on a per-return basis or firms can purchase multiple usage for a discount. Pricing for up to 25 returns is $199 (about $8 per return). Up to 50 returns is $399; 150 returns is $999; and an unlimited use license is $1,499.

2015 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars