2019 Review of Scan and Import for Intuit Lacerte and ProSeries

Core Product Functions/Features: 4.5 Stars

Scan and Import access is available from the Lacerte/ProSeries drop down menu by clicking on the Import feature. From the Tax Import feature, users can choose to import data from scanned PDFs as well as from online accounts. The import feature is available at no cost to any firm using the Professional edition of either application and have a Fast Path product license. Tax Scan and Import offers two distinct features, with an import option available as well as a scan option, which is sold separately. Users can easily import data directly from financial institutions including client 1099 forms, along with W-2 statements from both Intuit Payroll and ADP. Users can easily review the accuracy of any document imported by using the Transaction Data Reviewer, which is included in the application. 

Using the Scan feature, users can scan documents, and then import data from the scanned documents directly in a client’s 1040 return. A form reviewer tool is available that enables users to review imported data prior to populating the 1040 form. Users can choose to use the per-form option or purchase an unlimited license.

Paperless Workflow: 4.25 Stars

Users can scan source documents into a PDF or use Lacerte or ProSeries Document Management Systems in order to create the PDF in the best format. Once the PDF is created, users can choose the file and click send to submit to Tax Scan and Import. Most PDF’s submitted are completed in less than 20 minutes, though larger files may take longer. Once a file has been sent for processing, users can view the status of the file. When the file has been processed, a Ready to Import link will be visible next to the submitted file that notifies users that the file is complete and ready to import. Mentioned earlier, all imported data can be reviewed for accuracy, with users clicking on the Mark Form Data as Reviewed box to indicated the file has been checked.

When used with other Lacerte of ProSeries features such as the Document Management feature and the Client Manager feature, users can reduce the need to sift through stacks of papers. A variety of forms are supported in Scan and Import including brokerage statements, W-2s, 1099s, and Schedule K-1, with users able to download both W-2s and 1099s directly from financial institutions.

Integration: 4.25 Stars

Tax Scan and Import integrates with both Lacerte and ProSeries tax applications including the document management module, the client organizer, and the tax folders. The product also integrates with numerous financial institutions, Intuit Payroll, ADP Payroll, and also integrates with SmartVault and Document Management System, along with Intuit Link, which allows clients to easily share source documents in a secure manner. 

Help/Support/Training: 4.75 Stars

Both Lacerte and ProSeries offer toll-free telephone support, with all support costs included in the cost of the product. Additional support resources are available from the Intuit ProConnect website, with community support, a customer corner, alerts and trending topics, and a searchable knowledgebase available for both Lacerte and ProSeries applications. A Getting Started option is also available for new users and users can access their account, orders, and billing status from the website. A training portal is available, and both Lacerte and ProSeries can automatically convert prior year tax data from current tax preparation software. 

Summary & Pricing

Tax and Scan, available in both ProSeries and Lacerte Intuit is best suited for small to mid-sized accounting and CPA firms. The product offers scanning, importing, and binder creation, as well as easy importing of important year-end tax documents from a variety of financial institutions and applications. The form import feature is included at no additional charge for that currently have a Fast Path license and use the professional version of either Lacerte or ProSeries. The scan and import functions are priced separately, with users able to pay on a per-return basis at $10.00 per created form, or purchase the unlimited license, which currently runs $1,733. 

2019 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars