2020 Review of CCH SureTax Calc

From the 2020 reviews of sales tax compliance systems.

CCH SureTax Calc from Wolters Kluwer is part of the SureTax suite of applications which along with SureTax Calc include SureTax ECM, SureTax Integration, SureTax Returns, and SureTax Rates & Rules. SureTax Calc can be used as a stand-alone application or in conjunction with other SureTax modules.

SureTax Calc, like all other SureTax modules is available as a SaaS subscription and is a good fit for businesses of any size as well as accounting professionals using other CCH or SureTax applications.

CCH SureTax Calc rates are sourced from more than 10,000 U.S. jurisdictions and cover more than 1,200 items. CCH monitors all daily and weekly publications for the latest rate changes and adjustments, so users will always have access to the most recent data available.

CCH SureTax Calc’s newly updated user dashboard features an interactive map of the U.S., with users able to click on the state where they wish to start. A newly enhanced menu system has been added as well, allowing users to easily locate any of the features available in the application, including Administration, Configuration, Transactions, Reports, and Returns. Users will also have access to summary cards which provide information such as Added This Month, Line Items, Certificate Warnings, and This Month totals, which update as a new return is calculated. CCH SureTax Calc has also reduced the number of data entry screens required by 30 percent, while also standardizing the user interface across the application.

SureTax Calc is completely customizable, making it easy to calculate more complex tax calculations including tax holidays. The application also allows users to configure specific business rules, nexus, and customize tax exemptions when necessary.

Search capability has also been updated in SureTax Calc, with users able to use a variety of parameters when searching the application including Customers, Areas, Quotes, SureAddress, Tax Applicability, and Transactions, with data in fields such as invoice number, transaction number, customer number, or transaction date range able to be used for search purposes as well.

Importing transactions has been updated as well, with SureTax Calc able to import a variety of data including a batch file, customer exemption certificates, locations, pass-through tax overrides, and SKUs.

Once a transaction has been entered into SureTax Calc, users have the option to review the transaction as well as view the actual calculation to ensure accuracy.

CCH SureTax offers seamless integration with a variety of applications including Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, Magento, SAP, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud.  Although CCH SureTax Calc can be used as a stand-alone application, when used with other SureTax applications such as Rates and Rules and Returns it can easily calculate the correct tax as well as create complete sales tax returns. As an added safeguard, SureTax Calc offers built-in address verification, automatically verifying every address entered in the application.

CCH SureTax Calc offers a solid selection of standard reports, with the option to customize reports available. Users can easily run federal, state, and local tax jurisdiction reports, applying the necessary filters when running a report. Reports can also be scheduled to run automatically using the Report Scheduler option, with users able to choose between weekly and monthly reporting options. In addition, all reports in CCH SureTax Calc can be exported to Microsoft Excel for further customization or saved as a PDF for easy sharing.

CCH SureTax Calc offers seamless integration with numerous ERP and online shopping cart platforms. The application is designed to work behind the scenes, automatically calculating taxes as transactions are being processed.  Currently, CCH SureTax Calc integrates with Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, SAP, Magento, and Salesforce, with other integrations available as well.

CCH-Wolters Kluwer offers a good selection of help and support resources including the recently updated help section, which provides screen level support. Users also have access to white papers, videos and webinars, and eBooks and infographics. CCH SureTax Calc support personnel are able to assist in initial product setup to ensure accuracy. Toll-free support is available during regular business hours, with chat and email support options offered as well.

CCH SureTax Calc from Wolters Kluwer is a good fit for accounting firms processing client sales tax returns. The application can also be used by businesses to automatically track sales tax behind the scenes. While CCH SureTax Calc can be used as a stand-alone application, when used with other CCH SureTax modules such as CCH SureTax ECM for certificate management, CCH SureTax Integration for integration with an unlimited number of ERP or ecommerce platforms, and CCH SureTax Returns, CCH SureTax Calc offers complete sales tax management from initial transaction to submitting returns. Those interested in CCH SureTax Calc should visit the vendor’s website to for more information or to request a demo.    

2020 Rating: 4.75 Stars

Strengths:

• Newly enhanced interface
• Solid integration with a variety of applications
• Tax rates updated weekly

Potential Limitations:

• Complicated product setup
• Performs better when coupled with other CCH SureTax applications