Tax Workflow automation recommendations

[Kathleen1]

Has anyone here heard of or used Truss for tax workflow automation. https://gettruss.io/ We currently use Lacerte and SmartVault but are exploring AI capabilities that would make document collection and tracking easier.

[Karl]

I've heard of it, but haven't used it. I'm wary of the claim "Foolproof" on their website. The old adage applies: make something foolproof and they'll just invent a better fool. 😜

It will always come down to clients paying attention and reading. Even going off of the prior year returns, clients will still answer prompts wrong (did you change jobs, is there a 1099-DIV/B from this account this year, etc.). Garbage in, garbage out.

I think it could be a useful tool, but just be wary of it overpromising.

[Kathleen1]

Appreciate your input.  I tend to be a skeptic and over check, so I totally agree with you. You're actually the first person who said they've hear of it, other than the second hand recommendation I received from someone else.

[TaxGuyBill]

I haven't used or experimented with Truss.

But from what I've seen, those automated AI  programs to collect information are training our clients to use DIY software, such as TurddoTax.  If the AI is asking a million questions, it is essentially the same thing as a DIY program.

If you want to train your clients to use DIY programs like TurddoTax, fine, use an IA program like that.  If you want to keep your client and provide good service, personally, I would avoid AI programs like that.

[Kathleen1]

We're looking at it as possibly a way to save the wasted time going back and forth trying to get the needed documents from the client and reminding them what is still missing.  That way when we begin the prep and review we have most of what we need.

[TaxGuyBill]

In my opinion, you'll save a lot of time because your clients will be using DIY programs instead of coming to you.

Most clients come to you for your personal contact and your experience.  If you reduce or eliminate that personal contact, in my opinion some (or many) are likely to use DIY programs (that you have trained them how to use).

[Kathleen1]

I don't see how that would be the case, as this is just a document collection tool.  It should also automatically convert jpeg's to pdf's, so we're not fighitng with their jpeg's.  Once everything is uploaded It produces a pdf of all their documents, which we would then input into our tax software.  They are not entering their data to be imported, as I don't trust the clients input.  We would still call the client to discuss questions and results and planning for the next years estimates.

[TaxGuyBill]

Great, I misunderstood what that website did for you.  Some of those automated document collection tools ask a million questions and wants every detail, and is almost like TurddoTax preparing you client's tax return.