Convert prior year tax return in pdf to ProConnect

[ABMbookkeeping]

Hi, my name is Anthony. I recently started a business doing tax returns and bookkeeping services from scratch. There is one hold up I have with Pro Connect and that is converting prior tax returns done in other tax software to Pro Connect. Since I do not have access to the prior tax software files, it would be beneficial to me if I could scan a prior year tax return for a new client to PDF and then convert/upload it to Pro Connect. This would save anyone an enormous amount of time from having to put everything in, including names addresses, DOB, etc. I believe there should be a way since we can import W-2s and 1099s already. Thanks.

[IRonMaN]

If the software has the ability to scan and import everything, why in the world would someone need to pay you for your services?

[ABMbookkeeping]

They still need our expertise with various tax changes, etc. There is no difference when clients switch between accountants with one using Drake and the other using Ultra Tax. When a client comes in, they only have their prior year return, usually a hard copy, from the prior accountant. Typically, you would have someone set up the client in the new software and then do the return. If there was a way to upload their prior year return to preload the basic information, prior year carryovers, and AGI, that would save time and money which equals efficiency. Even if it takes only 15 minutes to input manually one new client, but it only takes 5 minutes to upload the same information you saved 10 minutes of your time. Now multiply the saved 10 minutes times 6 new clients and you save yourself or staff an hour of labor costs. They already have the ability to scan and upload a W2 using Pro Connect. All you have to do is check the information and make sure its correct. Intuit Turbo Tax already has some of that ability already, why can't accountants have the same advantage.

[IntuitGabi]

Thanks for the idea. We are changing the status to "Open for voting" since it has been around for over 30 days and no longer considered "New". If you have any questions on the life cycle of an idea, check out our Idea Getting Started Guide for more information.