What is the Best Self-Assessment Tax Software for Accountants?

 With the deadline for self-assessment tax fast approaching, it’s the busiest time of the year for accountants. Many accountants use the latest tax software to help make processing their clientsself-assessment taxes that bit easier.

With the right self-assessment tax software, accounts can streamline processes to increase efficiency, saving a lot time of valuable time during this hectic period.

However, with a massive selection of self-assessment tax software available for accountants, many find it difficult to choose the best software for their needs. Whether you are a self-employed accountant or part of an accountant firm, finding the best self-assessment tax software significantly increases productivity, which in turn leads to increased profits for your business.

Here’s some advice for finding the best self-assessment tax software for accountants:

Cloud Software is Worth Investing In

Cloud-bases self-assessment tax software is usually a better choice than desktop software. If you’ve yet to use cloud-based software you are only limiting yourself, as this newer technology provides countless benefits for accountants completing self-assessment tax returns.

For example, cloud based self-assessment tax software saves a huge amount of time by automating various tasks and reports, while the ability to connect to the software from any device with an internet connection means you can get a lot of work done no matter where you are.

Because the software is always connected to the cloud, updates are automatically installed, there is no risk of downtime, while all data is backed up and more securely stored. As most software providers provide bespoke software packages, you can get a cloud-based product that meets your own requirements.

Desktop Software Remains a Good Option

While cloud-based software is a fantastic product for accountants, it’s not necessarily the best choice for every business or individual. Desktop software is still popular within the industry, especially as an upgrade from spreadsheet-based systems, so it may be right for you.

For instance, if you’re a single accountant working from home you may not require all the features from a cloud-bases system. Sometimes desktop software has all the features you need to complete self-assessment tax returns while it’s often a cheaper option, so be sure to consider what features you need and what software offers the most value for money.

Identify What Features You Require

There isn’t a single best self-assessment tax software for accountants because every accountant has their own unique requirements.

Do you want automated reports to summarise all data from each return? Do you require a single or several user accounts to access the software? Would a built-in task reminder before submission help reduce errors and keep clients happy?

There are many features available from various software vendors, so it’s always worth weighing up the types of functions you want from the software to ensure you get something suitable. Consider software that is user-friendly and has HRMC guidance notes to ensure all processes are up to date.

Usability is Always Important

There is no point buying new tax software that is difficult to use, otherwise it won’t be saving you any time! Improved productivity is one of the key advantages of self-assessment tax software, so you want to choose software that makes processes easier and more streamlined.

User guides, video demonstrations and an intuitive user interface help in this regard, so be sure to research software to see what measures they take to increase usability. Technical support is always good too, as this ensures you’ll get the necessary assistance if needed!