Simplifying Tax Season-Exclusive: Tech Stack Guide for Our Valued Clients

As we enter tax season this year, having a clear understanding of the tools and platforms you’ll interact with can make the entire process smoother. At Joshua Jordan CPA Inc, we’ve fine-tuned our tech stack to improve communication, keep your sensitive data secure, and prepare your tax returns in a timely manner. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key platforms we’re using this year, how they work, and what you can expect.

Streamlined Communication Tools

Email for Asynchronous Communication

For general updates, notifications, and project-related communication that doesn’t require immediate responses, we rely on email. This allows us to send out:

• News and updates that impact all clients.
• Notifications specific to your tax projects.
• Asynchronous communication for non-urgent matters.

Using email ensures you have the flexibility to respond at your convenience.

Zoom for Face-to-Face Conversations

When topics require more detailed discussion—like tax advice, goal setting, or complex questions—we’ll schedule a Zoom meeting. Video conferencing allows for real-time, back-and-forth communication that’s faster and more effective than email.

How to Schedule a Zoom Meeting: You’ll receive a link via email to book a time slot that works best for you. We use Acuity Scheduling to manage these appointments. Simply click the link, select a time, and you’re all set!

Secure File Transfers and Collaboration

Financial Cents: Your Secure Portal

For secure file transfers and document sharing, we’re continuing to use Financial Cents. Here’s what you can expect from this platform:

• Upload tax-related documents securely.
• Access tax organizers for business tax returns, including partnerships and corporate returns.
• View document request lists and upload files for business tax returns.

We’ll also use Financial Cents to upload final tax return PDFs, so you can download and review them easily.

Tax Organizers Made Simple

Stanford Tax: A Mobile-Friendly Solution for Individuals

This year, we’ve introduced Stanford Tax for individual tax returns. This platform offers a user-friendly, mobile-optimized experience, making it easier than ever to:

• Complete your tax organizer.
• Fill out the questionnaire for your personal tax returns.
• Upload your tax documents and see which ones you still need to track down.

You’ll receive an email invitation with a link to start your organizer on Stanford Tax.

Annual Paperwork and Proposals

Ignition for Proposals and Engagement Letters

We’re using Ignition to send out service proposals, engagement letters, disclosure forms, and other annual paperwork. Look out for email messages from us with a link to review and sign your forms.

Tax Preparation and Filing Tools

CCH Access Tax

On our end, we’ll continue to use CCH Access Tax to prepare and file your tax returns this year. While this tool is primarily used by our team, there are a few occasions where you might interact with it:

• Viewing finalized tax returns (accessible as PDFs via Financial Cents).
• E-signing tax returns through a knowledge-based authentication process.

What to Expect with E-Signatures:

• You’ll receive an email prompting you to verify your identity and e-sign your return.
• If the knowledge-based authentication doesn’t work, don’t worry! We’ll resend the link or provide a manual alternative by uploading the signature form as a PDF to Financial Cents.

Pro Tip for a Smooth Tax Season

If you’ve bookmarked older portal links, please update them to the latest resources. Click the Client Login link on our website to access the current portal

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Tech Stack

Q: What happens if I can’t e-sign my tax return using knowledge-based authentication?

A: If the e-signature process doesn’t work, we’ll send it again for you to try. If it still doesn’t work, we’ll switch to a manual process by uploading the signature form as a PDF for you to download, sign, and upload back to us.

Q: Where do I upload my tax documents?

A: For individual tax returns, upload your documents to Stanford Tax. For other tax returns (partnerships, corporations, trusts/estates, gift),  uploads will take place in Financial Cents. 

Q: Can I use Google Meet instead of Zoom for meetings?

A: No, we’re exclusively using Zoom for video conferencing this year.

Final Thoughts

Our current tech stack is designed to enhance your experience, streamline communication, and keep your sensitive information secure. 

If you have any questions about these tools or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll do our best to troubleshoot and get you un-stuck!