This could change. Internet packages such as Avalara, SpeedTax and CCH’s CorpSales Tax Online make tracking the changes enacted by thousands of jurisdictions much easier.
Granted, most applications are still geared to the corporate tax user. But there’s no reason why smaller public tax and accounting firms can’t get more involved in keeping clients grateful by keeping them out of trouble. It’s something of a “pay-me-now-or-pay-them-later” approach.
But that’s really one of the main functions accountants play to begin win.
In fact, SpeedTax, which thought most CPAs would be interested in its Manager Core product, is finding more interest in its Manager Pro online application, which enables them to make sure clients are in compliance and to file taxes. Some, of course, would rather not do the filing.
However, with any of the products mentioned here, there seems to be a great opportunity to provide the same kind of review that most firms already provide in 1040, 1065 and 1120/1120S returns.
Everyone agrees that as sales and use tax receipts drop, and as consumers shift spending from other goods to pay for fuel, governmental units are going to ramp up tax audits.
And why not keep clients out of trouble?
