2012 Review of CCH Small Firm Services — PaperlessPLUS

PaperlessPLUS integrates with Microsoft Outlook to send e-mails to clients with a few simple clicks. If Outlook is not installed, e-mails can be sent using SMTP. PaperlessPLUS automatically password protects e-mail attachments. However, it does not contain any portal integration.

Unique among the products reviewed, PaperlessPLUS has a built-in integration with Topaz electronic signature pads. These may be a great convenience because the taxpayer, spouse and preparer can simply sign the electronic pad with a stylus (similar to those used by credit card processing machines) instead of having to print off signature pages such as an 8879. The signature images can then be resized and dragged to the correct places on the tax forms within PaperlessPLUS. The Topaz electronic signature pads are not included with PaperlessPLUS, but they are available to PaperlessPLUS customers at a discounted rate.

Help/Support/Training - 4 Stars

Upon purchasing PaperlessPLUS, new users are scheduled for a required webinar to learn proper scanning techniques and program functionality. CCH Small Firm Services also offers custom training for users with unique demands for implementing a paperless office.

PaperlessPLUS has a good built-in Help menu that explains all of the menu and toolbar items, as well as a guide to using the program. Free technical support is available Monday through Saturday with extended hours during tax season.

After installing PaperlessPLUS, the clients and data used in the Scan&Fill and Document Manager programs may be converted for use in PaperlessPLUS. Program updates are automatic; the user will be prompted to install a newer version when available.

Pricing

The list prices for PaperlessPLUS and PaperlessPLUS Premier are $490 and $790, respectively, for unlimited usage. Additional fees apply for network licenses. Interested users can evaluate the product free for 30 days with Premier functionality.

2012 Overall Rating: 3.75