SmartVault is a cloud-based document management system and client portal. It lets a firm gather, store, share and eSign documents with staff and clients in one secure place. The company says it has operated since 2008 and builds the product mainly for accounting and tax firms.
The company describes it as more than file storage, with a DMS at the core. It reports more than 3 million users, over 500 million stored documents and 30,000+ accounting and tax professionals.
How does SmartVault work?
SmartVault organizes work around five stages: Engage, Collect, Prep & Review, Deliver and Archive. Firms send engagement letters, request documents from clients, collect signatures, deliver returns and keep files for audit, all inside one system.
Clients use a branded portal for self-serve access. Integrations with tax software such as Lacerte and ProConnect let documents move from preparation to delivery with fewer manual uploads, according to the site.
Key features of SmartVault
Every plan includes unlimited cloud storage, unlimited clients and external collaborators, a custom branded portal, document requests and tracking, password-protected sharing, mobile access, file versioning, email capture, full text search, activity logs and user permission controls. A Connected Desktop App gives faster access to cloud files.
Further tools include eSignature and form approvals, SmartProposal for pricing and proposals, and SmartRequestAI for AI-powered document requests. SmartRequestAI bundles are sold separately. The company also states SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and IRS 4557 and FTC Safeguards alignment.
Key Features
Cloud document management — Unlimited cloud-based storage with a centralized document repository, full text search, file versioning, email capture and activity logs.
Branded client portal — A custom branded portal where clients can share documents, answer requests and collaborate, with unlimited clients and external collaborators.
Document collection and requests — Request, track and receive client documents in one workspace. SmartRequestAI adds AI-powered requests as a separately sold bundle.
eSignature and form approvals — Collect signatures on tax documents, engagement letters and approvals. Accounting Unlimited adds unlimited eSignatures, KBAs and PDF form fillers.
File sharing and access controls — Encrypted document exchange with customizable permissions, password-protected file sharing and user permission controls.
Security and compliance — The company states SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and alignment with IRS 4557 and FTC Safeguards requirements. Accounting Unlimited includes Compliance Vault with WISP templates.
Tax prep workflow automation — A connected workflow that spans client engagement, document collection, prep and review, delivery and archive, plus bulk print of organizers and returns.
SmartProposal — Price, propose and get paid inside SmartVault. It is included in Accounting Pro and Accounting Unlimited.
Connected Desktop App and mobile access — A desktop app for fast access to cloud documents, plus mobile-enabled access from any device.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Built around accounting and tax workflows, from engagement through archive
Direct integrations with Intuit Lacerte, ProConnect and ProSeries
Unlimited storage, clients and external collaborators on every plan
Public per-user pricing with annual and monthly billing options
States SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and IRS 4557 and FTC Safeguards alignment
U.S.-based phone, email and chat support, plus training and migration services
Cons
No free plan is listed; every plan is paid per user with a 2 or 3 user minimum
Unlimited eSignatures, KBAs and quotes require the highest-priced plan
SmartRequestAI bundles are sold separately from the plan prices
Strongest fit is accounting and tax firms, so other industries get less tailored detail
Pricing
Business Pro $65 per user / month (billed annually); $85 per user /… Annual or monthly
Accounting Pro $65 per user / month (billed annually); $85 per user /… Annual or monthly
Accounting Unlimited $85 per user / month (billed annually); $110 per user /… Annual or monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SmartVault?
SmartVault is a cloud-based document management system and client portal. It lets firms store, share, request and eSign documents securely. It is built mainly for accounting and tax firms.
How much does SmartVault cost?
Business Pro and Accounting Pro are each $65 per user per month billed annually, or $85 billed monthly. Accounting Unlimited is $85 per user per month billed annually, or $110 billed monthly. Business Pro has a 3 user minimum and the other plans have a 2 user minimum.
Does SmartVault have a free trial?
The site offers a trial through a request form and describes guided setup with a product specialist. It does not list a free plan. Demos are also available.
What does SmartVault integrate with?
It integrates directly with Intuit Lacerte, ProConnect and ProSeries. UltraTax CS, DrakeTax and Wolters Kluwer CCH are configurable integrations, and QuickBooks Online and Desktop use an open API.
Is SmartVault secure and compliant?
The company states that it is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and built to meet IRS 4557 and FTC Safeguards requirements. It offers encrypted document exchange, customizable permissions and activity logs.
Who is SmartVault best for?
It suits accounting and tax firms that want a single system for client portals, document collection, signatures and archiving. The site also lists financial services, legal and healthcare use.
Is SmartVault good for small businesses?
The Business Pro plan is aimed at small to medium-sized businesses needing secure storage and client collaboration. It requires at least 3 users and starts at $65 per user per month billed annually.
Does SmartVault include eSignatures?
The site lists eSignature and form approvals as a feature. Accounting Unlimited adds unlimited eSignature requests, KBAs / ID verification and PDF form fillers.