How to streamline tax return printing and collating

As tax season approaches, accounting firms are faced with the annual challenge of managing complex tax returns. Each return, with its numerous parts and pages, demands meticulous attention. The task of printing and collating multiple versions of these returns can be overwhelming, often falling to administrative staff who may not be tax experts. One misstep can result in a disorganized collection of documents, leading to confusion and delays. The CCH Axcess Batch Print Set Utility offers a solution to these challenges, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Challenge: Printing multiple returns at one time

Once a tax preparer completes a return and it is signed off by a partner, the task of printing often falls to an administrative professional. Instead of opening and printing each return individually, batch printing allows the administrator to create a batch job and print multiple returns simultaneously. This capability is a significant time-saver, especially in a busy office where an admin might need to print returns for several partners, amounting to dozens of returns per day or hundreds per week.

Challenge: Collating multiple copies of each return

Each return may require several different printed versions, for example, one for the client, another for the IRS or federal government, and additional versions for each state involved in the return. This need for multiple print sets is particularly crucial for multi-state returns. While some firms may have improved upon their former workflows involving stacks of pages spread out over conference room tables, even paperless firms still spend too much time manipulating large PDF files.

The Solution: CCH Axcess Batch Print Set Utility

The inefficiencies and potential for errors in manual printing and collating processes can be substantial. The CCH Axcess Batch Print Set Utility is designed to simplify and streamline the printing process for batch printing returns with multiple print sets. Fully integrated with CCH Axcess Tax, this utility allows firms to print up to 10 print sets for up to 50 returns at a time. For firms that manage complex returns, like multi-state returns, this unique utility can save time, simplify complexity and reduce errors.

Tips and tricks for using the CCH Axcess Batch Print Set Utility

To help you get the most out of the CCH Axcess Batch Print Set Utility, here are some tips and tricks:

• Organize print sets into clearly-labeled folders
  When creating separate files for each print set, add descriptions to the PDF names. This helps differentiate the different files for each return set, making it easier to locate and manage specific documents.
• Combine print sets for simplified storage
  If you prefer to have all print sets for a return in a single PDF file, use the utility's option to combine the associated returns from different batches. This can simplify storage and retrieval, especially when dealing with large volumes of returns.
• Perform batch prints outside of regular business hours
  Once the batch process is configured, it can run un-attended, so administrative staff can work on other tasks. If any errors occur during printing, they can be reviewed on the status screen after the print is complete. 
• Consider custom-app development for unique workflow needs
  The Batch Print Set Utility is an API-based productivity tool. Our Professional and Client Services team can assist in developing other, custom API-based applications to enhance productivity and streamline your tax workflows.

Discover the benefits of streamlined tax return printing

As tax season approaches, do not let the complexities of printing and collating returns slow you down. The CCH Axcess Batch Print Set Utility is an essential tool for accounting firms looking to enhance their efficiency and accuracy during the busy tax season. By streamlining the printing and collating process, this utility helps firms save time, reduce errors, and focus on more valuable tasks. Embrace the benefits of the Batch Print Set Utility and make this tax season your most efficient yet.