The term “paperless workflow” has been a key buzzword in the profession for some time now, yet firms that have adopted a true paperless system still represent the minority. The percentage of accounting firms implementing basic workflow enhancements, such as scanning and on-screen review (via dual monitors), is progressing steadily. However, adoption rates of advanced paperless technologies, such as client portals, tax document automation solutions, and document management systems (DMS), are still relatively low.

Regardless of the value, adoption of technology continues to move along at a crawl, and in turn, so does implementation of a true paperless workflow. To understand why firms are slow to transition, we must first comprehend the profession’s level of “readiness” to move forward.

The paperless firm is no longer just a concept. It is fast becoming a reality in many firms, specifically in relation to the tax process. A traditionally paper-heavy process, many firms are implementing technology and procedural improvements to automate and streamline the tax workflow and significantly reduce the use of paper. Firms that have been successful in implementing a paperless tax workflow are using high-end scanners; scanning at the beginning of the tax process; and using dual monitors, editing software and a document management system.