"Our goal is to eliminate all data entry," Morken says. With the ability to extract data from W-2s and import it into Lacerte, ProSeries and ProConnect Tax Online [formerly Intuit Tax Online], users were able to reduce cycle time by 41 percent. Link aggregates data and then Intuit utilizes an extraction tool that can populate the tax returns.

There has been a similar emphasis on reducing data entry in QuickBooks Online and linking that data to tax returns via the trial balance. That work began this year with QuickBooks Accountant. "We were able to save two hours per return," she says.

This year will also bring enhancements to practice management functions, particularly for those firms that use Lacerte, along with more mobile capabilities. Preparers will be able send a message via smarthones to clients, have them sign 8879 forms via the mobile device and then click to pay via credit cards or PayPal accounts.

"We have done some early test [or the payment method]," Morken says. The results are the amount of time it takes for preparers to be paid is reduced substantially.