We often say two things: one, that software is only as good as its user, and two, that software is no good if it doesn’t integrate with other systems. In other words – good software focuses on great user experience (and robust training) and seamless integrations. 

Nowhere is that more true than with self assessment software. Used properly and with the right integrations, it can transform your way of working. In other blogs, we’ve covered the following topics:

• How to pick the right self assessment software for your firm
• How much does self assessment software cost?
• Providing self-assessment as a service with software

In this article, we’re purely focused on integrations. Here, we’ll outline exactly what integrations Capium’s self assessment software comes with, how to use them, and why they’re beneficial to accountants. 

What integrations does Capium’s self assessment software offer?

Capium’s self-assessment software offers a range of integrations designed to streamline the tax return process for accountants. Below, we explore each integration, detailing its functionality, usage, and the benefits it brings to accounting practices.

1. HMRC Integration

Our self-assessment software seamlessly integrates with HMRC, meaning you can submit clients’ tax returns directly from the platform. This direct connection makes it easy for you to make sure that submissions are both timely and compliant with current regulations.

How to use:

• Prepare the client’s tax return within Capium
• Review and validate the information to ensure accuracy
• Use the ‘Submit’ feature to send the return directly to HMRC at the click of a button.

Benefits:

• Reduces the need for manual submissions, saving you time
• Minimises errors associated with manual data entry
• Provides real-time submission status updates, keeping you informed throughout

2. Dividend database integration

Our self assessment software includes built-in dividend databases, allowing you and your team to access historical dividend information for FTSE 100 companies. We’ve designed this integration to simplify the process of reporting dividend income on self-assessment returns.

How to use:

• Within the client’s tax return, navigate to the dividends section
• Access the integrated dividend database to retrieve relevant information
• Import the necessary dividend data directly into the client’s return.

Benefits:

• No more manually searching for dividend information
• Keeps things accurate by using up-to-date and verified data
• Speeds up the process of completing tax returns involving dividend income.

3. Bookkeeping integration

Our self-assessment software integrates with other Capium software, including our bookkeeping module. For accountants, that means seamless data transfer between bookkeeping records and tax returns.

How to use:

• Maintain up-to-date bookkeeping records within Capium
• When preparing your client’s self-assessment return, import relevant financial data from the bookkeeping module
• Review and adjust the imported data as necessary to complete the tax return.

Benefits:

• Reduces duplication of effort by reusing existing financial data
• Enhances accuracy by minimising manual data entry
• Streamlines the workflow between bookkeeping and tax preparation tasks.

4. Practice Management integration

Because our software integrates with our practice management module, using Capium makes it straightforward to track the status of self-assessment returns, manage deadlines, and assign tasks to team members.

How to use:

• Set up client profiles and assign self-assessment tasks within the practice management module
• Monitor the progress of each tax return, noting upcoming deadlines and completed tasks
• Use the system to communicate with team members and delegate responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Improves organisation and gives you complete oversight of the self-assessment process
• Facilitates collaboration among your team
• Helps ensure that all client returns are completed accurately and on time.

Our 20-strong tech team have designed these integrations to make sure that our cloud-based self assessment software truly enhances efficiency, accuracy, and compliance throughout the tax return process. By leveraging the power of integration, we anticipate and respond to future challenges, so that you can operate with confidence. 

To see Capium’s self assessment software integrations in action, sign up for a demo or start your free trial today. 

The post Self assessment software: integrations appeared first on capium.

Great corporation tax software should make your life easier, not harder. It’s not just about ticking compliance boxes – it’s about streamlining your workflow and giving you more time to focus on what really matters. But for that to happen, it needs to work seamlessly with your other systems and be easy to use.

The right software, used well, can transform the way you work. With the right integrations and proper support, it takes the hassle out of corporation tax, letting you get on with helping your clients.

What integrations does Capium’s corporation tax software offer?

We’ve designed our corporation tax software to simplify your corporation tax return processes. Here, we outline the integrations we’ve built in – detailing how they work and why they’re beneficial to you. 

HMRC integration

Clients tell us they love the fact that our corporation tax software integrates directly with HMRC – meaning you can use automation features to auto-generate corporation tax returns, submit returns from within the software, and keep track of live submission statuses as we receive feedback from Companies House, making it easy to keep clients in the loop. 

Benefits:

• Saves you time – with one less step to take before submitting returns
• Minimises errors – smooth data flow means higher accuracy
• Keeps you informed – with real-time submission status updates coming straight to you, there’s no need to go hunting when your clients have questions.

Bookkeeping integration

All of our Capium software talks to each other, and our corporation tax software module is no different. One particularly useful integration is with our bookkeeping module – because it means data can move automatically between bookkeeping records and tax returns without the need for manual data entry. If your bookkeeping records are up to date within Capium, you can simply import the relevant data, reviewing it in as necessary within the return before completing it. 

Benefits:

• Saves you time (again) – by removing the duplicate entry of data into more than one place
• Boosts accuracy – less manual data entry means less chance of human error
• Streamlines workflow – between bookkeeping and tax preparation tasks.

Practice Management integration

Our corporation tax software also integrates with our practice management module, making the overall handling of your team’s workflow, tasks, and deadlines more straightforward to manage from one singular place. 

Once you’ve set up client profiles, you’ll be able to assign corporation tax related tasks within the module, monitor the progress of each return (setting deadline reminders where needed), and communicating with both your team and your clients on progress.

Benefits:

• Facilitates collaboration – by making it easy and straightforward to delegate and share tasks 
• Improves visibility – you’ll have a clear view of the end to end process 
• Encourages efficiency – by making it easy to keep track of all client returns across the firm. 

We’ve designed our corporation tax software to handle all the most common types of corporation tax returns and facilitate fast, efficient, and accurate submissions. The integrations that we’ve detailed above are a core part of how that works, because they help you anticipate and respond to future challenges, as well as track what’s happening with your clients’ returns at that moment. 

To see Capium’s corporation tax software integrations in action, sign up for a demo or start your free trial today. 

The post Corporation tax software: integrations appeared first on capium.

Corporation tax software can save you time and make your day-to-day life as an accountant significantly easier – but price is an important factor in choosing the best solution for your firm, and you need to know how much it’s likely to set you back before investing. 

At Capium, we understand that firms vary in size and needs, which is why we offer flexible pricing options tailored to different capacities. Before diving into our pricing structure, though, we’ve outlined the key factors that influence the cost of corporation tax software.

What factors affect the cost of corporation tax software?

Beyond the base price, several elements impact the cost of corporation tax software. Here are some things to look out for when researching your options:

1. Features and automation

As with most purchases, when it comes to corporation tax software, the more advanced the solution, the higher the cost. Basic tax software might handle simple calculations and compliance, whereas comprehensive solutions – like Capium – come with automated tax calculations, real-time updates, and in-depth reporting. Working out the essential features that your firm needs, and then matching them to a pricing matrix, can be a good way to quickly evaluate return on investment. 

2. Integration, integration, integration

It’s one of our favourite words for a reason: integration is critical when it comes to corporation tax software. Seamless integration with bookkeeping, accounts production, and client management systems can enhance workflow, but may come at a premium. At Capium, our corporation tax software talks to all our other modules and integrates with HMRC directly, meaning you can expect smooth data transfer between systems, reducing manual entry and saving time.

3. Potential for growth

Your software should not only meet your current needs, but also support future expansion. While a cheaper option might seem tempting now, if your firm’s likely to double in size over the next few years, you’ll need software that can keep up. It’s all part of future proofing. Capium’s pricing is designed to be flexible, allowing you to add capacity as needed without unnecessary upfront commitments.

4. Support and training

Your software will only work if your team knows how to use it – and having reliable, comprehensive, and accessible support is a huge part of that. As well as running thorough onboarding, it’s important to look for what ongoing support providers offer. Some may charge extra for these services, but Capium includes six-day-a-week support and in-depth training as part of all plans, ensuring your team gets up to speed quickly.

5. Security and compliance standards

One of the benefits of cloud accounting software is that it’s designed to be secure and compliant – which is why high standards when it comes to data protection are non-negotiable. Robust security features, like encryption and GDPR compliance, may influence the cost, but are vital for protecting client data. Capium’s software adheres to stringent security standards, keeping your firm compliant and secure.

6. Pricing transparency and hidden costs

Finally, it’s important to uncover any hidden costs that might make seemingly great value software much more expensive than it first appears. Make sure that any setup, cancellation, or upgrade fees are clear and transparent – and if they’re not, don’t be afraid to ask. Good providers will be open about pricing to avoid surprises down the line. 

Capium’s corporation tax software pricing

The above is an overview of the features that are likely to affect the way corporation tax software is priced. At Capium, we’ve structured our pricing to be as simple as possible – with packages designed to suit different needs and numbers of clients. Here’s an overview: 

Small Accounting Suite: £135 + VAT per month

• • Supports up to 100 clients
  • Includes unlimited user licenses, storage, e-signatures, and SMS notifications
  • Fully MTD and GDPR compliant

Medium Accounting Suite: £270 + VAT per month

• Supports up to 300 clients
• Includes all features of the Small suite

Large Accounting Suite: £405 + VAT per month

• • Supports up to 500 clients
  • Includes all features of the Medium suite

Enterprise Accounting Suite: Custom pricing for up to 700+ clients

• • Designed for large-scale practices with extensive client support.

For firms that require specific functionality, we also offer modular pricing for corporation tax software:

• Small module (1–100 clients): £19 per month
• Medium module (101–300 clients): £38 per month
• Large module (301–500 clients): £57 per month

Each package comes with free onboarding, six-day-a-week support, and unlimited user licenses, ensuring your team has everything it needs to succeed.

Ready to see how Capium can transform your corporation tax processes? Sign up for a free trial today and experience the benefits for yourself!

The post How much does corporation tax software cost? appeared first on capium.

Using corporation tax software is one of the best ways for accountants to file corporation tax returns accurately and efficiently for their clients – at scale and en masse. 

Depending on how straightforward your clients are, corporation tax can be a real game changer when it comes to your firm’s ability to offer corporation tax as a service. 

Without a software partner to support you as your clients either grow in number or complexity, you might find yourself hampered by lack of time, volume of manual input, and little integration.

Introduce corporation tax software, though, and that becomes a thing of the past. Here’s how having the right tool in place can help you deliver corporation tax as a smooth, efficient, and profitable service. 

How does software help accountants deliver corporation tax services?

There are many benefits to corporation tax software, but we’d be tempted to say that the biggest one is time saving – while giving you peace of mind that you’re not compromising accuracy or service as you speed things up. Corporation tax software is designed to save time in several ways:

• Automated calculations and reducing errors

The first point is two-fold. Firstly, corporation tax software will make automatic calculations when handling tax returns, meaning no more manual adding up or cross referencing – it’s all done systematically within the software. Secondly, if anything doesn’t look right, corporation tax software is designed to flag potential errors and highlight any issues pre-submission, so that you’ve got a chance to check and adjust as necessary. 

• Smart and seamless integration

Good corporation tax software should integrate directly with Companies House and HMRC, as well as with other systems that you’re using. Capium’s software allows you to submit and track submissions to HMRC from within the software, where you’ll find live status updates that make it easy to keep clients in the loop, without having to manually log in and check.

• Handling compliance automatically

The security that comes with cloud-based accounting software is one of its greatest features, and most corporation tax software should update automatically – meaning it has the highest level of security available. It should also stay on top of any regulatory or compliance requirements, too – from MTD to GDPR – so that you don’t have to, meaning your time can be better spent elsewhere. 

• Freeing teams up to focus on more valuable work 

Aside from the specific time-saving features that come built in with corporation tax software, cloud-based software on the whole can help save time by freeing up your team for more valuable work. Whether its minutes clawed back by only having to enter data in one place, automated reminders removing the need to manually chase clients, or your firm’s IT team not having to worry about infrastructure up-keep, there are huge strides in efficiency to be made for firms who embrace the cloud. 

Ready to try Capium’s corporation tax software?

We’ve designed our corporation tax software specifically with the purpose of reducing the time you and your team spend on corporation tax returns. Former accountants ourselves, we know how beneficial simplifying the processes around corporation tax can be, and we’ve built that insight into our module’s features. 

If you’re interested in how corporation tax software can help you, we’d love to get you booked onto a free trial so that you can see how it works in practice.

The post Providing corporation tax as a service with software appeared first on capium.

Good corporation tax software should simplify your job as an accountant. The right tool can make a big difference to your day to day – improving efficiency by handling corporation tax returns quickly, efficiently, and accurately. 

But how do you know which one is right for your firm – both now, and in the future? Here are some key things to consider when making your choice.

What challenges are you trying to solve?

It’s the first question we’d advise asking before investing in any software: what immediate problem or challenge are you trying to solve? Before diving into the options, taking a step back to think specifically about what you need the software to do can help keep you clear and focused. 

When it comes to managing your corporation tax returns, for example:

• Are you looking to save time by automating tax calculations and submissions?
• Do you need a system that can handle different types of CT600 forms like full forms, short forms, or R&D claims?
• Would it help to have live updates on submission statuses to keep clients in the loop?

Understanding where the gaps are in the way you currently approach corporation tax is a good first step in selecting the most appropriate software for your firm. 

What do you need right now?

A similar, but slightly different, question to the one above: what are your most immediate needs? Solving the above challenges might take time – but what do you need to happen right now, or what would enable you to solve those challenges most quickly? 

In the case of corporation tax, you might be looking for:

• A user-friendly system that’s easy for your team to pick up
• Integration with the tools you already use, like bookkeeping or accounts production software
• Confidence that the software complies with regulations (like Making Tax Digital). 

Knowing what boxes you need your software to immediately tick will help make your decision-making process easier when you’re ready to make a purchase.

Will this software grow with you?

Now you’ve identified the challenge you’re trying to solve and the most immediate needs you have to have in place right away, it’s time to think a little further ahead. The demands you’re planning to put on your corporation tax software right now might look dramatically different in the next few years. It’s worth asking:

• Will this software still be relevant as I scale? How do I know?
• If I bring in more clients, will it still meet my needs?
• What about if I start processing different types of corporation tax returns? 

Compile your list of questions, and if the answer isn’t immediately obvious, don’t be afraid to ask. Good software providers will be transparent about the capabilities of their software and the plans available to you as your requirements change. 

What kind of support might I need?

Switching to new software can feel like a big step for your team, so it’s important to consider what kind of support you’re likely to need – and to then map that to the level of support or customer service available with each provider. When evaluating software, ask:

• Is there help available when I need it? What are the methods of communication and opening or access hours?
• Are there training resources available to help my team learn quickly? Do they come at any extra costs?
• Can I try this out before committing to make sure it works?

The level of support on offer is often indicative of how powerful your corporation tax software is likely to be – because good providers understand that good software lives or dies by its implementation. 

Is it secure and compliant?

As is true for all types of cloud-based accounting software, it’s essential that your corporation tax software keeps your client’s data safe and complies with all relevant regulations. Make sure to look out for:

• GDPR compliance
• MTD compliance
• Secure, reliable data hosting and automatic updates. 

Ready to find the right software?

Choosing the right corporation tax software comes down to finding a solution that solves your challenges, fits your current needs, and supports your future growth. Capium’s corporation tax software does all this and more. With features like automated calculations, seamless integrations, and real-time HMRC submissions, it’s designed to make your life easier and your firm more efficient.

Sign up for a free trial to see how it can help streamline your corporation tax processes.

The post How to choose the right corporation tax software as an accountant appeared first on capium.

We used to be accountants, so we understand how complex and time-consuming corporation tax can be. With tight deadlines, detailed compliance requirements, and the need to deliver accurate results, having the right software makes all the difference when it comes to streamlining processes and removing stress.

But how can corporation tax software transform your practice, really? And what sort of difference can it make? 

It’s designed to simplify your job

Here’s the thing – the reason corporation tax software works well is because it’s entirely designed with the sole purpose of simplifying your job in mind. 

Good corporation tax software handles all the most common types of corporation tax returns and makes it faster and easier for you to make calculations and submissions accurately. It should catch and handle errors, cross-reference data, and provide calculation notes systematically. 

It’s also designed to save you time – without compromising accuracy

Corporation tax software’s ability to automate tedious processes is a game-changer when it comes to improving efficiency and reducing errors. Yes, there will still be many moving parts, from calculations to compliance checks, but automation makes it easy to stay on top of everything, with features like:

• Automated tax calculations: handling complex calculations automatically, factoring in updates to legislation or tax bands in real-time
• Error alerts: If something doesn’t look right, the software flags it proactively, giving you time to review and make corrections
• Live submission tracking: Once you’ve filed with HMRC, tracking the status of your submission in real-time can bring transparency and peace of mind.

It integrates with your existing software – and HMRC

The best corporation tax software doesn’t just simplify tax returns – it also integrates smoothly with the other systems you rely on, keeping data flow straightforward and reducing the need for duplication. It should:

• Integrate with your existing systems: data should flow between bookkeeping, accounts production, and corporation tax modules, so there’s no need to manually re-enter information
• Support direct HMRC submissions: Allowing you to submit CT600 forms and accompanying accounts directly to HMRC without leaving the platform
• Improve reporting: with consistent data, you can create accurate, customised reports for clients with ease.

You can access it securely from anywhere

One of the key benefits of using cloud-based corporation tax software is the ability to access your systems anytime, anywhere. That becomes especially handy during busy tax periods, when you’re juggling multiple clients. 

With corporation tax software, you can work from home with confidence – because as long as you’ve got an internet connection, you’ll be able to securely access your clients’ tax data. Software often supports multi-user access, too, meaning your team can collaborate easily, no matter where they’re located. 

It’s built with security in mind

The right corporation tax software should be built on a foundation of data security: prioritising the safeguarding client information and making staying up to date with evolving regulations a key part of its ongoing development. Look for:

• GDPR compliance: The software ensures your firm meets data protection standards, giving your clients confidence that their information is safe.
• Secure UK-based servers: Data is hosted on highly secure servers, protecting against breaches and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Automatic updates: Stay ahead of regulatory changes with software that automatically integrates updates to tax laws, deadlines, and submission processes.

With these features, good corporation tax software makes sure you’re always compliant, while keeping client data secure.

It should support you as you scale

What your firm needs right now might not be the same in the future. To save the hassle of swapping platforms, the right corporation tax software should grow with you, accommodating more clients, more users, and more complex tax scenarios as your practice evolves.

We’ve built the below features into our corporation tax software with that in mind:

• Support for all CT600 variations: our software supports both straightforward returns and more complex forms like R&D claims
• Flexible pricing plans: our pricing is flexible and simple: you only pay for what you use as your firm grows, and prices start from £19 per month for 100 clients.

Ready to try corporation tax software?

From automating tax calculations to ensuring seamless integration and robust security, the right corporation tax software can revolutionise the way your firm works. Want to see it in action? Sign up for a free trial today and discover how Capium can help.

The post Why use cloud-based corporation tax software? appeared first on capium.

For accountants, effective corporation tax software is essential to making corporation tax returns easy to handle – both at speed and at scale.

We’ve written about why accountants should use corporation tax software, and how to go about picking the right package for your firm, but in this article we’re going to dive deeper into the features you can expect good corporation tax software to come with. 

Let’s walk through the essential elements, using Capium’s corporation tax module as an example throughout.

What is corporation tax software designed to do?

As a reminder, at its core, corporation tax software is built to simplify the preparation and submission of tax returns for your corporate clients. It automates repetitive tasks, integrates with other accounting tools, and ensures that every submission complies with the latest regulations. 

Essential features of corporation tax software

Here’s what to look for when choosing the best corporation tax software for your firm:

1. Automated tax calculations and filings

Automation is the backbone of good corporation tax software. By automating calculations, you minimise the risk of errors and save valuable time that can be redirected elsewhere. With Capium, you benefit from:

Accurate tax calculations: The software automatically applies the latest tax rules and updates, ensuring that your submissions are always compliant with current regulations

Auto-iXBRL tagging: our auto-iXBRL tagging tool comes standard with our corporation tax software

Effortless filings: submit CT600 forms directly to HMRC without leaving the platform, including adding supplementary pages A-J to your submissions

Pre-submission checks: if the software detects discrepancies in your calculations, it flags them early, giving you time to make corrections before submission.

2. Seamless integration across systems

To maximise efficiency, your corporation tax software should integrate seamlessly with your other accounting tools – as well as directly with HMRC. This prevents data duplication, improves accuracy, and simplifies the workflow.

For our own corporation tax software, we’ve built in features that prioritise:

Smooth data transfer between modules: information flows seamlessly between Capium’s bookkeeping, accounts production, and corporation tax modules, eliminating the need for repetitive data entry and keeping everything within the same ecosystem

Direct integration with HMRC: submit returns with ease and track their status in real time through live HMRC feedback, directly from the corporation tax software. 

3. Customisable reporting tools

Every client has unique needs, and your corporation tax software should reflect that. As well as allowing your team and clients to have access to the same data, at the same time, from any location, Capium’s reporting features let you:

Generate bespoke reports: highlight specific financial details or tax-related insights based on each client’s requirements

Support decision-making: provide clients with clear, concise data to help them make informed business decisions.

Ready to see the features of corporation tax software in action?

The above list of features outlines exactly how choosing the right corporation tax software can make all the difference to your practice – but we can’t say it better than one of our clients:

“I am really pleased with the support that Capium has provided to allow us to get the most out of their corporation tax software. I needed an easy method of submitting CT600s and corporation tax returns, and Capium fitted the bill perfectly.

“You can see the live submission status direct from HMRC, which makes life easy when keeping clients in the loop. It’s a no-brainer for us.”

We’re proud to have designed our corporation tax module with growth in mind, offering the tools you need to succeed. Learn more about Capium’s corporation tax software or sign up for a free trial.

The post Key features of corporation tax software for accountants appeared first on capium.

Offering self-assessment services is one of the core areas of many accountants’ business – so much so that it’s often where accountants start out, before going on to develop further services. The flip side of that can be though, that as your practice grows, so does the number (and complexity) of tax returns you handle. 

And that makes sense: managing self-assessments effectively can help you attract new clients; while building on the reliable relationship you’ve established with your existing ones. 

But there’s one key step to providing self-assessment services most successfully – and that’s choosing the right software to support you. During tax season, you need a reliable partner by your side – and these days, that means having invested in specifically designed, cloud-based  self assessment software. 

Here’s how having the right tool in place can help set you up for self-assessment success. 

How does software help accountants deliver self-assessment services?

Self assessment software does many things, but its ultimate purpose is to simplify the parts of managing tax returns that take time: from preparation all the way through to eventual filing. It relies on automation to make things efficient – all without compromising on accuracy or compliance. 

Some of the key ways software can enhance your self-assessment services are:

Automated tax calculations

Capium’s software automates tax calculations, ensuring accuracy and reducing the risk of errors. This feature makes preparing tax returns faster and more reliable, giving you more time to focus on advising your clients. There’s also no limit on the number of returns you can process – we charge you based on the number of clients you run through the system, rather than the number of returns. 

Seamless integrations

Keeping accurate and compliant is much easier when your software integrates with the systems you need to work within – which is why Capium’s software integrates seamlessly with HMRC, allowing you to submit returns electronically with ease. It connects with our other Capium software, too – meaning you should never need to enter data twice.

Managing multiple clients with ease

Handling self assessments for multiple clients can be overwhelming without the right tools, but that changes when you’re able to submit and track the statuses of all client returns in one place. Capium’s software is designed to help you manage large volumes of returns efficiently, with a clear view that gives you peace of mind your returns are with HMRC ahead of the deadline.

Checks designed to keep things accurate

Even though the risk of human error is dramatically reduced when using self assessment software, it’s still useful to have safeguards in place to reassure you that everything’s accurate and correct. Our software comes with enhanced error warning – flagging potential errors so that you can review, adjust, and confirm returns with minimal disruption.

Compliance is a given

You know how essential keeping client data secure is, and so do we. That’s why we’ve designed our cloud-based platform to make sure all sensitive documents are stored securely, while allowing easy access whenever you need them. Because we automatically update our self assessment software, and have direct integrations in place, you also don’t have to worry about compliance – whether it’s MTD or GDPR, we’ve got you covered.

Why choose Capium for self assessment software?

We used to be accountants ourselves – so we understand exactly what challenges self-assessment season can bring. We’ve used that understanding and insight to design our self assessment module especially for accountants who want to transform the way they approach self-assessment season. If that sounds like you, we’d love to get you booked onto a free trial so that you can see how it works in practice.

The post Providing self-assessment as a service with software appeared first on capium.

If you’re thinking about investing in self assessment software, you’re likely wondering how much it costs. And while the price is, of course, a key factor, it’s also useful to assess the overall value self assessment software can offer your firm in terms of time savings, compliance, and user experience. 

We’ve written previously about why accountants should use cloud-based self assessment software and how to approach choosing the right self assessment software for your firm. In this blog, we’ll break down the cost of self assessment software, the features that are generally included, and the factors that can influence pricing. 

What factors impact the cost of self assessment software?

The cost of self assessment software varies, but there are several elements that play a key role in determining the overall price. When you’re selecting your self assessment software or working out what your firm needs, it’s useful to keep the below in mind:

The number of clients or tax returns

The number of self assessment filings you need to process will likely dictate how much the software will cost your firm up front. Lots of providers structure their pricing plans into tiers, with higher costs for packages that accommodate higher numbers of clients or filings. Individual users or small practices might find that an entry-level plan is enough, while larger firms often need more comprehensive options that are designed to handle higher volumes. 

Essential vs extra features

Self assessment software generally includes core functionalities – like tax calculation, digital submission to HMRC, and deadline tracking. Now, software also has to be compliant with making Tax Digital, and you’ll often encounter more advanced features like automated data imports or pre-filled forms. These can enhance the cost, though provide significantly enhanced value, too. For an overview of the features you can expect in cloud-based self assessment software, take a look at our in depth article. 

You’ll find the following features in Capium’s self assessment software: 

• Digital tax submission: submit self assessment returns directly to HMRC with minimal effort
• Tax calculation: automatically calculate tax liabilities, ensuring compliance and accuracy 
• Deadline and submission tracking: stay on top of important deadlines with automated reminders
• Built in dividend databases: meaning you can bring in dividend history from the previous tax year at the click of a button
• GDPR and MTD compliant: so you don’t have to worry about staying on top of the regulations yourself.

Automation and integration

When you or your team are managing multiple filings or clients, automation becomes your new best friend. Features like automated tax calculations, bulk filing options, and integration with accounting or bookkeeping systems can save significant time. While these advanced capabilities may come with a higher price tag, they’re worth considering purely for the impact they can have on your efficiency. 

The same can be said for integration – while it may cost more, having self assessment software that integrates with your accounting suite can save huge amounts of time and avoid duplication of effort for your team. 

Scalability for firms that want to grow

If you’re a busy practice with ambitions to grow, the self assessment software your firm needs today is likely to look quite different to the self assessment software your firm will need in five years time. As above, the more filings you handle, the more software is likely to cost – so it’s important to choose a software that can scale with you.

Advanced plans often include features like multi-user access, support for complex tax scenarios, and customisable reporting. When weighing up the cost options, it’s worth looking at how likely you are to need these features in the near or mid-term future, and factoring that into your decision making. 

What kind of support is on offer?

Finally, as with all software purchases, it’s absolutely fundamental that your team receives the support and training they need to use it to the best of their availability. Fancy features mean nothing if they’re not being used, and high quality customer support and training resources can make a big difference. 

Some providers charge extra for support or onboarding services, while others (like Capium) include it as part of their package.

Understanding the value of self assessment software 

Self assessment software is about more than just the price you pay for it – it’s about the value it brings to your firm, the savings you’re able to make in time and effort, and the way it enables you to grow and offer enhanced service to your clients. 

At Capium, we structure our pricing into plans and modules – so that you can choose the best option for you now, and as you scale and grow. Sign up for a free trial today to experience how our cloud-based self assessment software can help streamline self assessment season for your firm. 

The post How much does self assessment software cost? appeared first on capium.

Selecting the right self-assessment software for your accounting practice is a key decision that impacts your day-to-day operations. We’ve written extensively about why accountants should use cloud-based self assessment software in the first place and what key features you should look out for, but you might still be wondering how to go about choosing the best software for your firm specifically. 

To help you work out how to select a solution that’ll have the biggest impact on your firm, we’ve set out some key questions you should ask when shopping around for self assessment software. 

What challenges am I trying to solve?

As we always say – any software purchase should tackle a specific challenge or goal that your firm is facing either right now, or will be in the future. So, before getting lost in the myriad options of self assessment software on the market, it’s worth pinpointing the specific challenges you’re trying to solve. 

Are you looking to automate the preparation and filing of self-assessments? Do you want to reduce errors in tax calculations or help your team become more efficient? Or do you need software that’s specifically designed to manage the complexities of various clients’ financial situations? 

Whether it’s one of the above, or a mixture of them all, identifying the challenges you’re trying to solve will point you in the right direction when it comes to selection time. 

Will this software integrate with my other systems?

For an immediate (and relatively painless) impact, you need to be sure that your new self assessment software will talk to your other systems. If it doesn’t integrate, you’ll likely end up with duplication of work and a bigger chance of making mistakes. Making sure that data can flow seamlessly across systems – so that data in your accounting software is automatically populated in tax return forms, for example – is a key driver of efficiency. 

Will this software help my firm right now?

Your top priority is likely to be solving a challenge your firm is facing right now, so ask yourself: does this software align with my firm’s immediate needs?

If you’re handling straightforward tax returns, a basic solution might suffice. But, if you’re dealing with complex clients or need multiple users, you’ll need software that can accommodate that, too. Try to envisage what burden the software would immediately alleviate for your firm, and then go from there.

Will this software help my firm as it grows?

Once you’ve established that the software will help your immediate situation, it’s time to think about growth: as your firm expands, will the software expand with you? Where do you foresee your practice being, in an ideal world, in three years time? Will this software still be fit for purpose?

To avoid having to choose new self assessment software in the near or mid-term future, make sure to look for tech that can scale with you as you take on more clients, manage more complex returns, or add users. 

What’s the support like? Can I try the software for free?

When it comes to new software, having the right support in place is key to making sure your team is able (and willing) to embed it into their working practice. That’s where your provider’s customer support service and training resources come into their own, so it’s worth asking up front what that picture might look like.

As well as a comprehensive support function, good software providers will usually offer free trials or demos of their software, too. Which makes sense, because it gives you the chance to test out the software and see how it fits within your firm’s processes, exploring features in a hands-on way that should demonstrate how beneficial the software will be to your firm. 

Ready to take the hassle out of self-assessment?

By asking the right questions about integration, scalability, and support, you’ll be well-placed to choose the right self assessment software for your firm. 

Capium’s self assessment software offers advanced features like automated tax calculations, seamless integration with accounting tools, and flexible pricing – helping you streamline tax return processes, improve client service, and ensure compliance with regulations. To try it out today, sign up for a free trial.

The post How to choose the right self assessment software as an accountant appeared first on capium.