TaxCalc is a comprehensive suite of tax software solutions for accountants, tax professionals, and individuals in the UK. It provides a range of tools to assist with tax preparation, filing, and compliance for various types of taxes, including personal, business, and corporate tax returns.
The software is designed to simplify the complex process of tax management by offering features like automated calculations, error checking, and electronic filing with HMRC. This helps users ensure accuracy and efficiency in their tax reporting and compliance efforts.
TaxCalc also includes additional functionalities such as practice management tools for accounting firms, enabling them to manage client data, workflows, and communications effectively. It supports Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements, ensuring that users can comply with the latest HMRC mandates. With its user-friendly interface and robust support, TaxCalc aims to streamline tax-related tasks, reduce errors, and improve productivity for its users.
A brief history of TaxCalc
TaxCalc, developed by Acorah Software Products Ltd, began its journey in the early 2000s with the aim of revolutionising tax preparation for accountants and tax professionals. Recognising the need for an intuitive, reliable, and comprehensive tax solution, the founders focused on creating accounting software that could handle the complexities of UK tax law while simplifying the user experience. The initial versions of TaxCalc were viewed positively by accountants for their ease of use and robust functionality, quickly establishing the software as a preferred choice among small to medium-sized businesses.
Over the years, TaxCalc solutions have continually evolved, incorporating user feedback and advancements in technology. Significant milestones in its development include the introduction of features for electronic filing, integration with other accounting systems, and enhancements in practice management tools. Regular updates ensured that the software stayed compliant with ever-changing tax regulations, cementing its reputation for reliability and accuracy. The company’s commitment to innovation led to the expansion of its product suite, catering to a broader range of tax and accounting needs, including corporate tax returns, VAT submissions, and trust accounts.
Why is TaxCalc so popular with accountants and business
TaxCalc is renowned for its comprehensive range of features that cater specifically to the needs of tax professionals and accounting firms. One of its most significant strengths is its user-friendly interface, designed to simplify the complex process of tax preparation. This makes it accessible to both seasoned professionals and those new to the field. The software includes robust tools for calculating various types of tax returns, including individual, business, partnership, and trust tax returns.
Another key feature is its seamless integration with other accounting software and systems, which enhances its functionality and flexibility. This interoperability allows accountants to manage their clients’ financial data more efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and duplication. TaxCalc solutions also offers extensive practice management capabilities, such as client management, workflow tracking, and secure document storage, which help firms streamline their operations and improve productivity.
What are TaxCalc’s most popular applications?
All of TaxCalc’s applications are desktop based which means they have to be installed either on a local computer or a virtual desktop. Here is a selection of their more popular products:
TaxCalc Individual
This accounting software is designed for preparing and filing individual self-assessment tax returns. It caters to the needs of personal tax clients, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations and simplifying the tax return process.
TaxCalc Limited Company
This solution is aimed at businesses, including sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. It provides comprehensive tools for managing business tax returns, VAT submissions, and other financial obligations.
TaxCalc Trust
Specifically created for trust and estate tax returns, this accounting software ensures accurate and efficient handling of the unique tax requirements associated with trusts and estates.
TaxCalc Partnership
This version focuses on the preparation and filing of partnership tax returns, streamlining the process for firms managing multiple partners and complex financial arrangements.
TaxCalc Practice Manager
This suite includes tools for client management, workflow tracking, and document storage. It is designed to help accounting firms manage their practices more effectively, enhancing productivity and client service.
TaxCalc CloudConnect
All of TaxCalc’s applications are desktop based applications that traditionally connected to a local SQL database. With the introduction of the CloudConnect service users are able access their data on a SQL database stored in the cloud.
What are the differences between TaxCalc on an on-premise server versus running it with a hosted desktop provider like Cloud2Me?
The differences between running TaxCalc on an on-premise server versus using a hosted desktop provider like Cloud2Me can be categorised into several key areas: control, accessibility, scalability, maintenance, and cost:
Control: With an on-premise server, organisations have greater control over their infrastructure, including hardware, accounting software, and security protocols. This allows for highly customised configurations tailored to specific needs. In contrast, a Hosted Desktop provider like Cloud2Me manages the infrastructure, offering less direct control but providing standardised, professionally managed environments. Because Cloud2Me only look after accountants, those environments are optimised specifically for that sector, guaranteeing consistent performance even during seasonal peak periods, like January.
Accessibility: On-premise servers typically require users to be on-site or use VPNs for remote access, which can be less convenient and slower. Hosted desktop providers offer seamless remote access from any location with an internet connection, making it easier for teams to work collaboratively and flexibly.
Scalability: Scaling an on-premise server involves significant planning and investment in new hardware and software, which can be time-consuming and costly. Hosted desktop providers like Cloud2Me offer scalable solutions where resources can be quickly adjusted to meet changing demands, allowing for more flexible and responsive growth.
Maintenance: Maintaining an on-premise server requires a dedicated IT team to handle updates, backups, security patches, and troubleshooting. This can be resource-intensive. Hosted desktop providers manage all aspects of maintenance, ensuring systems are up-to-date and secure, which reduces the burden on the organisation’s internal IT staff.
Cost: On-premise solutions often involve high upfront costs for hardware, software licences, and ongoing maintenance. These costs can be unpredictable and vary based on usage and growth. Hosted desktop solutions like Cloud2Me operate on a subscription basis, offering predictable, ongoing operational expenses without the need for significant initial investment. This can lead to more predictable budgeting and potentially lower total cost of ownership.
The choice between on-premise servers and Hosted Desktop providers like Cloud2Me involves trade-offs between control and convenience. On-premise servers offer more control and customisation but come with higher maintenance responsibilities and costs. Hosted Desktop providers offer greater accessibility, scalability, and reduced maintenance efforts at the cost of some level of control and customisation.
What are the advantages of running TaxCalc on-premise on a hosted desktop platform?
Running TaxCalc on-premise with a hosted desktop provider offers several advantages, blending the benefits of on-premise control with the flexibility and convenience of cloud services. One major advantage is enhanced data security and compliance. By using a hosted desktop provider, organisations can ensure that their sensitive client data is hosted in a secure environment (Cloud2Me uses multiple Tier-3 UK data centres) that complies with regulatory standards, while also benefiting from the provider’s advanced security measures and expertise.
Another advantage is improved accessibility and flexibility. hosted desktop allows accountants to access TaxCalc from any location with an internet connection, supporting remote work and collaboration without sacrificing the security and control of an on-premise setup. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for firms with dispersed teams or those that need to accommodate flexible working arrangements.
Using a hosted desktop provider can also lead to cost savings and operational efficiency. Organisations can avoid the upfront capital expenditure associated with purchasing and maintaining hardware, as the hosted desktop provider handles the infrastructure and maintenance. This allows firms to scale their resources up or down based on demand, paying only for what they use, which can lead to more predictable and manageable costs.
Lastly, running TaxCalc with Cloud2Me ensures reliable performance and uptime. Cloud2Me offers robust infrastructure with high availability and redundancy, minimising downtime and ensuring that accountants can access the software whenever needed. This reliability, combined with our UK based technical support, means that any issues can be resolved quickly, reducing disruptions to the firm’s operations and enhancing overall productivity.
Check out our Hosted Desktop page for more information on how we can help your accountancy practice grow, or contact us here to ask for a quote or demo.
