| ring what CPAs are being asked to pay for | | | | little before getting on the bandwagon. However, |
| pre-packaged paperless solutions for their offices, the | | | | paperless movement has been building momentum |
| title of this article is quite radical. Since the title and | | | | over a long period of time. In fact, it probably has been |
| what is discussed here is based on actual experience | | | | in discussions for over a decade. There have been |
| of the author, it is alright for it to get some media | | | | some early adopters who benefited from it. It has not |
| attention. | | | | become a general trend yet in accounting industry, |
| Most CPA practices these days have a small office | | | | other professional services industry and business in |
| network in place to handle the operations of the | | | | general. But there are signs that it is picking up speed. |
| business. Rather, it is almost impractical for them to be | | | | It is during the last few years that the capacity of the |
| operating without some kind of a computer network in | | | | technology, that is being used in accounting offices, like |
| their offices. Most CPAs and accountants also efile | | | | other businesses, has increased tremendously at very |
| their clients’ tax returns and so they need a | | | | affordable prices. Until a few years ago, going |
| reliable internet connection in their office. Unbeknownst | | | | paperless in an accounting office was a major |
| to them, CPAs have over 90% of what they need to | | | | undertaking as it would require upgrading of hardware |
| go paperless, at least on the hardware and the | | | | and software in a significant way. Now, there is no |
| software side. | | | | need to upgrade. If the hardware was purchased |
| CPAs have almost all the hardware and software | | | | during the last 2-3 years, it probably has adequate |
| needed, in their office, to convert their practice into a | | | | capacity and speed to handle a paperless office |
| paperless practice. Almost means close to 90%. | | | | without much upgrading. |
| However, they need to build up another asset to be | | | | In that case, a typical small CPA firm just needs to add |
| able to go paperless in a very short time. The asset | | | | a couple of scanners at $300 each and a PDF |
| they need has to be built in house and cannot be | | | | converter software that can be purchased for about |
| purchased. They have to first recognize the extreme | | | | a $100 these days. A strong commitment to go |
| importance of the need to go paperless and then | | | | paperless and a determination to get it done within a |
| develop a strong determination to do so within a short | | | | given time frame is short in supply and is not available |
| time and limited budget. | | | | with any hardware or software vendor. |
| Recognition of the importance of going paperless is | | | | It is a very strange phenomenon. The technology is |
| the major hurdle facing the accounting industry at this | | | | available and the need is there and yet most small |
| time. Many CPAs are still waiting on the sidelines to | | | | CPA practices are not paperless, and one would hope |
| watch how this trend evolves. Generally, that is not a | | | | that they are at least thinking about going paperless |
| very bad strategy. Not all trends become permanent in | | | | sometime soon. |
| any industry and so a lot of times it is good to wait a | | | | |