How to choose the right self assessment software as an accountant

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.