SmartVault
smartvault.comBuild Difficulty: 4/5
A few focused days to build a solid replacement
Document Management & Secure File Sharing Software
How to Replace SmartVaultOverview
Features
61 features across 9 categories
Client Collaboration(3)
Branded portal for document sharing, requests, and client collaboration
Upload attachments or entire emails, request files from clients
Pre-built email templates for common communications
Core Document Management(9)
Unified location for all documents
Get lightning-fast access to your documents in the cloud with the speed and performance of a desktop app
Cloud-based storage with organized workflows built for accounting firms
Search across all documents with full-text indexing
Mount SmartVault directly to your file system
Access files from mobile devices
Edit PDF documents within SmartVault
Print to PDF functionality
Access and manage files from any device, anytime, with built-in compliance controls
Integrations(2)
SmartVault's Developer API provides web, mobile, and on-premises applications the ability to easily access SmartVault's document management capabilities
Sync instantly with Lacerte, ProSeries, ProConnect, UltraTax, Drake, and more
Onboarding & Support(5)
Send engagement letters, collect documents, and onboard clients seamlessly
Seamless, secure migration from legacy systems with expert support
Self-paced learning to master SmartVault on your schedule
U.S.-based support and success coaching to keep your firm on track
Expert-led training to help your firm get up and running fast
Pricing & Proposal Management(3)
Seasonal licenses from December 15 - April 30 (extended to Oct 15 for 2025)
Create, manage, approve, and record business proposals, sales documents, or pricing quotes via Quoters
Offer services with clarity and consistency using a customizable pricing model built for accountants
Security & Compliance(13)
Track every user interaction for compliance and peace of mind
Automatically lock files after a certain period
Create authoritative, immutable copies of critical documents
Track, secure, and retain documents to meet IRS, SOC 2 Type 2, and FTC compliance
Simplifying compliance for accounting firms with templated WISP documents to ensure compliance with the FTC Safeguard Rule
Create custom permission groups for different user types
Encrypted messaging and file transfer
Encrypted document exchange with customizable permissions
Secure file sharing with password protection
Protect PDF documents with passwords
Trusted, audit-ready security to meet IRS, FTC, and SOC 2 Type 2 standards
Enhanced security with two-factor authentication
Set roles and permissions to safeguard sensitive files
Tax Prep Workflow(6)
Deliver files across multiple clients with just a few clicks
Bulk print organizers and returns
Streamline your end-to-end tax prep workflow with SmartVault's secure, automated solution
SmartRouting reads metadata from your tax software to identify the client, tax year, and document type; saving hours and reducing the risk of filing errors
Snap photos of documents from your phone or tablet, which upload to SmartVault as clean, cropped PDF files
Templates designed for tax preparation workflows
Workflow Efficiency & Automation(12)
Ability to archive clients
Standardize folder structures across clients and staff
Client interactions based on industry: Engagements, Projects, Matters, and Loans
Request, track, and receive documents in one workspace
Automated email notifications for document actions
Track and manage document versions
Linked Clients lets you quickly connect and access related client files. Access files faster and simplify complex client management with an instant interconnected clients view
Templates, automation workflows, and collaboration tools make it easy to create, manage, and share forms, invoices, contracts, and other fillable PDFs with your clients
Print and automatically route documents to SmartVault
AI-powered document requests that ask the right questions at the right time
Easily create professional, branded PDF files for your customers to fill directly in SmartVault via Docdown
Streamline document collection, approvals, and tax prep
eSignatures & Payments(8)
Collect signatures on tax documents, engagement letters, and approvals
Secure signatures via DocuSign, including KBA, with audit-ready workflows
Use structured PDFs for engagement letters and payment authorizations
Pin code authentication for digital signature
Create and reuse templates for forms and documents
Payment processing requires integration with DocuSign
Sign documents on mobile devices
Integrate an existing DocuSign account for knowledge-based authentication and ID verification
Pricing
Business Pro
- ✓Unlimited cloud-based storage
- ✓Custom branded client portal
- ✓Unlimited clients, external collaborators, and users
- ✓Request, track, and collect client documents
- ✓Customized industry folder templates
- ✓Reporting & Activity logs
- ✓U.S. based phone/email/chat support
Accounting Pro
Popular- ✓All Business Pro features
- ✓Integrations with your accounting tech stack
- ✓Advanced Security & Compliance
- ✓Customized accounting & tax specific folder templates
- ✓Bulk print organizers & returns
- ✓Complementary Pricing Audit
Accounting Unlimited
Popular- ✓All Accounting Pro features
- ✓Request & send unlimited eSignatures
- ✓Unlimited KBAs / ID verification
- ✓Unlimited PDF form fillers
- ✓Send unlimited quotes & proposals
- ✓Compliance Vault (WISP templates)
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying SmartVault
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 61 features at easy complexity.
Build vs Buy
Should you build a SmartVault alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 61 features.
Buy SmartVault
Better ValueBuild Your Own
Buying SmartVault saves ~$48,720 over 3 years vs building.
Estimates based on 61 features and a BuildScore of 4/5. Actual costs vary.
Integrations
15 known integrations