Tax Rep Network Podcast - Ep 169 - Felecia Dixson on Liscio for Advanced Tax Preparation Automation

*Streamlining Tax Preparation with Liscio and GruntWorks: A Game-Changer for Tax Professionals*
As tax season approaches, tax professionals are always looking for ways to streamline processes, reduce manual effort, and ensure accuracy. One of the latest innovations in this space is the automated organizer by Liscio , a tool that has been generating a lot of excitement among tax preparers. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how this tool is transforming the way tax professionals handle their client data, and how its integration with GruntWorks is saving significant time in the tax preparation process.
A Game-Changer for Client Communication
Eric Green, host of the Tax Rep Network Podcast, is enthusiastic about the value Lissio brings to the table, especially for client communications. As a tax professional, Eric emphasizes the importance of separating personal and professional boundaries, particularly when it comes to phone calls and text messages. “I don’t like giving clients my cell phone number. I don’t need to get text messages Saturday night,” he says, highlighting the need for more control over client interactions. With Liscio , clients can reach out using a code that sends messages through the app, ensuring all communication is logged. This offers an extra layer of security and organization, and even in case of an emergency, other team members can easily access these conversations, which is vital for continuity in a firm.
Why Tax Pros Love the Automated Organizer
For tax professionals like Eric and Felicia Dixon, an enrolled agent from Missouri, Liscio automated organizer is a game-changer. It simplifies the traditionally cumbersome process of gathering client information. Tax preparers are all too familiar with the old practice of sending out paper organizers-documents designed to collect essential tax data from clients at the start of tax season. Unfortunately, many clients either fail to respond or send back incomplete forms, which can be both time-consuming and costly.
Liscio automated organizer takes the traditional paper organizer and transforms it into a digital tool that can be sent out in bulk to clients. By connecting with various tax software platforms, including Drake, Liscio allows tax preparers to upload multiple organizers at once. This process takes only about 10 minutes-much quicker than printing and mailing paper copies. Clients then fill in their data directly through the Liscio platform, saving both the preparers and clients valuable time.
Unlike the traditional paper form, Liscio organizer lets clients view and input their information electronically. Clients can easily check their income sources, like W-2s or 1099s, and add new details, such as changes in employment or dependents. This digital approach eliminates the need for preparers to chase down clients for missing documents or corrections.
Automated Data Entry with GruntWorks
GruntWorks is a tool that can take the data entered into Lissio’s organizer and automatically populate the tax return in the preparer’s tax software, like Drake. While it won’t handle more complex forms like Schedule C or Schedule E, the majority of the data-W-2s, 1099s, K-1s-can be entered quickly and accurately into the system.
This integration is a significant time-saver. With GruntWorks, the bulk of the work is handled, and the preparer can focus on reviewing the return for accuracy before finalizing it.
The Impact on Accuracy and Audit Protection
One of the main benefits of using Lissio and GruntWorks is the reduction in errors, which is a critical factor when it comes to audits. Mistakes like transposed numbers on a W-2 or missing 1099 forms are common causes of audit issues. With the automated process provided by Lissio and GruntWorks, these kinds of errors are minimized, as the data entered by the client is directly uploaded and processed.
Enhancing the Client Experience
The automated organizer doesn’t just benefit tax professionals-it also improves the client experience. Clients no longer need to worry about mailing back paper forms or missing crucial pieces of information. Instead, they can complete everything online at their convenience. Additionally, they can track their own progress by reviewing their information from the previous year and updating any new details directly into the system.
Why Invest in Liscio and GruntWorks?
Eric Green and Felicia Dixon both stress the importance of investing in tools that can significantly improve efficiency and accuracy in tax preparation. They liken Liscio and GruntWorks to other essential tools, like tax help software and transcript tools, which every tax preparer should have in their toolkit. These tools save time, reduce errors, and offer peace of mind for tax professionals, making them a must-have for anyone who wants to stay competitive in the fast-paced world of tax preparation.