Store, send and sign your documents securely using SmartVault.
Built with bank-level security, SmartVault’s single platform is the most secure way to store and share your documents. The fully brandable client portal allows your customers to upload documents directly into SmartVault, with unlimited free customer accounts included in your subscription. Send important documents to be eSigned within the portal and set access rights for any file based on individual needs. Integrations with leading business software such as Outlook, Xero, Quickbooks and Salesforce plus a PDF printer to connect any other software into SmartVault means your workflow is improved and time saved. Improve your Cybersecurity and GDPR compliance by subscribing to SmartVault today.
Awarded the Quality Choice Award
Awarded the Trusted Vendor Award
Awarded the Happiest Users Award
SmartVault currently scores 89/100 in the Cloud Storage category. This is based on user satisfaction (90/100), press buzz (47/100), recent user trends (falling), and other relevant information on SmartVault gathered from around the web.
| The score for this software has declined over the past month. What is this? |
Cloud document storage
Secure file sharing
Client portal
eSignature
Workflow automation
GDPR, HIPAA, FINRA compliant
Customisable folder templates
Business and accounting software integrations
Bank-level security
Product recommendations, vendor rankings, market overview and tips on how to select Cloud Storage software for business. Published in April 2024.
This type of software helps users save data in the cloud, where it is accessible from various networks and at any point of time. Apart from file storage, such software also offers additional services such as synchronization, content management and file shar...
FREE DOWNLOAD Cloud-Storage-Software-Buyer-Guide-2018.pdfXero, Quickbooks, TaxCalc, Outlook
Xero, Quickbooks, TaxCalc, Outlook, Freshbooks, Salesforce, Hubdoc, Lacerte
Desktop and mobile app
Yes
Accountants, bookkeepers, small businesses, legal and construction
Yes
Storing and sending important or sensitive documents
Yes, 1:1 customer service and training, group training and online tutorials
The sentiment map shows a snapshot of how Crozdesk users have rated SmartVault over time. It shows how existing users see SmartVault with regards to its usefulness, ease of use, value for money and customer service.
Recent
Older 
Smartvault is a good product at a great price. Some of the larger names seem unfocused on portal systems.
I wish there an app for clients to use from their phones. Other than that, no complaints.
It's easy to onboard new employees and remove old employees. Even easier to invite our clients to use the product and send/receive sensitive information.
There has been times when the search feature runs a little slow. However this could very well be my computer since I'm running multiple large programs everyday.
Data storage, client portal.
SmartVault provides a great document management system with easy to set up file structure organization. It also provides the ability to share documents with those outside of your organization via a secure website.
When copying and pasting files in the same folder, lag is sometimes experienced.
- Very user friendly and easy to navigate
- Easy to set up and invite clients and give the appropriate access according to their status i.e. full for the company director down to folder or file specific
- Easy to upload documents and great that it has a desktop version in addition to the online version. Clients like the Apple integration and the fact it works happily with MAC's as comfortably as non-MAC Windows PC's
- Good support, though confusing when you get an US number for someone who lives in India to assist! – I’m a UK based company
- Free set up and training assistance including full run through of the software
- Unlimited Companies
- Free access for clients
- Templates for Accounts/Payroll etc save a lot of time for setting up year on year
- Integration with Outlook - this is hit and miss if it works and mine doesn't meaning I can't link email in - have been advised it is due to not having the full office suite, though I have and it still wouldn't integrate
- A little expensive compared to other products, but it was best fit for the business
Overall, I have been very impressed by SmartVault. I was using Office 365 Business and was fed up that Sharepoint kept falling over for clients - I had set it up as groups to move documents around as I provide payroll services, but often I would get an email from the client saying not received or can't access. SmartVault integration has been very easy and clients have embraced - I think that for many it looks like IE tree set up for navigating makes it easier and that a desktop version is available for their use - a feature taken away by Microsoft - they feel they have greater control too. The current global pandemic has meant that the software has been a god send in maintaining client relations and service provision. I am pleased to have moved over and would recommend.
SmartVault is easy to use and provide a secure way to send and receive information with our clients. Since we've used SmartVault, we have saved time and money utilizing its features. This program allows our firm to do more work and spend less time transferring information.
Aspects of the program are outdated and the dashboard looks like it is ten years old.
Communicating and transferring sensitive tax documents to clients efficiently and effectively.
SmartVault is 100% reliable and that is a priority for us. We love how SmartVault is integrated with Intuit/Lacerte. It makes our lives simple, efficient, and stress-free. Using the connected desktop is a breeze.
in mid-2019 SV did an update that made uploading files more stable and faster. Since then I honestly have no complaints. We upgraded our internet speed for faster uploads and using SV is just a breeze. I did think of one issue, but I do not know if the problem is Lacerte's fault or SV? Sometimes a client may already be in SV with years of historical data, but SV will create a new folder for that client under their Lacaerte client ID? So a duplicate of sorts. I have not found a consistent pattern and never complained because it's rare and random.
We use to use Lacerte DMS. It was a nightmare. Always having to reformat and things kept in diff folders. Data was not easily found either. With SV connected desktop software we can find any client easily.
I REALLY like how easy it was for us to create tax folder templates where only one of the folders would be shared with a client, and then each year we can add a template of folders in bulk without having to reshare the individual folders. It is also really easy for our clients to create their accounts and send things to us, plus they feel better about sending us their financial documents through smartvault instead of over email or google drive. A big bonus is being able to sort clients by filters and then download that list!
The mobile version is not very friendly (an actual app would be awesome!), and if you have to edit a document you need to download it, edit it, and then reupload it instead of working on the file in smartvault, which has resulted us in having duplicates when multiple people are unknowingly working on the same file.
We use it for storing client's financial reports and tax returns as well as their supporting documents. We wanted a more secure place to store these as we had previously been using Google Drive.
Among the things I like about this product are:
a) Easy to navigate. b) Allows carrying forward of pre-templated folders, and c) you can close your file and it automatically checks back in to filing cabinet.
1) Sometimes there is a bit of lag when jumping around and opening files.
2) It would nice to check out a file in a non-editable manner so that you can be sure you do not make any changes to a file you are viewing .
I use this filing system on a daily basis and I am happy with it. I mostly am checking out/checking in XL and PDF documents and everything works just fine for my needs. If you want to maintain a paperless work environment, using a electronic filing system such as smart vault is the way to go.
It is a secure way to share files with clients. It is easy to access when working from home or out at a clients office. Everything is organized and can be archived. There customer support is extremely helpful.
The implementation was a little tough but once you get the hang of it, it gets better.
Sharing tax documents or other important accounting information with clients. securely instead of through email.
Love that it is a secure place to upload and store my client's documents. The docusign option is a great feature and I use daily.
Customer service was not quick and I had a tough time using the bot. However, they have improved and have a lot of the information in the FAQ section.
We use the software to share work in progress and completed work with clients. In today's climate, this eliminates the need to have clients stop into the office to retrieve said work.
Still trying to find an easy way to move ex-clients to Archive. A drag and drop feature would be helpful.
Sharing with clients in a secure environment.
It can be tailored to my firm, even I can insert my company logo. But probably the most important bit is that the Smartvault it GDPR compliant.
I experienced that some of my clients resisted to implement it. I used dropbox before, and it was easier for them to use.
It's a great investment. Data sharing and client communication at the same place.
It is consistent and cheaper then other options out there. We have used it for many years with ease.
Our users sometimes have issues with logging in. There are permissions issues on both ends, for us and for the clients.
I love SmartVault for the unlimited storage capacity and ease of use. I am easily able to collaborate and share files and sensitive documents with colleagues and clients alike with different permissions. I love being able to access my documents from any computer, anywhere, anytime. I feel like care about me as a consumer and try and be as helpful as possible.
Learning SmartVault was a bit difficult in the beginning but the company provides plenty of training and hundreds of videos.
With SmartVault I never have to worry about where my documents are for all of my clients. I know they are secure and accessible at all times no matter what computer I have access to.
The integration functionality with other accountancy software is great and the general ability to move towards a paperless practice.
Nothing has proved to be disappointing thus far, everything works really well for what I require.
I was using a combination of cloud storage providers and a paper based filing system. SmartVault has allowed us to move to a paperless environment.
The functionality is great, the workflows save time, the clients love it, and the Docusign integration is perfect and actually saves us money on Docusign signatures. Never had any crashes or IT related issued with the product either.
The web UI take some time to get used too. So most of us actually just use the desktop version.
We needed a central place to securely store documents that our clients could also access (in a permissioned fashion) and SmartVault was that solution.
Customer service is excellent, always get a response, the website has great help videos and instructions. Plus the option to chat - many many options to get help. Although we have only used for a short time (2 months) our clients really like it and say it is easy to use.
I'm not happy with the editing in the Connected Desktop, it is clunky and you have to zoom over and over again.
We are Lacerte users and use it for portal to send client docs and have them upload them. Smartvault helped with editing the settings and getting set up correctly.
The interface is incredibly user friendly. It works great for our day to day business to store client docs in a secure and efficient way
There is no option to move bulk files into another folder or another vault.
We are glad we signed up for SmartVault, it feels secure and saves times. Also sending emails and links to clients to get into the client portals also has been easy. Clients find the system easy to use. Better than having to attach emails or dropbox
A little tricky at first for us, it will get better with training. We are still working out the outlook integration. We did what was required but we are not sure how to implement it yet.
We use it for storing files internally and clients communication
The software is easy to use for myself and my staff. A new client and/or employee can learn to use the software very easy.
The new website needs some time getting use to. I prefer the connected desktop over the website.
It's secure and using it keeps my clients' sensitive data safe and helps my microbusiness stay highly professional. SmartVault is also a key component of my daily workflows. Within a couple of days of setting it up, I knew I would no longer be without it. It keeps my workday organized, and has increased my capacity.
It's mildly cumbersome at times that I need to change views to get certain tasks done.
I'm a freelance bookkeeper with a couple dozen clients. SmartVault allows me to keep everyone's bank statements, reports, spreadsheets, and documents beautifully organized and easily accessible at a moment's notice -- whenever I need to reconcile an account, check a detail, or put important data where I know it won't be misplaced, I turn to SmartVault. It's basically open all day, every day, while I'm working.
Very easy set up ! Training was scheduled and very easy to understand. If I ever have a question very easy to search or chat with an agent to get help . Makes it so easy to send and receive correspondence to clients and automatically notifies you when you receive something .
Not able to copy a lot of multiple documents at one time you are limited due to size but it is still quicker than doing each individually
a secure client portal to send and receive tax documents to clients
The fact that my Commissioners can access with ease and securely to see the financials.
There is nothing that I can complain about when it comes to this software. I moved from my previous employer to my current employer and transitioned my clients over without a hiccup
Document storage
Offers a lot of value to our clients, they can view current and prior year tax returns and documents. Allows them to get rid of lots of paperwork since everything is stored online.
I haven't encountered any issues with SmartVault so far, it has been a great product.
Using it for tax prep and document storage.
Branded client portal
Encrypted & secure
Looks professional for clients.
Easy to share large sensitive files with clients
Can be difficult to use for clients. Interface is in the process of being updated but it is not fully rolled out yet.
Transferring of files between clients and our firm. Secure file store of sensitive information.
It is a very simple tool to save all documents, organized and capable of sharing with colleagues and always available online.
So far I have no negative comments on the uses that I give to this application. I don't have any complaints
Sharing within the company and storage documents organized.
Smart vault is really easy to use, it is perfect for working from home as you can access this from wherever you are. You can access smartvault online as long as you have a log in.
Sometimes smart vault will freeze. However this is not a major issue and only lasts a couple of minutes.
We love SmartVault's user friendly interface. We also find it really convenient to store our records in a range of folders that are also easily accessible.
Our only issue is that we are awaiting for an integration with our accounting software. However, once this is implemented we will not have any issues :)
I like how easy it is for my staff and my clients to use.
I can finally get rid of paper files
I have not fully figured out how to use it outside my software.
right now there is a problem printing to smartvault and I feel it is taking way to long to resolve
I am using it as my tax filing system to replace paper files. It also makes it possible to share files when my whole staff is working remotely
I like it that it's easy for me to share docs with my clients and that there is a DocuSign feature included when I need it.
I wish there was a better way for me to be notified (perhaps via email) when a client uploads a document. Otherwise, I just have to check every once in a while and with me being very busy, having to stop working to check is cumbersome
I use SmartVault as my secure portal on my website. When I speak with potential clients, I almost always site this secure feature on my website. I think that having SmartVault on my website helps in obtaining new clients
We have gotten most of our clients using their portals. It easily integrates with our tax software. It also helps us transmit through Outlook.
It can be sluggish sometimes. The client interface is difficult for some of our less computer savvy clients.
Data storage, we rely on it heavily now.
I like the ease of storing information and that it is kept very secure. It is easy to keep track of the data as the templates are great!
I do not like how difficult the portal is for the clients to use. We get complaints alot about this
Love the file setup, the ease of use. It's easy to add new clients, the templates are great and work well.
Smartvault is a little slow to load. Didn't used to be that way, but that could definitely be worked on. Other than that, it's great.
I store my clients bank statements, financials, set up docs, taxes and payrolls. All sensitive docs. works just great for that.
Love the integration with my tax software, ProSeries and also DocUSign which I depend on immensely. With the Pandemic and having to social distance this ability allowed me to continue to work and stay in business.
difficult to understand how to set functions up and utilize the more advanced features
I use SmartVault as my FileDrawer, allow access to my clients so they can self serve, automate printing and electronic Signature
Clients can securely transfer documents
can search on any portion of name
links with other software
haven't used all features of this product, so can't comment on this at this time
uploading and transferring client documents securely
send a direct link to clients documents
I like that smart vault store all of my data in one place. You always have access to your files whenever you need them. You are also able to download all files at one time.Down is very quick. Its a very user friendly application
I dislike the fact that I can't use smart vault while having 2 different QuickBooks file open. Also I notice that if I do accidentally do that I crash the whole app and have to restart my computer to be able to use it again.
I have been using for over 4 years. It stores all my data in one place for all my client. Its eliminated physical storage. Its also helped going from all paper trail to full digital.
It is great for securely sharing financial reports. The templates are great, once you learn how to use them.
There is a pretty big learning curve to the software. I love the folder templates, just wish I could custom make my own templates.
I mainly use SmartVault for storing and sharing financial reports and other files that need to be safely sent to/from my clients. The user interface is professional looking and a step up from what I was using. At some point I need to take the time to meet with someone and really gain a better understanding of how some of the features work.
Smartvault allows a seamless print function for our tax software. It also is extremely easy to print to the DMS. Customer Support is always extremely helpful.
It was be great if it had a document search function directly from the client listing page (in case a document had been incorrectly saved to another file). It can sometimes be cumbersome to add users to the vaults.
We primarily use it to store client tax documents and tax returns, monthly accounting info and payroll information.
We save a lot of time by directly printing PDFs to SmartVault. This is a lot easier then what we did before Smart Vault.
The online portal and the desktop portal are different in what they allow you to do.
I am really happy with it, the client portal is easy to use thats important so they dont contact us as much
It is easy to use, clients find it easy to use and the customer support is fast, friendly and always solves any issues i have!
The only feature I would like to see that is not currently available, is to filter and sort by client number or ID.
clients can access docs without a staff member and we can easily share docs back and forth. and of course digital storage.
It is easy to access documents the whole team needs. I don't have to store these on my local system.
The Z Drive option doesn't work right now. I have a workaround which is fine. Otherwise, It works fine.
Our team is remote. We use it to share images, videos and other documents. Everything is in one place!
This program is easy for our staff and clients to use. It has been a big asset to the company during Covid times.
When searching for a client, it seems to take a long time to load. There is also an issue with the software auto-refreshing and most of the time the refresh button does not work.
Covid / Not being able to have clients bring in documentation.
Very secure. Let's you give appropriate access controls for respective roles and helps you store data in an order.
Access controls to new person of the team is not upto the mark. Needs more working on the same.
Storage and security.
It is reliable, easy to use and flexible. The software flows, customers understand it and it is great for folks who work remote.
I heard it is expensive but I am not involved in the pricing to confirm that information.
It's fairly easy to use as an administrator and even easier to use as a client. We depend on this during this pandemic when everyone is remote and there are no longer "drop offs" or mailed in documents.
From the back end as an administrator it's a little frustrating creating allowances for clients.
We're an accounting firm and have clients upload all of their tax documents to the vault so we can prepare their returns
