Canopy, a leading practice management platform for accounting firms, has introduced Smart Intake, a new solution designed to automate client intake and tax workflow processes using artificial intelligence, potentially saving firms up to 20 minutes per client in tax preparation scenarios.Smart Intake aims to address the common challenge faced by accounting firms in managing document collection, data entry, task management, and billing, which often involves using multiple disparate applications. The new solution is fully native to Canopy’s platform, integrating with its existing client portal, reminders, proposals, and engagements to provide a unified experience and eliminate the need for firms to combine various tools.Hanna Bjornn, VP of Product at Canopy, stated that the platform already functions as a system of record for tax and accounting firms, centralizing client data, documents, and daily workflows. Bjornn added that Smart Intake’s AI-powered automation is intended to boost completion rates and reduce manual back-and-forth. The native solution collects, organizes, and routes data across the platform, prefilling client information for review and syncing responses instantly to CRM records, while dynamically updating checklists. This integration is designed to reduce manual work and free up team members to focus on higher-value tasks, with potential time savings of up to 20 minutes per client for tax preparation.Unlike third-party tools that may rely on external integrations or isolated portals, Smart Intake is embedded within Canopy’s unified platform. This approach is intended to provide a synchronized, up-to-date experience, aiming to eliminate duplicate data entry, synchronization errors, and the need for multiple vendors. Key capabilities of Smart Intake include:Custom Questionnaires: Forms can be tailored for various uses, such as assessing client fit, creating tax organizers, or gathering client feedback.AI Prefill: The system can suggest answers to questions based on existing data, allowing clients to confirm or modify responses.Document Request Lists: Firms can create custom lists for document requests, enabling clients to upload all required files in a single location.Intelligent Document Management: AI-powered features facilitate renaming and classification of documents based on defined naming conventions, storing files and workpapers within the same software used for requests.360° Insights: The platform provides a comprehensive view to track client progress, identify blockers, and monitor billable status from a single login.Due to its native integration, Canopy states that firms can implement Smart Intake quickly, potentially within hours, without requiring extensive setup, custom connectors, or multi-vendor change management. The company also highlights a bundled license model, which aims to offer a lower total cost of ownership compared to point solutions that may charge per return.Canopy is an award-winning practice management platform designed for accounting firms. Its suite of integrated modules includes CRM, workflow management, document management, time and billing, and payments, all aimed at streamlining firm operations and enhancing client experience. Canopy is SOC2 certified, emphasizing its commitment to data security.