PandaDoc Vs SmartVault
A lot of client feedback we’ve been receiving over the past few months we’ve noticed that there seems to be some confusion between PandaDoc and SmartVault and how to use the two. We’d like to take this opportunity to encourage clients to call through to Jess for assistance if they get stuck (she doesn’t bite 
). But let us break it down for you:
PandaDoc
This is the program we use for digital signing. You do not need to download anything to use PandaDoc as it’s all automated through the link you receive in the PandaDoc email. All you need is a computer or smartphone (or tablet!) with internet connection and access to your emails. We use PandaDoc for signing documents only. If we send you a sensitive document, such as your tax return, we will protect this with an access code which you will receive in a separate email (Hot Tip: this is generally the code at the beginning of the PandaDoc document title). If you’ve received an access code email and missing the PandaDoc email or vice versa, don’t forget to check your junk or spam folder. PandaDoc emails are notorious for finding their way into junk folders. Follow the link in the PandaDoc email, enter your access code (if required), read the document and if all is well follow the prompts to “Accept & Sign”. Once you’ve completed all the fields in the document you will receive a prompt to “Finalise”. Once you have finalised the document, PandaDoc will take care of the rest for you. You will then receive an email with a pdf version of the signed document which also includes a digital certificate. PandaDoc also makes a signed copy of the document available for us to download. Cathie or Jess will send you an email to let you know that we have received it.
SmartVault
This is our client portal. As we are a paperless office, we provide all our clients with their own secure Vault which gives you digital access to your tax records. In your vault we place copies of any tax returns, financial statements, business activity statements, etc.. Anything we prepare for you we place a copy in here and it’s available and free for you to access 24/7. From the vault, you can download pdf versions of your returns to print or email to whomever you fancy. The Vault also has a function which allows you to upload your information directly to us. Cathie and Jess get notified every time a document is uploaded (We’ll email you to let you know we’ve got it!). This eliminates the risk of emails with attachments being blocked by spam filters. You’re also welcome to upload information for the current tax year (TY21) so it’s all ready to go at tax time, you’ll just need to let us know once you’re ready for us to prepare your return – pretty cool huh?
To use the SmartVault you’ll need to activate the invitation we would have previously sent you. If you have not activated your vault and would like too, please give Jess a call. She can walk you through the setup process and give you a quick lesson on how to use the vault.