Carrie C. Susz, EA

In my office in New Hampshire we have a “paperless” office. Of course, that means that we have to scan everything and then place it in it’s respective folder, etc, just so we can get files put together. I’ve been asked about this a couple of times–so here are some pros and cons:

Drawbacks:

1. You sometimes can’t review off paperless, because it would require a second monitor to look at both the workpapers and the prepared tax return/financial statements at the same time.
2. The second monitor is expensive, as is the scanner and software. And don’t forget where to store all this data…
3. Half the time, you have to make notes on the documents, which requires either printing the document out, writing on it, and re-scanning (thus nullifying the “paperless”) or getting an even more expensive software so that you can “write” on the document directly using the computer.

Benefits:

1. Less storage of paper. Heck–it makes the office less flammable!
2. Easier to find work–it’s always where you left it.
3. Access your files anywhere. As long as you can establish a connection with your storage location, you can get to the work. It’s great when you’re on that tropical beach vacation and the client wants a copy of their financial statements *now*.