Canopy Software Reviews

Pros

To be honest, I bought Canopy in November 2019 when I started my practice in my home office. Initially, I didn't fully understand it as the pandemic hit. But now, after more than 3 years and recent transitions, I can't imagine my practice without Canopy. The interface is extremely user-friendly, and the numerous options allow for a personalized approach.

Cons

Occasionally, I encounter minor issues like missing shortcuts or errors in the desktop software. However, Canopy continuously improves, and once the "Print" or "Save" option directly to Canopy becomes available and my contacts are integrated with emails, everything becomes smooth sailing.

Pros

Canopy is an excellent all-in-one tool for tracking client relations, tasking, workflow, and running a CPA firm. I love being able to access all client information from the client home page, including contact information, notes, tasks, important contacts, recent files, and engagements. It's all right there! I can even access client emails, correspondence, and tax organizers from the communications section. Having all the information in one location is fantastic. The ability to request IRS transcripts for clients through Canopy is simply amazing.

Cons

I opted to use another payment system, so I didn't utilize Canopy's online payment feature. While the pricing plan wasn't my favorite, it still compared well with other vendors. Overall, there wasn't much about Canopy that I disliked.

Pros

We made the switch from Office Tools to Canopy over 2 years ago, and the implementation and data transfer were nearly seamless. The mobile app and client portal have been invaluable for our clients. We started implementing Canopy before COVID, so when the shutdowns happened, we were already ahead of the game with a digital portal and app that our clients found easy to use.

Cons

I wish the reporting was more accurate, as it would provide a better reflection of our utilization rates. It would be great to customize reports based on what the firm values and specific items.

Pros

One of my favorite things about this app is the document management feature.

Cons

I honestly didn't have any least favorite aspect. I enjoyed everything.

Pros

Introducing Canopy to our organization was a smooth process. We sent out individualized invitations using a mass email template to both old and new clients!

Cons

Currently, we are still exploring and utilizing all the features that Canopy offers, so I have nothing negative to say at the moment.

Pros

I find it incredibly easy to save a document and go directly to the client file in Canopy. The file organization is excellent.

Cons

Two years ago, during the initial setup, it was challenging. However, it has significantly improved since then.

Pros

Canopy is cohesive and has a client portal, helping to tame the chaos.

Cons

There are a few areas that seem incomplete and could be easily fixed with some attention.

Pros

It has been instrumental in holding myself accountable and keeping all my documents in one place.

Cons

We had difficulty obtaining the necessary reports to track the number of returns completed and remaining. Additionally, we faced issues with digital signatures as clients struggled with security questions, which was unusual.

Pros

Canopy is an incredible platform that ensures the safe and secure storage of client information. In this era of technological advancements, having a convenient platform where both users and clients can easily access active or archived information is invaluable. It's just fantastic.

Cons

I didn't face any difficulties at all. I just hope that all my clients will utilize this platform, and I might consider making it a requirement!

Pros

The implementation of Canopy in our company was fun and quite easy, and the client portal is excellent. It's available online on the internet.

Cons

The lack of a tax calendar makes the tracking process difficult and heavily reliant on manual efforts.

Pros

The document storage and communication tools are top-notch.

Cons

The price is a bit high considering all the additional features it offers.

Pros

It's easy for us and our clients to use.

Cons

I appreciate the ability to customize task management.

Pros

I absolutely love how everything is consolidated in one place on Canopy. From document storage and sharing with clients to timers, invoicing, reports, task management, procedures (we utilize sub-tasks to outline the steps with detailed notes), transcripts, and more. Recently, I've started using the letter templates to respond to IRS letters, and they have significantly streamlined my workflow. The client request feature is also fantastic as it automatically reminds my clients when I'm awaiting something from them.

Cons

Small things, like occasionally losing track of tasks if I forget to assign them to someone, can happen. However, this can be easily avoided by regularly reviewing the complete task list. On a day-to-day basis, I find it more useful to focus on tasks assigned to me, pending tax returns, or tasks assigned to the bookkeeper. Sometimes, I overlook checking all the tasks, and that's when I realize I missed something. Additionally, I find that the software could be more keyboard-friendly. I often have to rely on clicking to accomplish tasks, which can be a bit time-consuming.

Pros

The ability to rename or change the locations of documents is incredibly easy on Canopy.

Cons

Occasionally, I need to refresh the page to see certain folders.

Pros

My favorite feature is the file sharing and document storage solution.

Cons

I really wish Canopy had a direct integration with Finder or a sync feature with my computer. Instead, I have to go through the process of uploading and downloading files.

Pros

Canopy allows you to share file and upload them from anywhere.

Cons

The time tracker is my least favorite feature because I sometimes forget to turn it off.

Pros

The software is user-friendly, and I appreciate the constant updates with new features.

Cons

The reports for tasks are not very comprehensive, and the software feels a bit generic. It would be more valuable if there were specific features implemented for tracking tax return tasks. I also wish the pricing structure was less modular. It would be great to have access to more features for a straightforward monthly per-user fee. Additionally, it would be convenient to only pay for seasonal accounts during busy months when we require extra help. It would also be amazing if Canopy expanded its integrations beyond contact information and allowed integration with other software based on tasks.

Pros

Canopy has combined our client contact lists, document management, communications, and consolidated requests into one place. The team is continuously improving Canopy by adding new features and enhancing existing ones.

Cons

It would be helpful to have different views for task management and workflow. Having a swim lane option would make it easier to visualize tasks and their respective stages.

Pros

The Client Portal and Tax Resolution (IRS transcript delivery service) are the two features that my firm absolutely loves in Canopy. When we purchased the software, we recognized the need for a Client Portal for seamless document exchange with clients via their smartphones, and we have been extremely satisfied with this feature. It's even better that we can customize and brand it as our own. What pleasantly surprised us was the significant time savings we experienced with Canopy's Tax Resolution tool for pulling IRS transcripts compared to using IRS e-services. Once we have the Form 2848 on file with the IRS, we can retrieve every transcript we're authorized for a specific client with just a touch of a button. The transcripts download directly from the IRS in PDF format, and with one more button, we can save them all to the client's file. The time savings is incredible compared to manually downloading individual transcripts year by year and form by form.

Cons

Personally, I find the e-signature process a bit cumbersome. However, I understand that it may be due to my limited experience with IRS-approved e-signatures that require knowledge-based authentication. Nonetheless, it's reassuring to know that Canopy is compliant with IRS regulations regarding e-signatures.

Pros

The ease of use ensures that setting up and following processes doesn't consume much time.

Cons

The software is not always designed to assist with tax resolution outside of the norm.