Tritech IT support for tax & accounting firms
We know how a tax practice runs, from the January software installs to the April crunch and the October extension deadline. Your systems, client data and compliance paperwork, handled by someone who gets it.
IT built around the tax calendar
Accounting and tax firms hold some of the most valuable data there is: Social Security numbers, bank accounts, W-2s and full financial histories. That makes them a top target for phishing, ransomware and fake e-file and refund schemes, and it puts them under the FTC Safeguards Rule.
Firms also have a workload unlike any other business. New tax software versions install every year, seasonal staff come and go, and an outage in March costs far more than one in July. We plan your IT around that calendar so the busy season is the boring season for your systems.
Most firms start with a free assessment. We’ll review your security against the Safeguards Rule, check your backups and remote access, and give you a plain-English list of what to fix before the next filing season.
What we handle
- Tax software installs, updates & network setups
- QuickBooks Desktop multi-user & hosting moves
- Secure client portals & e-signature workflows
- MFA on email, tax software & remote access
- Encrypted laptops & managed EDR
- Tested, offsite backups of client files
- Seasonal staff onboarding & offboarding
- Scanners & paperless document workflows
- WISP & Safeguards Rule documentation
Problems we solve for tax & accounting firms
Busy-season outages
A server, workstation or internet failure in March means missed deadlines and unhappy clients. Proactive monitoring and pre-season checkups catch problems before January.
Safeguards Rule & WISP
The FTC Safeguards Rule requires a written security program, MFA, encryption, a risk assessment and an incident response plan. We put the technical controls in place and help you document them.
Tax software headaches
New-year installs, network data paths, workstation setups and update failures. We handle them so your preparers aren’t troubleshooting software.
Seasonal staff
Temporary preparers need accounts, devices and access on day one, and need it removed cleanly when the season ends. We run that process for you.
Client file exchange
Clients email tax documents as plain attachments. A secure portal with e-signature is safer and easier for everyone.
Remote preparers
Secure remote access to tax software and client files for preparers who work from home, without exposing your office network.
Get ready before January
The best time to fix IT problems in a tax practice is October through December. Our pre-season checkup covers workstation health and replacements, server and backup testing, MFA coverage, remote access, user accounts for seasonal staff, and your WISP, so you start the season with a clean bill of health.
Common questions
Do tax preparers really need a written security plan?
Yes. The FTC Safeguards Rule requires tax and accounting professionals to maintain a written information security program, often called a WISP. IRS Publications 4557 and 5708 explain what it should cover and include a sample template. We help with the technical controls and the documentation.
What software do you support?
We support the computers, servers and networks that tax and accounting software runs on, including network installs of desktop tax software and QuickBooks Desktop in multi-user mode. For application-specific issues, we work directly with your software vendor’s support.
Can you help us move off our office server?
Yes. Depending on your software, that may mean moving files to SharePoint, using a hosted environment for desktop applications, or keeping a small server with better backups. We’ll recommend what fits your firm.
Do you require MFA for everyone?
The Safeguards Rule requires multi-factor authentication for anyone accessing customer information, and it’s one of the most effective protections available. We roll it out in a way that doesn’t slow your staff down.
Can you work around our busy season?
Yes. Major changes are scheduled between May and December whenever possible, and anything during the season is done after hours.