In case you are a tax preparer or accountant, you already know the busy season could be hectic. Extended hours, endless data entry & back to back client meetings can rapidly result in burnout. That’s where Intuit ProConnect comes in. ProConnect makes your job faster and simpler when things get crazy.
The IRS states that over 160 million personal tax returns were submitted in 2023. During the most hectic months January to April, accountants usually work 60-80 hours per week to deal with deadlines. So finding shortcuts and time-saving tips in tools like ProConnect isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
This article covers ProConnect shortcuts and tipsto avoid wasting time, stay organized and lower stress during crunch time. Regardless if you are a solo professional or the managing director of a small firm, these suggestions will enable you to make the most of your busy season.
ProConnect Shortcuts and Time-Saving Tips
Below are 10 shortcuts and time-saving tips using ProConnect:
1. Use favorites to Speed Up Workflows
In ProConnect you can mark frequently used forms, customers, or items as favorites. This saves time as it enables quick access without digging through menus.
How it helps:
- Reduces time spent searching for forms like Schedule C or 1099s.
- Cutting down repetitive clicks from your regular clients.
Set your most frequently used forms as favorites just before tax season starts. This small step can save hours later on.
2. Create and Use Client Templates
Client templates are a lifesaver. In case you produce returns for similar kinds of clients like small business owners or freelancers, you can develop a template which includes typical entries, deductions, and forms.
How it helps:
- No need to enter the same info for similar clients.
- It lowers the chance of missing common deductions.
You don't need to be a tech wizard to accomplish this. ProConnect can make it simple to work with. When you produce a template, you can apply it to several clients with a few clicks.
3. Bulk Send Client Organizers
Rather than emailing clients one after the other, send client organizers in batches using the bulk send feature. This is an easy but powerful time saver if you have dozens (or hundreds) of clients.
How you can use it:
- Go to "Client Organizers."
- Select several clients.
- Click Send to distribute all at the same time.
This helps you remain ahead of the curve while clients gather their tax documents. Additionally, it provides you with control of deadlines.
4. Set Up Auto Reminders for Clients
You can not chase clients down during hectic seasons. Use automated reminders in ProConnect to follow up on missing documents, unpaid invoices or form approvals.
How it helps:
- Keeps communications consistent.
- Reduces client last minute panic.
- Saves composing dozens of emails manually.
These reminders are personalized with your own schedule and wording. One less thing to be worried about whenever you automate this particular aspect of your workflow.
5. Integrate With QuickBooks Online
In case your clients use QuickBooks Online, you are lucky. ProConnect synchronizes with it automatically, less manual entry for you.
How it helps:
- Import income & expense data in seconds.
- Avoid typos & missing info from spreadsheets.
- Instant tax-ready categorization of data.
For clients who don't use QuickBooks, you may want to think about switching, especially if you are acting as their private accountant. It is another way to lessen work at both ends.
6. Stay Away from Repetition Using Smart Entry
ProConnect learns how you work. The more you use it, the more helpful it gets. It can fill in data from prior years, recommend common deductions, and skip unnecessary steps.
Great for:
- Repeat clients.
- Similar tax scenarios (self-employed clients or W-2 employees).
This means less time on basic data entry and more time reviewing high-level tax strategy. This feature may be your friend when you are swamped.
7. Use Batch Printing and E-filing
Avoid opening each return to print or e-file individually by using batch processing. You can print and e-file several returns at once.
Quick instructions:
- Pick the clients you wish to file.
- Select batch print or even batch e-file.
- The rest is dealt with by ProConnect.
It helps especially if you prepare dozens of returns per day.
8. Organizing Clients With Custom Tags & Filters
Busy seasons can feel frantic. Use custom tags in ProConnect to organize your workflow.
You may tag clients as:
- Status (e.g. "waiting on W-2")
- Priority level ("VIP client" for example)
- Type ("Sole Proprietor," "LLC," etc)
These tags help you sort your working day. It helps your team (in case you have one) stay on the exact same page also.
9. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Navigation
Little time-savers add up. Some keyboard shortcuts in ProConnect allow you to:
- Jump to particular forms.
- Move between sections.
- Quickly save and submit returns.
Below are a few examples:
- Ctrl + S: Save return.
- Ctrl + F: Find forms.
- Ctrl + P: Print return.
Print a list of shortcuts and put it by your desk. Those saved seconds per task could translate to hours over the season.
10. Lean on Support & Training During Crunch Time
ProConnect provides very good training videos, webinars and help documentation. Fear not, use them even during the mid-season.
Should you ever get stuck, watching a tutorial will save much more time than guessing or by hand troubleshooting.
You might also hire a personal accountant or assistant to keep up with new updates and software tips while you work on returns.
Also read: What’s New in ProConnect for 2025: Features & Updates
Conclusion
Tax season can be challenging, but with the proper tools and an intelligent strategy, it can be much simpler. ProConnect has features in order to save you time, minimize mistakes and also keep you organized when life gets hectic. From automating reminders to utilizing integrations and templates, every little bit helps. Hard work is part of the job but working efficiently is equally vital.
If you ever feel like you are buried under paperwork or unable to keep up, you may wish to hire an accountant or bring in a personal accountant to shoulder the load. The objective is not only to make it through tax season, but with less stress and much more confidence. By utilizing ProConnect's tips and shortcuts, you are setting yourself and your clients up to get a much faster and much more professional experience.
