Communication Method

Product Suggestions
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I would like to suggest adding separate communication/delivery method fields for the tax planning package and the completed return package.

Currently, the Engagement Information screen has a single “Method of Communication” field. In our office, we use this field to determine whether TaxCycle prints paper packages or produces digital-only packages. This works well when a client wants both the planning package and completed return delivered the same way.

However, client preferences are increasingly mixed. For example:

  • Mail planning package, receive completed return electronically.

  • Receive planning package electronically, pick up completed return in person.

  • Receive planning package electronically, receive a printed copy of the completed return by mail.

With only a single communication method field, there is no straightforward way to distinguish these workflows. My firm has created custom workarounds but mostly maintains additional tracking outside TaxCycle which is inefficient.

A possible solution would be to add separate fields such as:

  • Planning Package Delivery Method

  • Completed Return Delivery Method

These could use the same options currently available in Method of Communication.

Alternatively, a dedicated “Return Delivery Method” field alone would solve most of the problem while remaining backwards compatible with existing workflows.

As more firms adopt portals, e-signatures, and hybrid delivery methods, I suspect this distinction will become increasingly common.

Is anyone else encountering this issue, or has anyone found a clean workaround within TaxCycle?

1 Answer

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I use custom fields for this.

You beat me to it, that is exactly what I was going to suggest. Then you can also add conditions to trigger a separate preconfigured print set automatically based on the custom field. The video on this page is specific to TaxFolder, but the process is the same for setting up delivery options: https://www.taxcycle.com/resources/help-topics/electronic-signatures/create-a-print-set-of-documents-for-e-signature/

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If you search method of communication here then you will find my multi page custom fields setup that I have had in place for years, and shared here to others could use it or get ideas on what could be done. I’ve been using the program for almost 15 years, and have a history of giving away knowledge and ideas to help people use it better too, so I’m not just suggesting this because it will make my life easier. I know from helping other CPAs in person that most users will not bother with the set up of custom fields. I think this idea deserves more than a quick dismissal.

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