Outsource

Hosted Web Servers

SurePrep Production servers are housed in SSAE-16 certified Internet Data Centers located in the continental US. The SurePrep infrastructure uses State-of-the-art firewall and intrusion detection technology to achieve a high level of security. Servers and firewall are monitored on a 24/7 basis. Performance reports are generated to assure maximum operational availability. Server load-balancing and distributed architecture are in place to achieve the high performance and availability.

Facility Security

• Regulated, monitored access

• Biometric palm scanners

• Individual card key access

• Digital recordings and video storage

Environmental Control

• Static free environment

• 24 X 7 NOC personnel presence

• Fire suppression systems

 

Network Operations Center

• Permissively neutral network

• Dual path, dual entrance fiber facilities

• Complete redundancy

Building Power

• Continuous, uninterrupted operation

• N + 1 dual fed redundancy

 

Certifications

• SSAE-16 certifications; annual reviews of internal controls are performed by independent auditors.

SurePrep Tax Center

The SurePrep Tax Center is a Microsoft SQL based ASP application.  Password protected logins restrict access to registered users.  User passwords are encrypted in the SQL database and a log is maintained of all users that access the system.  The SurePrep Tax Center uses 128-bit Secure Socket Layer encryption for all data transfers.  This is the same encryption technology used by banks for securing online banking transactions.

Non-disclosure / Confidentiality Agreements

All SurePrep employees in the U.S. and India are required to sign non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements.  Each employee is bound by the agreement and not allowed to discuss information from engagements they are working on with anyone unless there is a question related to the preparation of the engagement.  Preparers and reviewers are only allowed to request help from their direct supervisors.

 

Service Centers

SurePrep has implemented a comprehensive service center security policy that is designed to ensure the protection of data. Security measures include policies that:

   1. Restrict physical access to the processing and server environments.

   2. Ensure a paperless environment so data cannot be removed from the facility.

   3. Standard computer hardware and software configurations restrict access to email and Internet sites.  Medialess computers ensure files cannot be copied.

   4. Thin clients are used with centrally managed servers. No data ever resides on the diskless thin client, and provide only keyboard, video and mouse input.

   5. PC-based workstations do not have CD or floppy drives and USB ports are disabled.

Certifications

• SurePrep is ISO 9001:2008 Certified.

Physical Security

• A security guard is stationed at the entrance.

• Access card required to enter the facility.

• Access card required to enter the server room.  Access is restricted to the IT and service center manager.

Paperless Environment

• Returns are prepared in a paperless environment.  No source documents or tax returns are printed.

• The printer in the server room is limited to printing management reports

• Paper shredders are used by management to shred management reports

Personal Belongings

• Briefcases and other personal belongings are not allowed in the service center

Hardware

•There are no removable media devices.  PC harddrives are read only.

Internet Access

• No access to email

• Outlook and Outlook Express have been removed from all PC’s

• No access to internet except for:

       o SurePrep site for return processing

       o Global fx site for return processing

       o GoSystem RS site for return processing

         o RIA Checkpoint access is allowed for supervisors only

Client tax information is electronically shared on secure SurePrep servers utilizing the latest data encryption technology. SurePrep servers are located in redundant SSAE 16 certified Internet Data Centers located in the continental US. All information is maintained online and a log entry is automatically generated each time it is accessed. In addition, SurePrep accountants are bound by comprehensive non-disclosure agreements that require complete confidentiality. Please visit the Security FAQ for more detailed information.

SurePrep's Chartered Accountants are professionals who have been specially trained in US tax laws. They maintain proficiency through ongoing classes conducted live by US tax professionals that educate them on the latest changes in tax code.

SurePrep offers numerous advantages including increased availability of qualified personnel, faster turnaround time, secure online access, and higher customer satisfaction. But the most important advantage is cost. By outsourcing the preparation of tax returns to SurePrep you can save up to 50 percent over what it is costing you now. At the same time, you can reduce, or even eliminate, your need to increase staff during peak tax season. In addition, by capturing and storing all your clients' tax information in electronic format, you will be able to take advantage of the latest technology to improve workflow, speed your tax preparation process, and take your firm paperless.

Standard pricing for SurePrep's tax preparation services are based on the complexity of the return. Please contact us at (800) 805-8582 ext. 3 or sales@surepprep.com for detailed pricing information.

SurePrep will create separate electronic files for each type of source document. These documents will be placed into electronic folders organized to follow the flow of the particular tax return. The information on the source documents will be keyed into your tax processing system. Once completed, SurePrep will send you an email informing you that the source documents and electronic tax return are ready for you to download and review.

Yes, you are always in control. Your firm maintains the original hard copy of your clients' records plus you can access the electronic files from anywhere on the Internet to see the status of each return. Once the return is complete, it is securely transmitted to you in a file format compatible with your tax software. If necessary, the return can easily be modified online by your staff or your SurePrep team.

It is well known that many countries have highly educated English-speaking workforces. Several large accounting firms such as Ernst & Young have already recognized this fact and are processing their US clients' tax returns offshore to lower costs and improve client service. Our firm continually strives to provide the highest quality and most cost effective service possible. These business practices allow us to deliver more efficient and cost effective services to you. If our offshore option is not right for you please consider our onshore option.

While SurePrep's accountants will prepare the tax returns, our role is transparent to the process from your clients' perspective. Your firm is responsible for tax planning, reviewing and approving the return prior to delivery.

SurePrep has developed an Internet based document management tool that you will use to store your clients' source documents electronically. This easy to use tool also allows you to enter notes and comments about your clients' tax data that is pertinent to the preparation of the return. The SurePrep staff will inform you of any important information about the return using the same tool.

SurePrep's standard turnaround time is three to four business days. However, one business day turn around is available when needed.

Yes. Our onshore outsourcing option provides all of the benefits of our offshore option. All onshore processing is performed in our Irvine, California office location.