Top 10 Benefits of Hosting Lacerte Tax Software on the Cloud

Lacerte from Intuit is one of the most popular tax filing software for professionals and businesses. Working with Lacerte tax software on your local system can be cumbersome and a massive headache regarding data protection and security. 

You can enhance your team’s productivity and collaboration by hosting Lacerte tax software on the cloud. Hosted Lacerte solution ensures business continuity and data protection. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of cloud-based Lacerte tax hosting and how it enables accounting firms to enhance accessibility, collaboration, and overall efficiency during tax season and beyond.  

How Does Lacerte Tax Hosting Work? 

Lacerte is a desktop-based tax preparation and filing software by Intuit. To use Lacerte, you install it on your computer. If you have multiple users, they must download and install Lacerte in their respective systems. 

Some of Lacerte’s key features enable tax professionals to prepare taxes, collect data, conduct research, consult, and effectively manage their practices. Additionally, the software enables you to significantly reduce the time spent on complex and critical tax-related tasks with its comprehensive end-to-end solution. 

However, using Lacerte in an on-premises setup comes with several challenges, including limited flexibility, weaker data security, a higher risk of data loss, and restricted access when you’re away from the office. 

You can work around these challenges simply by opting for cloud-based Lacerte tax software hosting services from a trusted provider. 

Advantages of Lacerte Hosting vs. On-Premises Setup 

Hosting Lacerte on the cloud has numerous advantages over setting it up on-premises. After migrating Lacerte to the cloud, you can focus on serving your clients while your tax software hosting provider takes care of the rest. 

To ensure business continuity and protect your business from any unfortunate event, hosting Lacerte tax software on the cloud can be an excellent solution. 

Above all, you enjoy remote Lacerte accessibility, regular data backups, data security, enhanced collaboration, and many others. 

Benefits of Hosting Lacerte Tax Software on the Cloud 

1. Anytime, Anywhere Access 

Hosting Lacerte Tax Software on the cloud allows you to access the software remotely and at any time. Whether you are commuting or on an extended vacation, you can quickly log in to your cloud server to work with Lacerte. 

The cloud server enables you to access all files while restricting other team members from accessing only their own files. This fosters multi-user collaboration without compromising data security. 

You can scale your resources depending on your business requirements. You can add/remove users, and they can start collaborating on the cloud-powered platform with their login credentials. 

As cloud-hosted Lacerte tax software allows you to authorize any users, you can set restrictions depending on the business objectives. 

In addition, you get cross-device connectivity to ensure that the tax software services aren’t limited to an on-premise desktop computer. You can access and modify data at any time if needed. 

2. Data Security 

Your tax-related data is essential, and you might need it even several years after filing the return. As such, it becomes imperative to remain cautious about the storage and security of your tax data. 

In the case of Lacerte on-premise solutions, issues such as data theft, software breakdowns, or accidental deletion can pose severe threats to your business. 

By hosting Lacerte Tax Software on the cloud, you can avert such incidents and easily protect your tax data. Tax software on the cloud automatically backs up the data, and you can always access the required data during any unprecedented events. 

Advanced security features you get by hosting Lacerte on the cloud: 

• End-to-end Encryption 
• Two-factor authentication 
• Firewalls 
• Antivirus and Anti-malware 
• Intrusion Detection System (IDS) 
• Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) 
• Backup and Disaster Recovery 
• Role-Based Access  
• Continuous Monitoring 

Suggested Read: The Complete Guide to Lacerte Data Conversion 

3. Seamless Integration with Other Accounting Software 

Your business often requires integrating the Lacerte tax software with other accounting software. With the effortless integration feature of Lacerte, you can integrate it with other accounting software, such as QuickBooks. 

However, instances occur when deploying software or integrations on the same computer can slow down the performance of your computer. This is where hosting Lacerte Tax Software on the cloud comes to the rescue. You can run Lacerte alongside other accounting applications without slowing down local systems.

Cloud hosting shifts the processing load to high-performance servers, ensuring smooth operation even when multiple tools run simultaneously. 

Firms can integrate Lacerte with QuickBooks and other accounting software in a centralized cloud environment. Teams access connected applications from a single virtual desktop, which reduces data silos and manual file transfers. As a result, staff complete tax preparation faster and with fewer errors.  

Cloud hosting also simplifies updates and compatibility management across integrated tools. IT teams no longer troubleshoot version conflicts or performance bottlenecks on individual machines. Instead, firms maintain a stable, scalable setup that supports growing workloads during peak tax seasons.  

Reputed Lacerte Hosting service providers like Ace Cloud Hosting deliver 24/7 dedicated human support to ensure all cloud applications work seamlessly with your hosted Lacerte environment. 

4. Cost-Effective 

Unlike on-premises setups, cloud hosting eliminates the need to install Lacerte Tax Software on individual computers. The application runs on secure terminal servers, allowing firms to avoid investing in high-end systems or making frequent hardware upgrades. 

Cloud hosting also includes services such as remote updates and 24/7, year-round technical support. As a result, firms reduce their dependence on in-house IT staff and cut ongoing maintenance costs. This can significantly reduce your IT workforce and resources, thereby saving you a substantial amount of money.  

Providers typically offer a pay-as-you-go model, allowing firms to pay only for the resources they actually use, thereby avoiding unnecessary IT spending. 

5. Easy Scalability 

Cloud-hosted Lacerte enables accounting firms to quickly adjust resources, such as CPU, RAM, and storage, based on their workload. During tax season, when client files and calculations increase, firms can scale up to handle the extra demand without slowing down processing. 

Unlike on-premises setups, where adding hardware or upgrading infrastructure requires time and effort, cloud hosting enables firms to scale up or down instantly. This ensures smooth performance during peak periods and supports the timely completion of client tax returns, financial reporting, and other accounting tasks. 

It also enables firms to accommodate temporary staff or additional client projects seamlessly, maintaining efficient and uninterrupted workflows. 

6. Effective Collaboration 

Gathering data from clients and sharing it with your colleagues is a never-ending process in tax filing. As such, you often need to stick to repetitive tasks that could hamper productivity. 

Hosting Lacerte Tax Software on the cloud lets your tax and accounting teams work on the same platform simultaneously. Clients and professionals can collaborate on the same files in real time, speeding up the tax preparation process. 

Cloud-hosted Lacerte software also offers cross-device compatibility and real-time collaboration, enabling employees to work remotely while maintaining high productivity and efficient workflows. 

7. High Uptime 

Uninterrupted access to tax data is critical, especially during busy tax seasons. Hosting Lacerte Tax Software on the cloud ensures reliable, continuous access. 

Cloud hosting offers high uptime, ensuring consistent access to Lacerte and all your files with minimal downtime throughout the year. 

Choosing a reputable cloud hosting provider can deliver up to 99.99% uptime or higher, giving your team the confidence and extra time needed to complete tax work efficiently and accurately. 

8. Transparent Client Interaction 

Sharing tax files among clients, accountants, and tax professionals is a common practice during tax filing. Managing this data can be challenging, especially for larger firms. 

Hosting Lacerte Tax Software on the cloud allows all stakeholders to work on the same platform, regardless of location or device. Everyone can access files simultaneously over the internet, enabling faster, more coordinated teamwork. 

From a security perspective, the admin can manage permissions for all stakeholders and track changes in real-time, ensuring both transparency and data protection. 

9. Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity 

Hosting Lacerte Tax Software on the cloud ensures your tax data is always protected and recoverable. Cloud providers maintain multiple backup locations, ensuring that in the event of hardware failures, natural disasters, or cyberattacks, your files remain safe. This guarantees uninterrupted operations and minimizes downtime, allowing your firm to continue working seamlessly even during unexpected events. 

10. Faster Onboarding & Training  

Trainers can demonstrate workflows in a single cloud environment that mirrors the firm’s live setup, allowing employees to learn using the same interface and data they will handle in real-world tasks. It reduces confusion, minimizes errors, and accelerates integration into active accounting workflows. 

Ultimately, faster onboarding ensures that both permanent and temporary staff can contribute productively from the outset, helping the firm maintain efficiency, meet deadlines, and deliver timely client service. 

Host Lacerte on the Cloud with Ace Cloud Hosting 

Hosting Lacerte Tax Software on the cloud offers you all the features and reliability of the on-premise version. Additionally, you gain several benefits from the cloud, including remote access, advanced data security, seamless integration with other accounting software, transparent client interaction, and more. 

If you prefer hosting Lacerte Tax Software on the cloud or want to know more about hosting other tax software, please get in touch with our Solutions Consultant today.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Why host Lacerte Tax Software on the cloud? 

Hosting Lacerte on the cloud enables firms to access the software securely from anywhere, enhance team collaboration, and maintain reliable performance throughout tax season. It also enhances data security and reduces IT management effort, eliminating the need for manual updates, local installations, and ongoing infrastructure maintenance. 

Is Lacerte cloud-based? 

No, Lacerte is a desktop-based tax preparation and filing software. However, you can host it on the cloud through a reliable cloud provider for remote access and enhanced functionality.  

Is cloud-hosted Lacerte suitable for small accounting firms? 

Yes. Cloud-hosted Lacerte is well-suited for small firms, as it eliminates the need for complex IT setups and local server management. It allows firms to operate efficiently without investing in expensive infrastructure. As the firm grows, the cloud environment easily supports additional users and workloads. 

Do I need in-house IT staff to manage cloud-hosted Lacerte? 

No. Cloud providers manage software updates, security, backups, and system maintenance. This reduces the need for dedicated in-house IT staff. Firms can focus more on tax preparation and client service instead of technical issues. 

Is cloud hosting compliant with tax and data regulations? 

Yes. Reputable providers like Ace Cloud Hosting operate HIPAA, SOC, ISO, and PCI DSS compliant data centers to meet the requirements of accounting and data security. These facilities also use 24/7 CCTV surveillance and strict access controls to ensure continuous protection of sensitive tax data. 

How much does Lacerte Tax Hosting cost? 

Typically, it depends upon the total number of users, add-on integrations, and features required. For a comprehensive overview, refer to Ace Cloud Lacerte tax hosting pricing.