Agiled vs SmartVault: Complete Comparison (2026)

Bilal Azhar

·March 12, 2026·18 min read

Agiled vs SmartVaultComparison

Agiled and SmartVault solve fundamentally different problems. SmartVault is a document management system (DMS) built specifically for accountants and financial professionals — with enterprise-grade compliance, deep tax software integrations, and secure client document exchange. Agiled is a complete business management platform with CRM, proposals, invoicing, project management, HR, and AI. SmartVault manages documents. Agiled manages the business.

SmartVault serves 30,000+ accounting and tax professionals with 500 million+ documents stored and 3 million+ global users. The platform includes unlimited cloud storage, a custom branded client portal, document request and collection workflows, SmartRequestAI for AI-powered document intake, e-signatures and KBA/ID verification (Accounting Unlimited), file versioning, full-text search, SmartRouting for automatic document routing, bulk print organizers, and deep integrations with Intuit Lacerte, ProConnect, ProSeries, Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS, DrakeTax, Wolters Kluwer CCH, and QuickBooks. SOC 2 Type 2 compliant. IRS 4457 and FTC Safeguards compliant. The Business Pro plan starts at $50/user/month (minimum 3 users). Accounting Pro costs $55/user/month. Accounting Unlimited costs $75/user/month. 15+ years in business with 100% uptime.

Agiled covers the full business lifecycle — CRM with pipeline management, proposals, contracts, invoicing, project management with Kanban and Gantt, time tracking, scheduling, client portals, HR, payroll, expense tracking, and AI agents. Free plan for 1 user. Paid plans start at $30/month for 3 users.

Quick comparison (TLDR)

SmartVault excels at one thing: secure document management for compliance-heavy industries. The deep tax software integrations (Lacerte, UltraTax, DrakeTax, CCH) create seamless workflows from tax preparation to document storage and client delivery. SOC 2 Type 2, IRS 4457, FTC Safeguards, FINRA, SEC, GLBA, GDPR, HIPAA, and FERPA compliance meet the strictest regulatory requirements. SmartRouting automatically files documents from tax software into the correct client folders. Bulk print organizers handle high-volume tax season workflows. E-signatures with KBA (Knowledge-Based Authentication) and ID verification add identity assurance that simple e-sign tools lack. SmartRequestAI automates document intake. The client portal lets clients upload documents securely 24/7.

But SmartVault is a document management tool, not a business platform. There is no CRM — no contact management, deal pipelines, or sales automation. No project management, task tracking, or Gantt charts. No time tracking. No invoicing (must use accounting software). No expense tracking. No HR or payroll. Limited AI (SmartRequestAI for document intake only). The pricing is high: $50-75/user/month with minimum user requirements (2-3 users). A 5-person accounting firm pays $250-375/month for document management alone.

Agiled provides CRM, proposals with AI, contracts, invoicing, Gantt charts, time tracking, scheduling, client portal, HR, payroll, expense tracking, and AI agents. Basic document management (file attachments, sharing). No tax software integrations. No SOC 2 compliance. No KBA/ID verification.

The bottom line: SmartVault is the right choice for accounting and tax firms that need enterprise-grade document management with regulatory compliance and deep tax software integrations. Agiled is the right choice for service businesses that need complete operations management — including accounting firms that want business management tools alongside their tax software.

Key differences at a glance

Focus: SmartVault is a document management system. Agiled is a business management platform.
Compliance: SmartVault holds SOC 2 Type 2, IRS, FTC, FINRA, HIPAA compliance. Agiled has standard SaaS security.
Tax integrations: SmartVault integrates with Lacerte, UltraTax, DrakeTax, CCH. Agiled does not.
CRM: Agiled includes pipeline CRM. SmartVault has no CRM.
Invoicing: Agiled includes invoicing. SmartVault does not.
Project management: Agiled includes Gantt, Kanban, dependencies. SmartVault has none.
Time tracking: Agiled includes time tracking. SmartVault has none.
HR/payroll: Agiled includes HR and payroll. SmartVault has none.
Expense tracking: Agiled includes expense management. SmartVault has none.
Document management: SmartVault is purpose-built DMS. Agiled has basic file management.
E-signatures: SmartVault includes KBA/ID verification. Agiled has standard e-signatures.
AI: SmartVault has SmartRequestAI (document intake). Agiled has AI agents (proposals, emails).
Pricing: SmartVault costs $50-75/user/month. Agiled costs $30-120/month for teams.

Document management

SmartVault

Enterprise-grade DMS. This is SmartVault's core value:

Storage and organization. Unlimited cloud storage with customized folder templates for accounting and tax workflows. File versioning tracks every change. Full-text search finds any document instantly. Connected Desktop App and mapped drive access integrate with Windows file management. Email capture automatically files emails and attachments.

Document collection. Request, track, and collect client documents through the portal. SmartRequestAI uses AI to automate document intake — determining what documents are needed and tracking what has been received. This transforms the annual tax season document chase into an automated workflow.

SmartRouting. Automatic document routing from tax preparation software into the correct client folders. When a tax return is completed in Lacerte, UltraTax, or DrakeTax, SmartRouting files the output documents in the right SmartVault folder — eliminating manual filing.

Bulk operations. Bulk print organizers and returns handle high-volume tax season workflows — printing, organizing, and delivering hundreds of returns efficiently.

Agiled

Basic document management. File attachments on tasks, projects, and client records. File sharing through the client portal. No dedicated DMS, no SmartRouting, no bulk operations, no tax-specific templates.

Verdict

SmartVault wins decisively on document management. This is its entire purpose and no general business tool matches its depth.

Compliance and security

Pricing comparison

Feature	Agiled	SmartVault
Free plan	1 user, CRM, projects	None
3 users	$30/month	$150/month (Business Pro)
5 users	$30/month	$250-375/month
10 users	$60/month	$500-750/month
CRM	Full pipeline	Not available
Invoicing	Multi-currency, recurring	Not available
Project management	Gantt, Kanban	Not available
Time tracking	Included	Not available
HR/payroll	Included	Not available
Document management	Basic file management	Enterprise DMS
Tax integrations	Not available	Lacerte, UltraTax, DrakeTax, CCH
Compliance	Standard SaaS	SOC 2, IRS, FTC, HIPAA
E-signatures	Standard	KBA + ID verification
AI	Business AI agents	SmartRequestAI (docs only)

Total cost for a 5-person accounting firm

SmartVault stack	Monthly cost
SmartVault Accounting Pro (5 users)	$275/month
CRM (Pipedrive)	$245/month
Project management (Asana)	$55/month
Invoicing (FreshBooks)	$30/month
Time tracking (Toggl)	$50/month
Total	~$655/month

Agiled stack	Monthly cost
Agiled (5 users)	$30/month
Document management (standalone)	$20-50/month
Total	~$50-80/month

For accounting firms, the question is whether SOC 2 compliance and tax software integration justify 8-13x higher monthly costs.

The vertical vs horizontal platform trade-off

When SmartVault's specialization is essential

Accounting firms handling tax returns for hundreds of clients need SmartRouting, bulk print organizers, and IRS-compliant document storage. SOC 2 Type 2 certification is required by many enterprise clients and regulators. KBA-based e-signatures prevent identity fraud on tax documents. These are not nice-to-haves — they are professional requirements.

When Agiled's breadth makes more sense

Accounting firms that also offer advisory, consulting, or CFO services need CRM for client acquisition, project management for engagement delivery, and time tracking for billing. Small firms (1-3 people) that handle document management manually may not need SmartVault's enterprise capabilities. Growing firms that need HR and payroll for their own employees benefit from Agiled's operational tools.

Onboarding and learning curve

SmartVault

Accounting-focused onboarding. U.S.-based phone, email, and chat support. Complementary pricing audit (Accounting Pro+). Seasonal licenses for tax season scaling. The platform mirrors accounting workflows, making adoption straightforward for tax professionals.

Agiled

Self-service onboarding. Free plan for evaluation. Module-based adoption. Broader feature set requires more exploration.

Verdict

SmartVault is faster for accountants. Agiled is more accessible for diverse service businesses.

User reviews

SmartVault strengths

Compliance assurance. Firms appreciate the SOC 2 certification and IRS compliance for client audits.

Tax workflow automation. SmartRouting and bulk operations save significant time during tax season.

15+ year track record. 100% uptime and long operational history build trust.

Common SmartVault considerations

High per-user cost. $50-75/user/month adds up for larger firms. A 10-person firm pays $500-750/month for document management alone.

Accounting-only focus. Firms offering advisory or consulting alongside tax work need separate tools for CRM and PM.

Feature tiering. E-signatures and KBA require Accounting Unlimited ($75/user/month). Business Pro ($50/user) lacks many accounting-specific features.

When to use both platforms together

Some accounting firms combine SmartVault for document compliance with Agiled for business management:

SmartVault handles tax document storage, routing, e-signatures, and compliance
Agiled handles CRM, proposals, invoicing, project management, and HR
Combined cost for 5 users: $305-405/month

Decision matrix

Scenario	Best choice
Tax firm needing SOC 2 document management	SmartVault
Accounting firm needing CRM and project management	Agiled
Firm handling 500+ tax returns with bulk operations	SmartVault
Advisory/consulting firm with some tax work	Agiled
Firm needing KBA e-signatures for compliance	SmartVault
Firm with employees needing HR and payroll	Agiled
Small firm (1-3 people) on a budget	Agiled (free plan)

Who should choose SmartVault

Tax preparation firms needing IRS-compliant document management
CPA firms with SOC 2 requirements from enterprise clients
Financial advisors subject to FINRA, SEC, or GLBA regulations
Large accounting firms processing hundreds of returns with bulk operations
Firms needing KBA e-signatures for identity verification on tax documents

Who should choose Agiled

Service businesses of any type including accounting firms needing operations management
Advisory and consulting firms that need CRM, proposals, and project management
Small accounting practices where manual document management is sufficient
Growing firms with employees needing HR, payroll, and attendance
Budget-conscious professionals who want CRM, invoicing, and projects at $0-30/month
Multi-service firms that combine accounting with consulting, advisory, or other services

SmartRouting workflow: How automatic document routing works

SmartRouting is SmartVault's signature automation — it eliminates the manual step of filing tax software output into client folders. Understanding the workflow clarifies why accounting firms value it.

The problem it solves. When a preparer completes a return in Lacerte, UltraTax, DrakeTax, or CCH, the software generates PDFs: the return, worksheets, supporting schedules. Without SmartRouting, someone must manually save each file, name it correctly, and place it in the right client folder in the DMS. For a firm processing 200 returns, that's hundreds of manual file operations during tax season.

How SmartRouting works. SmartVault integrates at the tax software level. When a return is finalized and "sent" or "exported" to SmartVault, SmartRouting reads the client identifier (e.g., SSN, client ID, or name) from the return and automatically routes the output documents to the correct client folder. Folder structure can follow firm templates (e.g., 2025 Tax Returns / Client Name / Federal, State). The preparer clicks once; the system files correctly.

Setup and maintenance. Firms configure routing rules during initial setup — mapping tax software client IDs to SmartVault folder paths. Once configured, routing runs automatically. New clients require folder creation; some firms use templates to auto-create folder structures when a new client is added.

Agiled has no equivalent. Agiled's file attachments live on tasks, projects, or contact records — not in a hierarchical, tax-software-integrated document vault. There is no automatic routing from Lacerte or UltraTax. Accountants would need to manually upload and organize every return.

Tax season workflow: End-to-end from engagement to audit-ready archive

A typical tax season flow in SmartVault illustrates how the platform supports the full engagement lifecycle.

Phase 1: Client engagement. Firm sends engagement letter (often a template from SmartVault or integrated e-sign tool). Client signs electronically. KBA/ID verification (Accounting Unlimited) adds identity assurance for high-risk documents. Signed engagement is stored in the client folder.

Phase 2: Document collection. Firm sends document request via SmartRequest or SmartRequestAI. Clients upload W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and other documents through the portal. SmartRequestAI can identify what's been received and what's missing, reducing back-and-forth. Documents land in the correct client folder automatically or with minimal manual sorting.

Phase 3: Preparation. Preparer works in Lacerte, UltraTax, or DrakeTax. Source documents are in SmartVault — accessible via Connected Desktop, mapped drive, or web. No need to download and re-upload; the integration keeps documents in sync.

Phase 4: Return completion and routing. When the return is finalized, preparer sends to SmartVault. SmartRouting files the return, schedules, and worksheets in the client folder. No manual "save as" or drag-and-drop.

Phase 5: Client delivery. Firm shares the completed return with the client via the portal. Client downloads, reviews, and (if applicable) signs e-file authorization. E-signatures with KBA provide audit trail and identity verification.

Phase 6: Audit-ready archive. All documents — source documents, workpapers, signed return, authorizations — reside in one client folder with version history and access logs. In an audit or peer review, the firm can demonstrate chain of custody, who accessed what, and when. SOC 2 Type 2 and IRS 4457 compliance support regulatory expectations.

Agiled's role. Agiled could manage engagement letters (proposals/contracts), client communication, and project tracking. It cannot replicate the document collection, routing, or audit-ready archive. Firms using Agiled would need a separate DMS for the document lifecycle.

Compliance certification deep dive: What SOC 2 Type 2 means in practice

SmartVault's SOC 2 Type 2 certification is frequently cited but rarely explained. Here's what it means for accounting firms.

SOC 2 overview. SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is an AICPA framework for evaluating a service provider's security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. A SOC 2 report is issued by an independent auditor after examining the provider's controls over a period of time (typically 6–12 months).

Type I vs. Type II. A Type I report assesses whether controls are designed appropriately at a point in time. A Type II report assesses whether those controls operated effectively over a sustained period. Type II is more rigorous — it proves the controls actually work, not just that they exist.

What auditors examine. For a document management provider like SmartVault, auditors verify: access controls (who can see what), encryption (data at rest and in transit), change management (how code and config changes are approved), incident response (how breaches or failures are handled), and vendor management (how subprocessors are vetted). The audit produces a report that clients and regulators can request.

Why it matters for accountants. Enterprise clients, financial institutions, and regulators often require SOC 2 Type II from vendors handling sensitive data. Accounting firms storing tax returns, financial statements, and PII need to demonstrate due diligence. SmartVault's certification means the firm can point to an independent audit rather than accepting marketing claims. Agiled does not publish SOC 2 certification; it relies on standard SaaS security practices.

Other compliance. SmartVault also meets IRS Publication 4457 (requirements for tax preparers), FTC Safeguards Rule (financial institutions), and optionally FINRA, SEC, GLBA, HIPAA, and GDPR. The Compliance Vault (Accounting Unlimited) adds WISP templates for state-level requirements. This breadth matters for firms serving regulated industries.

KBA e-signatures: How they work and why they matter for tax documents

Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) elevates e-signatures from "someone clicked sign" to "we verified the signer's identity." For tax documents, that distinction matters.

How KBA works. When a signer opens a document requiring KBA, they are prompted to answer multiple-choice questions derived from their credit history or public records — for example, "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these lenders have you had a loan with?" The questions are dynamic and time-limited. Correct answers indicate the signer is who they claim to be. Incorrect answers or timeouts block the signature.

ID verification (Accounting Unlimited). Some plans add government-issued ID verification — the signer uploads a driver's license or passport, and the system validates it. Combined with KBA, this provides strong identity assurance.

Why it matters for tax documents. Tax returns, e-file authorizations, and engagement letters contain SSNs, financial data, and legally binding commitments. A simple e-signature (name + click) is legally valid but offers no proof of identity. If a client later claims "I didn't sign that" or a regulator asks "How do you know the signer was the taxpayer?", KBA provides an audit trail: the signer passed identity verification. This is especially important for remote clients and high-risk engagements.

Agiled's e-signatures. Agiled offers standard e-signatures on proposals and contracts — sufficient for many business documents. It does not offer KBA or ID verification. For tax firms requiring identity assurance, SmartVault (Accounting Unlimited) or a dedicated e-sign provider (DocuSign with ID verification) is necessary.

Expanded pricing analysis: 3-, 5-, and 10-person firms

Firm size	SmartVault Business Pro	SmartVault Accounting Pro	SmartVault Accounting Unlimited	Agiled
3 users	$150/month	$165/month	$225/month	$30/month
5 users	$250/month	$275/month	$375/month	$30/month
10 users	$500/month	$550/month	$750/month	$60/month

What each SmartVault tier adds. Business Pro is the entry point — document management, basic integrations, no tax-specific bulk operations. Accounting Pro adds deeper tax software integration, bulk print organizers, and accounting-focused support. Accounting Unlimited adds KBA e-signatures, SmartRequestAI, Compliance Vault (WISP templates), and unlimited e-signatures/KBAs.

Total cost of ownership. A 5-person firm on Accounting Pro pays $275/month for SmartVault. Add CRM ($50–250), project management ($50), invoicing ($30), and time tracking ($50) for a full stack: $455–655/month. The same firm on Agiled pays $30/month for CRM, projects, invoicing, time tracking, and HR — plus $20–50/month for a standalone DMS if needed. The gap is $400–575/month. The question: does SOC 2, tax integrations, and KBA justify that gap? For firms with compliance requirements, often yes. For firms without, Agiled + basic document storage may suffice.

Reporting comparison

SmartVault reporting. Document-centric metrics: storage usage, document counts, user activity, access logs, and audit trails. Useful for compliance and internal oversight. No CRM reporting (no deals, no pipeline). No project or time reporting. No financial reporting (invoicing is outside SmartVault).

Agiled reporting. Full business reporting: pipeline value, win rates, revenue by deal stage, forecast vs. actual, project time and budget, expense summaries, and invoice aging. Dashboards and exports support management decisions. Agiled's reporting spans the business; SmartVault's reporting spans the document vault.

Verdict. For firms that need to track sales, projects, and profitability, Agiled's reporting is essential. SmartVault's reporting serves compliance and document governance — not business analytics.

Mobile experience

SmartVault mobile. SmartVault offers mobile access via responsive web and native apps (iOS and Android). Clients can upload documents, view shared files, and sign documents from phones and tablets. Staff can access the vault, search documents, and perform basic tasks on mobile. Heavy workflows (bulk operations, complex routing) remain desktop-focused. Mobile is adequate for document retrieval and client uploads on the go.

Agiled mobile. Agiled provides a responsive web experience — no dedicated native app. CRM, projects, time tracking, and invoicing are usable on mobile browsers. Field staff can log time and update deals. Adequate for light mobile use; power users may prefer desktop.

Verdict. SmartVault has an edge with native mobile apps for clients and staff. Both platforms support mobile access; neither is mobile-first for complex workflows.

FAQ

Does SmartVault have a CRM?

No. SmartVault is a document management system. It does not include contact management, deal pipelines, sales tracking, or any CRM features.

Does SmartVault have invoicing?

No. SmartVault does not include invoicing or payment processing. It integrates with accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero) that handles invoicing.

Does SmartVault have project management?

No. SmartVault does not include task management, Gantt charts, Kanban boards, or project tracking.

Is SmartVault only for accountants?

SmartVault's primary market is accounting and tax firms. The Business Pro plan serves general businesses, but the platform's deepest value (tax integrations, bulk operations, compliance) targets the accounting industry.

Why is SmartVault expensive?

SmartVault's pricing ($50-75/user/month) reflects enterprise-grade compliance (SOC 2 Type 2), deep tax software integrations, unlimited storage, and 15+ years of operational reliability. General document storage solutions are cheaper but lack these capabilities.

Can SmartVault and Agiled work together?

Yes. Accounting firms can use SmartVault for SOC 2-compliant document management and Agiled for CRM, proposals, invoicing, and project management. This combination provides both compliance and operational coverage.

What is SmartRouting and which tax software does it support?

SmartRouting automatically files documents from tax preparation software into the correct client folders in SmartVault. Supported software includes Intuit Lacerte, ProConnect, ProSeries, Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS, DrakeTax, Wolters Kluwer CCH, and others. When a return is finalized and sent to SmartVault, SmartRouting reads the client identifier and routes output PDFs to the right folder — eliminating manual filing.

What is the difference between SmartVault Business Pro and Accounting Pro?

Business Pro ($50/user/month) is the entry plan with document management, basic integrations, and standard support. Accounting Pro ($55/user/month) adds deeper tax software integration, bulk print organizers for high-volume tax season workflows, accounting-focused support, and complementary pricing audit. Accounting Unlimited ($75/user/month) adds KBA e-signatures, SmartRequestAI, Compliance Vault (WISP templates), and unlimited e-signatures/KBAs.

Does SmartVault have a minimum user requirement?

Yes. SmartVault typically requires a minimum of 2–3 users depending on the plan. Solo practitioners may need to purchase a multi-user license or evaluate alternatives. Agiled offers a free plan for 1 user with no minimum.

Is SmartVault required for IRS compliance?

SmartVault is not required by the IRS, but it helps firms meet IRS Publication 4457 requirements for safeguarding taxpayer data. IRS 4457 outlines security expectations for tax preparers; SmartVault's design (encryption, access controls, audit logs) aligns with those expectations. Firms can achieve compliance with other tools, but SmartVault is purpose-built for it.

Does SmartVault offer seasonal or part-year licensing?

SmartVault offers seasonal licenses for firms that scale up during tax season and scale down afterward. This can reduce costs for firms with pronounced seasonal workloads. Contact SmartVault for current seasonal pricing and terms.

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