The Best ShareFile Alternatives for Accountants: Why "Heavy" Isn't Always Better
ShareFile has been the industry standard for years, but for many small-to-mid-sized firms, it has become a "complexity tax." Here is why accountants are moving toward lighter, faster alternatives.
Citrix ShareFile (now Cloud Software Group) is a powerful enterprise tool. But in 2026, many CPAs find themselves paying for features they never use, while their clients struggle with a portal that feels like it was designed for an IT department, not a taxpayer.
The ShareFile Struggle: Why CPAs are Switching
The most common complaints we hear from firms looking for a ShareFile alternative fall into three categories:
- Client Friction: Clients hate creating accounts and remembering passwords for a folder they access once a year.
- The "Organization" Gap: ShareFile is a file storage system, not a collection system. You still have to manually tell clients what is missing.
- Cost: Enterprise pricing often forces small firms to pay for seats and security features they simply don't need.
Top Alternatives for 2026
1. PaperFlow (The Best "Lightweight" Choice)
If your primary goal is to get documents fast, PaperFlow is the modern choice. It ditches the "folder" metaphor for a "checklist" metaphor.
- Zero-Login for Clients: Clients use secure "Magic Links."
- Automated Nagging: The system pings the client so you don't have to.
- Mobile-First: Built for the client who wants to snap a photo of their W-2 and be done.
2. Liscio
Liscio is an excellent "All-in-One" alternative that replaces both email and ShareFile. It’s a complete client experience platform, though it requires a more significant change to your firm's internal workflow.
3. SafeSend
Ideal for high-volume firms focused on the assembly and delivery side of the return. While powerful, it can feel just as complex as ShareFile for the average individual client.
How to Choose Your Next Tool
Don't replace one complex system with another. When evaluating a ShareFile alternative, ask your team:
"How long does it take a 70-year-old client with a smartphone to send me their 1099-R using this tool?"
If the answer involves "creating a password" or "downloading an app," you're going to face the same friction you have today.