Canopy is an accounting practice management platform with particular strength in tax resolution workflow. Firms handling IRS notices, offers-in-compromise, installment agreements, and audit representation often prefer Canopy over Karbon because of its tax-resolution-specific features. Our Canopy-trained offshore staff work inside your Canopy alongside your firm team.
Canopy was founded in 2014, initially focused on tax resolution software for firms handling IRS collection cases. Over time, Canopy expanded into full practice management: client portal, document management, workflow, time tracking, invoicing, payments. The tax resolution roots remain visible – Canopy's transcript delivery, IRS letter management, and case tracking features are deeper than generic practice management platforms.
Firms that chose Canopy typically fit one of these profiles: tax-resolution-heavy practices, smaller firms (2–10 staff) preferring simpler pricing, firms valuing tax-specific workflow depth over general project management polish. Larger CAS-focused firms more commonly choose Karbon.
For firms on Canopy, our offshore staff integrate as team members – assigned tasks, client portal access, document uploads, time tracking. Canopy's client portal is strong for client-facing document collection, useful for firms where offshore staff coordinate document chasing without being directly client-facing.
Capabilities
Firms choose Canopy over Karbon typically when: tax resolution is core practice, firm is smaller (under 15 staff), tax-specific workflow features matter more than broader project management, budget-conscious pricing preferred. Karbon wins when: firm is larger, CAS is core practice, email triage is critical workflow, integrated team collaboration is higher priority than tax-specific depth.
Offshore staff get Canopy user licenses within your subscription. Permission-based: restrict which clients they see, which features (time tracking yes, invoicing no, etc.). Tax resolution cases can be compartmentalized – only authorized staff access specific cases involving sensitive IRS matters.
Use cases
Offshore staff supporting case preparation: transcript analysis, form completion, document organization. US practitioner remains the representative before IRS.
Offshore bookkeepers handle monthly bookkeeping with Canopy workflow; US partner reviews before delivery. Canopy client portal used for document collection.
Offshore tax preparers assigned returns in Canopy; complete preparation per firm template; US partner reviews and signs.
Canopy as practice management across services; offshore staff executing CAS/bookkeeping work; firm retaining Canopy as primary operations system.
FAQ
Yes, with appropriate role definition. Offshore staff can handle: transcript review, form preparation, document organization, case file maintenance. They should NOT: act as the IRS Power of Attorney representative, conduct client meetings regarding IRS negotiations. Your licensed US practitioner remains the representative.
Canopy pricing is per-user per-month with tiered plans. Each offshore accountant working in your Canopy adds to your subscription cost. Plan appropriately; typical offshore staff addition adds $50–$75/month/user depending on tier.
Both paths exist. Our bench includes staff with existing Canopy experience from prior firm engagements. If we don't have existing Canopy experience for your specific needs, we train during onboarding. Canopy's interface is learnable; 2–3 weeks to fluency for experienced accountants.
Yes, unless configured otherwise. Canopy activity logs show who worked on what. Most firms position offshore staff as "firm staff" without distinguishing location. Some firms are transparent with clients about offshore involvement. Your choice.
Typical setup. Canopy handles practice management and client portal; QBO handles actual bookkeeping. Offshore staff work in both: Canopy for workflow/time/documents, QBO for transaction-level bookkeeping. Common configuration.
Yes. Jetpack Workflow is simpler (checklist-focused), TaxDome is client portal + workflow, FirmFlow is emerging. Our staff adapt to whichever you use. Core accounting/tax skills are platform-independent.
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