For more than two years now, tax practice firms, businesses and software developers have been under considerable strain. The implementation of the property tax reform has added yet another enormous challenge. In view of the uncertainties and pressures involved, hsp Handels-Software-Partner GmbH has for months been calling on all those involved to Property Tax Reform to tackle together. An outstanding example of such collaboration is the close partnership between hsp and the global software and services provider Wolters Kluwer.

When it comes to property tax software, what is currently happening is something that has frequently occurred in the past with short-notice issues: a few solutions are working, such as „Opti.Tax Grundsteuer“ from hsp. Hundreds of law firms have long since begun work on the assessment declarations. Staff have been trained to work alongside clients to record property data, handle powers of attorney and obtain approvals. Other firms have relied on property tax solutions that are not yet operational. There is a lack of interfaces, templates or, quite simply, developers to provide updates for the software. The fact that this puts law firms and clients under time pressure helps nobody – neither hsp nor other market players.

A shining example of how a challenge can be overcome through collaboration is the current partnership between hsp and Wolters Kluwer on the topic of bulk data import. Over the past few weeks, hsp has worked with law firms to develop an Excel template that enables the bulk import of pre-entered data into Opti.Tax Property Tax. This greatly simplifies and speeds up data entry. Wolters Kluwer would also like to offer this benefit to users of its own property tax solution. Rather than building its own template from scratch or copying the existing one, the company sought to engage in dialogue with hsp.

Property tax evaders

A genuine partnership rather than duplicating effort

The hsp Excel template for bulk import is comprehensive, detailed and well thought-out. Entries are checked, and the latest requirements and guidance from law firms are incorporated. Law firms are enthusiastic about the benefits of this tool. To develop a template of a similar standard, Wolters Kluwer would have to invest a great deal of time and money. However, in the context of the property tax reform, both are in short supply, particularly amongst law firms and businesses. It would make no sense to develop something that already exists in outstanding quality and has been tried and tested in practice. hsp has therefore, without hesitation, authorised Wolters Kluwer to adopt and use the Excel template.

However, collaboration does not simply mean sending a file from A to B. The developers of Opti.Tax and the global information service provider remain in dialogue, not only on the subject of property tax. As regards the Excel template, hsp will also keep Wolters Kluwer informed of any future developments. In addition, the aim is to exchange experiences and build up shared expertise. Through this kind of active partnership, both companies are committed to supporting the many law firms and businesses that have to navigate the property tax reform.

Together, we can do it

Under the motto „Together we can do it“, hsp is promoting collaboration between software and service providers, law firms and businesses in relation to the property tax reform. The aim of the initiative is to guide all stakeholders safely and smoothly through the reform, within the deadlines and framework set by the tax authorities. As the developer of one of the most powerful property tax solutions, hsp is calling on its market competitors to do their utmost, together, to ensure success for law firms and their clients. Without a competitive mindset, without isolated solutions and without vanity.