Data Entry Methods in CCH Axcess: RPA vs. API
Last updated: September 3, 2026
Filed offers two ways to enter prepared tax data into CCH Axcess: Standard and Fast.
Standard (RPA)
Standard uses robotic process automation (RPA) to enter data by automating the CCH Axcess interface directly, similar to how a tax preparer would click into fields and type values into the return.
To use Standard (RPA), the firm or user must have a CCH Axcess Tax license available. This license is purchased directly through Wolters Kluwer, and pricing varies depending on the firm’s Wolters Kluwer package.
Standard (RPA) is the default method if a firm does not have the CCH Axcess Tax API kit. The API connection is not required to use Filed with CCH Axcess.
Fast (API)
Fast uses a direct API connection with CCH Axcess to enter data, bypassing the CCH Axcess user interface.
To use Fast (API), the firm or user must purchase a separate API connection directly from Wolters Kluwer. The approximate cost is $8,000–$8,500 per year.
If a firm has the CCH Axcess Tax API, Filed will connect both methods so the firm has access to both Standard (RPA) and Fast (API) data entry options.
Which method should I use?
Standard (RPA) | Fast (API) | |
|---|---|---|
Speed | Slower | Significantly faster |
Accuracy | Excellent | Great |
Requires | A CCH Axcess Tax license available, purchased through Wolters Kluwer | A separate CCH Axcess API connection, purchased directly through Wolters Kluwer, at approximately $8,000–$8,500 per year |
For simple to moderately complex returns, Fast (API) is a great option if your firm already has the API connection. Standard (RPA) works well for most firms and does not require an additional API purchase, but it does require an available CCH Axcess Tax license.
For super high-volume firms that process more than 10,000 returns per year, Filed recommends considering the Fast (API) connection. It gives tax preparers multiple data entry options and can significantly improve data entry speed. However, the API connection is not required to use Filed with CCH Axcess.
For long-term accuracy at scale, Standard (RPA) is the preferred method because it is less dependent on certain CCH API limitations that Filed cannot control.
How can I tell which method was used?
In CCH Axcess, fields entered through Fast (API) appear in blue text. Fields entered through Standard (RPA) appear in black text, matching manually reviewed entries.