Client Portal
Branded portals for secure document sharing and client communication
Give your clients a modern, secure portal where they can upload documents, e-sign forms, view their project status, and communicate with your team 24/7. Reduce email clutter by 90%.
Overview
The Client Portal is your firm's digital front door. Each client gets their own secure, branded space where they can access everything related to their engagement. No more searching through email chains or wondering if documents were received.
Key Features
Bank-Level Security
256-bit encryption, two-factor authentication, and SOC 2 compliance. Clients can trust their sensitive financial data is protected.
Document Sharing
Drag-and-drop uploads, automatic organization, and version history. Clients can upload from phone, tablet, or computer.
Real-Time Notifications
Clients get instant notifications when you add documents, request signatures, or send messages. No more "I didn't see your email."
Custom Branding
White-label the portal with your firm logo, colors, and custom domain. Clients see your brand, not ours.
What Clients Can Do
- Upload Documents: Drag-and-drop tax forms, receipts, bank statements from any device
- E-Sign Documents: Electronically sign engagement letters, tax returns, and authorization forms
- View Project Status: See what's completed, in progress, and pending
- Message Your Team: Send secure messages without email
- Download Files: Access completed tax returns, financial reports, and archived documents
- Track Deadlines: View upcoming deadlines and to-do items
- Make Payments: Pay invoices securely via ACH or credit card (optional)
Setup & Customization
1. Configure Portal Settings
Navigate to Settings → Client Portal. Configure:
- • Firm logo and brand colors
- • Welcome message clients see upon login
- • Which features to enable (documents, e-sign, payments)
- • Email notification preferences
- • Custom domain (e.g., portal.yourfirm.com)
2. Invite Clients
From any client record, click "Invite to Portal." Client receives an email with login credentials and setup instructions. They create their password and can start using the portal immediately.
3. Organize Documents
Create folder structures that clients will see (e.g., "2024 Tax Return," "Monthly Reports," "Incorporation Documents"). Documents automatically appear in the correct folders based on your workflows.
Mobile Experience
Fully Mobile-Responsive
Clients can access the portal from any smartphone or tablet. Perfect for snapping photos of receipts, signing documents on-the-go, and checking project status from anywhere.
Pro Tip: Clients can even upload photos directly from their phone camera to provide documents instantly.
Client Portal vs. Email
❌ Email Problems
- • Documents get lost in inbox clutter
- • No way to track if client received file
- • Attachment size limits (usually 25MB)
- • Security concerns with sensitive data
- • No version control or organization
- • Clients forward to personal email (risky)
✅ Portal Benefits
- • All documents in one organized place
- • See when client views/downloads files
- • Upload files up to 5GB each
- • Bank-level encryption & compliance
- • Full version history and audit trail
- • Access controls and permissions
Best Practices
- Onboard Clients Early: Set up portal access during initial client onboarding so they're comfortable using it.
- Use Welcome Videos: Record a 2-minute video showing clients how to use the portal. Reduces support questions by 70%.
- Set Expectations: Tell clients "All documents go through the portal" to break email habits.
- Enable Notifications: Ensure clients enable email/SMS notifications so they know when action is needed.
- Create Standard Folders: Use consistent folder structures so clients know where to find things.
Common Questions
Can clients access past years' documents?
Yes. All historical documents remain accessible unless you archive them. Great for clients who need prior year tax returns or old financial statements.
What if a client forgets their password?
They can use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Or you can reset it for them from your dashboard.
Can we limit what clients see?
Absolutely. You control which folders and documents each client can access. Perfect for businesses with multiple owners or family members.
Ready to Modernize Client Communication?
Join firms that have eliminated email chaos and delighted their clients with modern portals.