Quick Start Guide
Get up and running with TuskCPA in 15 minutes
Reading Time: 5 minutes | Setup Time: 10-15 minutes
Welcome to TuskCPA! This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get your firm up and running. By the end, you will have your account set up, your first client added, and your first workflow automated.
Step 1: Complete Your Profile
Firm Information
Navigate to Settings → Firm Profile and complete:
- ✓ Firm name and contact information
- ✓ Upload your firm logo
- ✓ Set your firm's timezone
- ✓ Add your tax ID (EIN) for billing
Step 2: Invite Your Team
Add Team Members
Go to Settings → Team Members and click "Invite Member":
- 1. Enter their email address
- 2. Assign a role (Admin, Manager, or Staff)
- 3. Click Send Invitation
- 4. They'll receive an email to create their account
Tip: Start with Admin role for partners, Manager for senior staff, and Staff for preparers.
Step 3: Connect Your Accounting Software
QuickBooks or Xero Integration
Navigate to Settings → Integrations → Accounting Software:
- For QuickBooks: Click "Connect QuickBooks" → Log in → Authorize
- For Xero: Click "Connect Xero" → Select organization → Authorize
Initial sync takes 5-15 minutes depending on your data volume. You will receive an email when complete.
Step 4: Add Your First Client
Create Client Record
Click Clients in the sidebar, then "Add Client":
- • Client name and contact info
- • Select client type (Individual, S-Corp, LLC, etc.)
- • Add tax ID (SSN or EIN)
- • Set engagement type (Tax Return, Bookkeeping, Both)
Already have clients in QuickBooks/Xero? They auto-import after integration sync completes!
Step 5: Send Your First Document Request
Request Client Documents
From any client record, click "Request Documents":
- 1. Choose a template (Tax Return Checklist, Bookkeeping Documents, etc.)
- 2. Customize the checklist if needed
- 3. Set a due date
- 4. Click "Send Request"
Client receives an email with a secure link to upload documents. You get notified when they upload.
Step 6: Set Up Your First Workflow
Automate a Common Task
Navigate to Automation → Workflows and select a template:
Recommended First Workflow:
"Client Onboarding" - Automatically sends engagement letter, document checklist, and schedules kickoff call when new client is added.
- ✓ Saves 3-4 hours per new client
- ✓ Ensures nothing is forgotten
- ✓ Creates great first impression
Click the template, review the steps, and click "Activate Workflow." It will run automatically for every new client you add!
What's Next?
Congratulations! Your TuskCPA account is set up. Here are recommended next steps:
Set Up Document Organization
Create folder templates for different client types
Customize Client Portal
Brand the portal with your logo and colors
Explore More Workflows
Tax returns, bookkeeping, quarterly reviews
Browse Help Center
Find answers to common questions
Need Help Getting Started?
Our onboarding specialists can walk you through setup via screen share (30 minutes, free).