# CCH Axcess without an API kit tax prep workflow

This guide covers completing tax preparation with CCH Axcess when not using an API Kit. Users should first review [How to Connect to Filed Using CCH Axcess Without an API Kit](https://support.filed.com/articles/6800164228-how-to-connect-to-filed-using-cch-axcess-without-an-api-kit) for connection instructions.

**IMPORTANT:** For this tax season, you will need to roll over the customer to 2025 first in CCH Axcess Tax. You will have to export a 2025 backup copy to upload to Filed.

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## Starting Your Client's Tax Prep

### Start Tax Prep in Filed

1. Upload source documents or click on your client in Filed.
2. Click **Start Tax Prep**.
3. If SSN is missing, Filed will request it (skip if already added).
4. Filed checks for previously uploaded backup copies.

**Three paths emerge:**

**Path 1:** No backup copy exists or you have a more current one in CCH Axcess Tax → Retrieve backup from CCH Axcess Tax (see steps below).

**Path 2:** Backup copy already uploaded and current → Click **Next** → Proceed to upload steps or bulk upload using the [bulk upload guide](https://support.filed.com/articles/1308156861-how-to-bulk-upload-backup-files-for-cch-axcess-without-api-kit).

**Path 3:** Proceed without backup file using only Client ID → Warning: your 1040 will not be accurate. This return will not have important information from prior years, carryovers, etc. Proceed with caution.

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### Path 1 Only: Retrieve Backup from CCH Axcess Tax

1. Log into CCH Axcess Tax Return Manager and locate the customer.
2. Verify customer is rolled over to 2025.
3. Click **Utilities** → Select **Export** from dropdown.
4. Select **Returns selected in Return Manager**.
5. Select **Include input data**.
6. Click **Export**.
7. Log into CCH Dashboard.
8. Go to Batch Manager (click **Refresh Job status** if file doesn't appear).
9. Select backup file and click **Download**.
10. Save the .dat file to your desktop.

### Path 1 Only: Upload Backup File to Filed

1. Return to Filed and click **Upload**.
2. Drag or browse to the exported backup file.
3. Tax prep will restart; proceed once complete.

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## Upload the Return to CCH Axcess Tax

### First: Download Backup File from Filed

1. On the Tax Prep page, click the client to upload to CCH Axcess Tax.
2. Go to the **Output** tab.
3. Under "Tax Software backup file," click **Download file**.
4. Click **View Backups**.
5. Click **Download** for the latest "Prepared by Filed" return.

### Upload Backup File to CCH Axcess Tax

1. Log into CCH Axcess Tax as admin.
2. Navigate to **Utilities**.
3. Click **Import** in the dropdown.
4. Click **Browse** to locate the downloaded backup file.
5. Click **Open** when the file is located.
6. Optional: Select **Update existing client profile with tax data** to overwrite client data in CCH.
7. Click **Validate**.
8. Click **Finish**.

The client should now appear in CCH Axcess Tax. Filter the "Last Modified" column to view recently uploaded clients.

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Legacy URL: <https://support.filed.com/articles/3729881525-cch-axcess-without-an-api-kit-tax-prep-workflow>


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