> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.filed.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.filed.com/reference/plugins/integrations/tax-software/cch-axcess.md).

# CCH Axcess

With this integration connected, Filed **AI Tax Prep** can use the available CCH Axcess data as part of the tax-preparation workflow. You can also use the connection in Filed **Chat** and **Routines**. When **Write** access is enabled, Filed can complete approved data-entry work in CCH Axcess; review the return in CCH Axcess before filing or finalizing the work.

Filed integrates with CCH Axcess Tax as a cloud connection - no software needs to be installed on firm workstations. Filed authenticates using a dedicated CCH Axcess login and can sync your client roster, read existing return data for AI preparation, and write completed data entry back into returns automatically.

## What this integration does

Filed supports three capabilities with CCH Axcess Tax:

* **Sync client list** - Filed imports your full client roster from CCH Axcess so it can match prepared returns to the right clients. Client list sync does not include SSNs.
* **Read return data** - Filed captures a client's current return from CCH Axcess and uses it as a starting point for AI preparation.
* **Enter return data** - After AI preparation is complete, Filed writes the finished data entry directly back into the client's return in CCH Axcess.

Firms with the CCH Axcess Tax API Kit get fully automated sync: Filed handles client list refresh, return reads, and data-entry writes without any manual file exchange.

To set up an API Kit firm, follow [Connect CCH Axcess API with Filed](/reference/plugins/integrations/tax-software/cch-axcess/connect-cch-axcess-api-with-filed.md) to create the client ID and client secret, then find the integrator key required for the API connection.

## Prerequisites

* A CCH Axcess Tax account with admin access.
* An available CCH Axcess Tax license for the dedicated CCH Axcess login created specifically for Filed. Apply the license to that dedicated login.
* [A dedicated CCH Axcess login created specifically for Filed](https://help.filed.com/reference/plugins/integrations/tax-software/cch-axcess#create-the-filed-ai-user-in-cch-axcess-tax) - do not use a personal login.
* For direct CCH authentication, admin ability to configure two-factor authentication (2FA) device pairing and the dedicated login's Account ID, User ID, and password.
* For Microsoft SSO authentication, support from an IT administrator who manages Microsoft 365, CCH user provisioning, permissions, and security policies.
* Knowledge of whether your firm has the CCH Axcess Tax API Kit.
* The **Return transfer** functional right granted to the security group used by the dedicated Filed login.

### Create the Filed AI user in CCH Axcess Tax

[Create a CCH Axcess user for Filed](https://support.filed.com/articles/9666712829-create-filed-ai-user-cch-axcess-tax) before connecting the integration. This user must be owned by the firm - do not use an employee's login.

1. Log into CCH Axcess Tax, open the Dashboard, and navigate to **Staff > Staff Manager**.

   ![Navigate to Staff and Staff Manager from the CCH Axcess Dashboard](/files/cm2ncA6whpUKds7DPZwb)
2. In the Staff Manager grid, click **New**.

   ![Click New in the Staff Manager grid](/files/svODNzeEO22LpJRLucR6)
3. In the **Add a staff** dialog, choose the appropriate staff template and click **Continue**.

   ![Choose a staff template in the Add a staff dialog and click Continue](/files/48JGKZDdEULVtqK8yCLB)
4. On the **General** tab, enter the new user's information:

   * **First Name**: Filed
   * **Last Name**: AI
   * **Username**: FiledAI
   * **Staff ID**: FiledAI
   * **System email**: an email you have access to, so you can receive the username and password. Two options work:
     * Use an alias of an existing mailbox, for example `emailname+cch@domain.com`.
     * Create a mailbox dedicated to this user - useful if a password reset is needed later, or if your organization doesn't allow alias addresses.

   Click **Save** - not **Save & Close** - so you stay on the profile page to finish setup.

   ![Enter the staff General information, including System email, and click Save](/files/cosVs9IsmTERJInK88es)
5. Under **Assignments > Security Groups**, select the security group your tax preparers use, then click **Save**.

   ![Select the security group under Assignments Security Groups](/files/tXdMhenTwwzwMIi58JYY)
6. Under **Assignments > Licenses/Product Access**, select **CCH Axcess Tax**, then click **Save**.

   ![Select CCH Axcess Tax under Assignments Licenses/Product Access](/files/VsFpwncypPApOvq4YhNL)

   <div data-gb-custom-block data-tag="hint" data-style="info" class="hint hint-info"><p>If no CCH Axcess Tax license is available, contact your CCH Axcess Tax sales rep - additional fees may apply depending on your plan.</p></div>
7. Grant that security group the **Return transfer** functional right. Follow [Granting Return transfer access](#granting-return-transfer-access).
8. Sign in with the new user and confirm it can open the required clients and returns.
9. Configure 2FA for this user during connection [using these steps](https://help.filed.com/reference/plugins/integrations/tax-software/cch-axcess#setting-up-two-factor-authentication-2fa).

CCH Axcess Tax emails the new user a sign-in link at the address entered above. Sign in as that user, set a permanent password, and save it in your approved credential manager - it's the password used later in the Filed integration setup, continuing with two-factor authentication (2FA) pairing.

{% hint style="info" %}
Use a firm-owned mailbox and credential store. The Filed AI user must remain available when employees leave or change roles.
{% endhint %}

If your firm uses Microsoft single sign-on (SSO) to access CCH, complete the Microsoft SSO setup below before connecting the integration.

## Microsoft SSO authentication setup

Your IT team must create and configure a dedicated Microsoft 365 user account for Filed. Do not use an individual employee's account.

Once the Microsoft account has been created, your IT team should:

1. Sync or provision the new user in CCH by following your firm's established Microsoft-to-CCH workflow.
2. Assign the permissions the user needs to access the relevant CCH services and data.
3. Sign in to CCH with the new account to confirm that synchronization and permissions are working correctly.
4. Share the account's email address and password with Filed through an approved secure channel.
5. If 2FA remains enabled, enter the account's TOTP secret in the **Authenticator key** field in the CCH integration setup in Filed.

{% hint style="warning" %}
The account must support unattended access. Configure one of these options:

* **Keep 2FA enabled:** Configure time-based one-time password (TOTP) authentication and enter the TOTP secret in the **Authenticator key** field in Filed. Filed uses the key to generate a verification code when signing in.
* **Disable 2FA:** If your organization's security policy permits it, disable 2FA or exempt the dedicated account from interactive MFA requirements. Filed can then sign in without a second-factor prompt.

Treat the TOTP secret like a password and enter it only through the approved setup flow. Avoid Microsoft Authenticator tied to an individual employee, as it can prevent reliable access.
{% endhint %}

This setup should be completed by someone on your IT team who manages Microsoft 365, CCH user provisioning, permissions, and security policies.

## Connecting CCH Axcess to Filed

For direct CCH authentication, setup involves two steps in Filed: first connecting an authenticator (2FA pairing), then adding the login credentials. Both steps must be completed before the connection becomes active. The 2FA pairing and credential steps below apply to direct CCH logins. If your firm uses Microsoft SSO, complete the Microsoft SSO authentication setup above and coordinate the secure credential handoff with Filed.

### Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA)

CCH Axcess requires 2FA for every sign-in. Filed acts as the authenticator, generating verification codes automatically each time it accesses CCH Axcess on your behalf.

The pairing works by exchanging a second-factor backup code: instead of scanning CCH Axcess's QR code with a phone app, you give that backup code to Filed. Filed uses it to generate the 6-digit code needed to complete the pairing - and from that point forward generates codes automatically.

Have both CCH Axcess and Filed open side by side before you start - one step is time-sensitive, so you'll want to move between the two quickly.

**Pairing steps:**

1. In CCH Axcess, open **User Options** from the left navigation of the Dashboard.

   ![Open User Options from the CCH Axcess Dashboard](/files/YIWhcD9n6BH9uu2XbgoY)
2. Under **Change login profile**, select **2-Step verification device pairing**.

   ![Select 2-Step verification device pairing under Change login profile](/files/28tKKrtUX24U7r8xbZ1n)
3. Select **Google Authenticator or another authenticator application**, make sure its radio button is selected, and click **Pair device**.

   ![Select Google Authenticator or another authenticator application and click Pair device](/files/NYj6lhLi0TsWhpJihCbD)
4. For **What type of device do you have?**, select **Other** and click **Continue**.

   ![Select Other as the device type and click Continue](/files/j5bAhfCzoovwie13KrxT)
5. CCH Axcess displays a QR code. Copy the **second-factor backup code** shown under the QR code, then click **Continue**.

   ![Copy the second-factor backup code shown under the QR code](/files/w9uvPeWIw2dNQ4DGEj9f)
6. Go back to Filed and open the CCH Axcess integration page. In the **Connect authenticator** window, paste the copied code into the **Second-factor backup code** field and click **Generate code**.

   ![Paste the backup code into the Second-factor backup code field and click Generate code](/files/GEAp84iRd2j4lFKc8ED8)
7. Filed displays a 6-digit verification code. Copy it and return to CCH Axcess promptly - the code expires after about 30 seconds. If it expires before you use it, click **New code** in Filed.

   ![Copy the 6-digit code Filed generates](/files/oUqcn91548sw1UBdMP3l)
8. Paste the code into the **Enter Code** field in CCH Axcess and click **Continue**.

   ![Paste the code into the Enter Code field and click Continue](/files/gIhrrShpibQODivr49A4)
9. Click **Close** in the **Setup Complete!** dialog.

   ![Click Close in the Setup Complete dialog](/files/0T2qOUBsOwt37zpD8rqg)
10. Back on the device pairing screen, confirm the **Google Authenticator or another authenticator application** option is selected - its status should now show **Paired**.

    ![Confirm the Google Authenticator option shows Paired](/files/H5A5hQU77yaGZBXej6YG)
11. Return to Filed and click **I entered the code** to confirm the setup.

**Troubleshooting 2FA pairing:**

* **Setup unfinished** - You entered a backup code but did not finish confirming the pairing in CCH Axcess. Click "Finish setup" in Filed, generate a new code, and complete the steps in CCH Axcess.
* **CCH Axcess rejects the code** - The code expired before it was entered (codes are valid for 30 seconds). Click "New code" in Filed and enter the fresh code promptly.
* **Device was unpaired in CCH Axcess** - The previous pairing is no longer valid. Click "Update authenticator" in Filed and complete the pairing again with a new second-factor backup code.

### Adding credentials

Once the authenticator is confirmed, Filed unlocks the credential step. You will enter the Account ID, User ID, and password for the dedicated login. Filed verifies the sign-in immediately and marks the connection active once the check succeeds.

### Confirming your business unit and office

During setup, Filed asks for your Business Unit name and Office name. These values must match exactly what is configured in CCH Axcess. The defaults are "Main" for Business Unit and "Main Office" for Office - if your firm uses different names, you will need to look them up.

To find the correct names:

1. Log into CCH Axcess Dashboard as an admin and open Firm settings in the bottom-left corner.
2. Navigate to Organizational Units.
3. Check the Offices tab for your Office name and the Business Units tab for your Business Unit name.
4. Copy the exact values into Filed, then click Configure.

### Granting Return transfer access

Filed needs the **Return transfer** functional right enabled in CCH Axcess. This makes the **Transfer to ProSystem fx** option available in CCH, which Filed uses to read the current state of a return during tax prep.

This does not mean preparers need to manually transfer returns. The permission only needs to be available so Filed can access the return data it needs.

To grant the permission:

1. Open **CCH Axcess Dashboard**.
2. Click **Application Links**.
3. Under **Security**, click **Security groups**.

   ![CCH Axcess Dashboard with Security groups highlighted](/files/sdZebS1dLBICe6t7kKep)
4. In the **Security Groups** grid, right-click the security group used by the Filed CCH login.
5. Click **Open**.
6. In the navigation pane, click **Functional rights**.
7. Open the **Tax** tab.
8. Find **Return transfer** under **Tax Preparation**.
9. Set **Return transfer** to **Grant**.
10. Click **Save & Close**.

    ![CCH Axcess Functional rights with Return transfer set to Grant](/files/3jQUhhVwZPYPHrVS4Ik0)

After the permission is granted, the CCH login used by Filed should have access to the **Transfer to ProSystem fx** option in Return Manager.

If the option is still missing, check that:

* The permission was added to the correct security group.
* The CCH login used by Filed belongs to that security group.
* No other group or role has **Return transfer** set to **Never allow**.
* The user has signed out and back in after the permission change.

## Tax prep workflow

With the CCH Axcess Tax API Kit, Filed handles the entire sync cycle automatically.

Filed refreshes the client list on a daily schedule. When you start tax preparation for a client, Filed reads the client's existing return data from CCH Axcess automatically. After AI preparation is complete, Filed writes the finished data entry directly into the return in CCH Axcess - no file downloads or uploads required.

## K-1s already imported in CCH Axcess

If K-1 data has already been imported directly into CCH Axcess through its own import functionality, do not also upload those K-1 PDFs to Filed. Doing so risks entering the same data twice.

Two approaches to avoid duplication:

* **Exclude in Filed:** Open the Forms view during the AI Tax Prep workflow, locate the K-1 documents, and select Exclude. Filed will skip processing those forms.
* **Don't upload the K-1 PDFs:** The simplest option is to leave K-1 PDFs out when uploading source documents to Filed in the first place.

If Filed's Checklist flags missing K-1s, this is not a problem - the data already exists in CCH Axcess. You can ignore the flag or mark it as reviewed.

## Troubleshooting

### Return not populating after import

First, open the return in CCH Axcess and click the Recalc button. Manual recalculation resolves most cases where data appears missing after import.

If data still does not appear, navigate to CCH Dashboard, open Application Links, then Batch Manager, and click Refresh Job Status. Check the Job Status section for the import job:

* **Complete** - the import finished successfully; the issue may be elsewhere.
* **Exception (Failed or Partial Success)** - click the Exception status to see error details. Screenshot the error and contact Filed support.

If Filed cannot read the return or CCH hides the **Transfer to ProSystem fx** option, confirm that the dedicated Filed login has the **Return transfer** functional right granted.

### Client not found in Filed

The daily sync may not have run yet for a client recently added to CCH Axcess. To trigger a manual sync: navigate to the Tax Software page in Filed, click the three-dot menu next to CCH Axcess Tax, and choose Sync clients, then Sync.

### "Sync failed to complete" error

Click Sync in the top-right corner to retry. If the error persists, contact Filed support.

### Diagnostic 49842 - withholding mismatch

CCH Axcess may raise diagnostic error 49842 with the message: "The amount of withholding must equal the amount of withholding reported on Form(s) W-2, Schedule(s) K-1, Form(s) 1099, Form(s) W-2G and Form 8959, line 24 for electronic filing."

Resolution:

1. Open Return Manager and select the affected return.
2. Click Utilities, then Rebuild.
3. Select Continue, then OK.
4. Open the rebuilt return (it will be marked "V2").
5. Run Recalc.

For further detail, see CCH support article 000158186.

## Frequently asked questions

**Should I upload K-1s to Filed if they are already imported in CCH Axcess?** No. See the K-1s section above.

**How do I find a client's ID in CCH Axcess?** The Client ID is visible in Return Manager as the identifier associated with each return (for example, 123-AFILED).

**How often does Filed sync my client list from CCH Axcess?** Filed refreshes the client list daily.

## Capabilities

### Review return and client information

Use Filed to retrieve the client and return information available through this tax-software connection. This gives preparers and reviewers a starting point without manually re-keying the same information.

### Prepare approved data-entry work

When **Write** access is enabled, Filed can prepare and run approved data-entry work in the connected tax environment. Use this for repeatable preparation workflows, then review the return in the tax software before filing.

### Keep the connection operational

Use the connection to validate access, recover from a disconnected desktop session, and keep the firm’s tax-work workflow linked to the correct environment.


---

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