> 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/ultratax-cs/backing-up-a-client-in-ultratax-cs.md).

# Backing up a client

If you use Thomson Reuters Virtual Office, Rightworks, or the backup-file workflow, you exchange UltraTax backup ZIP files with Filed instead of using the Desktop app. This guide covers:

1. **How to get the backup ZIP** from UltraTax CS (File > Backup).
2. **How to upload the backup** to Filed to start tax prep.

> To import a backup back into UltraTax CS after Filed finishes data entry, see [Restoring a backup into UltraTax CS](/reference/plugins/integrations/tax-software/ultratax-cs/restoring-a-backup-into-ultratax-cs.md).

{% embed url="<https://studio.saltfish.ai/demo-share/desktop_1784569244_moh>" %}

***

## 1. Getting the backup ZIP from UltraTax CS

Use **File > Backup** to export a client's return data as a ZIP file.

### Open the Backup dialog

In UltraTax CS, click **File** in the menu bar, then click **Backup...** from the dropdown menu.

<figure><img src="/files/45rzrVuMFAe4yWvCYrnm" alt="UltraTax CS File menu with Backup highlighted"><figcaption><p>Open the File menu and select Backup.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Select the client

The Backup dialog opens. The client appears in the **Available** list on the left. Click the client row to highlight it, then click **Select >** to move it to the **Selected** list on the right.

Set the **Backup location** on the right side to the folder where you want to save the ZIP file (for example, `C:\Users\taxprepadmin\Desktop\backups`). You can click **Modify Backup Location...** to change it.

<figure><img src="/files/IeU6oldesRW5N8V3RS0A" alt="Backup dialog with client in Available list"><figcaption><p>Select the client from the Available list and set the backup location.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Click Backup

With the client in the **Selected** list and the backup location set, click the **Backup** button at the bottom right. UltraTax creates the backup ZIP file in the location you chose.

<figure><img src="/files/KV0NVEt6oCQwUNv0Txbt" alt="Client in Selected list, ready to backup"><figcaption><p>Click Backup to export the client's return as a ZIP file.</p></figcaption></figure>

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## 2. Uploading the backup to Filed

Once you have the backup ZIP from UltraTax CS, upload it to Filed to start tax prep and data entry.

### How to get there

1. On the **Clients** page, select a client.
2. Click on the **Tax Prep** card.
3. The **initiate page** appears — this is where you upload the backup and configure the run.

### Upload the backup on the initiate page

4. Under **Connect a tax software**, confirm **UltraTax CS** is selected.
5. Under **Identify the client in the tax software** (optional), select the client from the **Software client id** dropdown if you want Filed to match the client automatically.
6. Under **Upload last year's backup**, drag and drop the backup ZIP file into the upload area, or click **Browse files** to select it. ZIP files are supported.
7. Click **Continue** to start tax prep.

<figure><img src="/files/yNAtGY7aMrGGqD4ZJ2yD" alt="Filed initiate tax prep page with backup upload area"><figcaption><p>Upload the UltraTax backup ZIP on the initiate page to start data entry.</p></figcaption></figure>

Filed will restore the backup on the VM before data entry starts. Once AI preparation is complete, you receive a notification and can download the completed backup from the client's Output tab under **View Backups**. To import that backup back into UltraTax CS, see [Restoring a backup into UltraTax CS](/reference/plugins/integrations/tax-software/ultratax-cs/restoring-a-backup-into-ultratax-cs.md).

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## Tips

* **Backup vs. Restore.** Backup (File > Backup) exports data out of UltraTax as a ZIP. Restore (File > Restore) imports a ZIP back into UltraTax.
* **Entity filter.** The Backup dialog has entity checkboxes at the bottom (1040, 1120, 1065, 1041, etc.). Make sure the correct entity type is checked so your client appears in the Available list.


---

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