> 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/tax-software/ultratax-cs.md). # UltraTax CS Filed integrates with UltraTax CS through two paths: the standard workflow uses the Filed Desktop app installed on a Windows workstation that runs UltraTax CS, and the backup-file workflow serves firms using Thomson Reuters Virtual Office or Rightworks where the Desktop app cannot be installed. ## What this integration does Filed supports three capabilities with UltraTax CS: * **Sync client list** - Filed imports your client roster from UltraTax CS so it can match prepared returns to the right clients. Because UltraTax CS does not expose a direct API for client listing, you export and upload the list manually. * **Read return data** - Filed captures a client's current return data from UltraTax CS to use as a starting point for AI preparation. * **Enter return data** - After AI preparation is complete, Filed writes the finished data entry automatically into the client's return in UltraTax CS. ## Prerequisites * UltraTax CS installed on a Windows workstation (standard workflow), or access to a Thomson Reuters Virtual Office or Rightworks hosted environment. * A dedicated Thomson Reuters account login (username and password) for Filed to use - do not use a personal login. * If 2FA is enabled on the Thomson Reuters account, the two-factor secret for that account (see below). * For the standard workflow: a Windows machine that can stay on and accessible whenever Filed needs to sync. * Admin access to UltraTax CS to export a client listing from Utilities. ## Connecting UltraTax CS to Filed The connection is established by entering Thomson Reuters credentials in Filed. For the standard workflow, you then set up the Filed Desktop app on the workstation running UltraTax CS. ### Entering credentials Filed asks for the Thomson Reuters username, password, and optionally a two-factor secret for the dedicated login. Once credentials are saved, Filed verifies the sign-in and the connection becomes active. ### Finding your two-factor secret The two-factor secret is only needed if the Thomson Reuters account has 2FA enabled via an authenticator app. The secret is a long alphanumeric string that lets Filed generate login codes automatically so it does not need to prompt you for a code each time it signs in. The secret is shown once during 2FA enrollment. If you need to retrieve it: * **Setting up 2FA for the first time:** Sign into account.thomsonreuters.com, go to Security settings, choose Set up two-factor authentication, and select Authenticator app. When the QR code appears, look for the "Can't scan the code?" or "Enter manually" link and click it to reveal the text-based secret. Copy that string, paste it into the Two-factor secret field in Filed, and also add the secret to your own authenticator app. * **2FA already enabled:** You will need to remove the existing authenticator enrollment in Thomson Reuters Security settings and re-enroll. When re-enrolling, copy the secret before completing the setup. Finish enrollment in your authenticator app as well. Thomson Reuters supports standard TOTP authenticator apps: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Auth0 Guardian, 1Password, Authy, and other TOTP-compatible apps. ### Installing and setting up the Filed desktop app For firms not using Virtual Office or Rightworks, the Filed Desktop app must be installed on the Windows machine that runs UltraTax CS. **Best practice:** Designate one always-on workstation for the Desktop app. If the machine restarts or the app is closed, the connection pauses until the app is reopened. ### Exporting and uploading your client list UltraTax CS requires a manual client-list export - Filed cannot pull the roster automatically. This step is needed once during initial setup and again whenever new clients are added to UltraTax CS. {% embed url="" %} ## Tax prep workflow - standard (with Filed desktop app) Once the Desktop app is connected and the client list is uploaded, the workflow is largely automated. When you start tax preparation for a client, Filed reads the client's return data from UltraTax CS through the Desktop app. After AI preparation is complete, Filed writes the finished data entry back into UltraTax CS automatically and packages a backup. The completed backup can be downloaded from the client's Output tab under View Backups if you want to archive or review it. ## Tax prep workflow - virtual office and Rightworks (without Filed desktop app) Thomson Reuters Virtual Office and Rightworks are hosted environments where the Filed Desktop app cannot be installed. For these environments, you exchange backup files manually. **Part 1 - Create and upload a backup:** **Part 2 - AI preparation runs:** Filed prepares the return using the uploaded backup and source documents. When preparation is complete, you receive an email and in-app notification, and the status updates to "Data Entry Completed." **Part 3 - Download and restore:** **Rolling back to the original version:** If you need the return as it was before Filed's preparation, download the "Sync by Filed" version from the backups list (the earliest entry, shown at the bottom). ## Troubleshooting ### Filed app disconnects or stops syncing The most common cause is that the workstation was restarted, the user logged out, or the machine went offline. Reopen the Filed Desktop app on the UltraTax workstation, re-enter credentials if prompted, and verify that the connection shows "Connection active." Designating an always-on machine reduces the frequency of this issue. ### Client not found after adding to UltraTax CS Filed's client list is only as current as the last uploaded export. Re-export the client listing from UltraTax CS (Utilities, Client Listing Report) and re-upload it in Filed. ### Return data not reading or entering correctly Confirm that the UltraTax data folder selected in the Filed Desktop app settings matches the folder where UltraTax CS stores client files (for example, C:\WinCSI\UT25DATA). Also confirm that the client is closed in UltraTax CS before Filed attempts to read or write - having the client open can prevent access. ## Frequently asked questions **Do I need the Filed Desktop app if I use Thomson Reuters Virtual Office?** No. Virtual Office and Rightworks users use the backup-file workflow instead. See the workflow section above. **How do I keep my UltraTax client list in sync with Filed?** Re-export the client listing from Utilities, Client Listing Report in UltraTax CS, and re-upload it in Filed whenever new clients are added. **Does UltraTax export SSNs in the client listing?** **What happens to my original UltraTax return after Filed writes data into it?** Filed packages a backup of the return before writing. You can download this pre-data-entry snapshot from the Output tab under View Backups if you need to restore the original state. **Can I use the backup-file workflow even if I have the Desktop app?** The backup-file workflow is designed for environments where the Desktop app cannot be installed. If you have the Desktop app, the standard automated workflow is simpler and is the recommended path. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.filed.com/reference/plugins/tax-software/ultratax-cs.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.