Just so you know! This import guide is designed for users on our Client & Contact Structure. If you were onboarded before September 11, 2024, check out this import guide.
A Quick Overview of Clients, Contacts, and Client Groups
As you prepare to import, it is important to understand that you are importing both CLIENTS and CONTACTS.
Clients
Clients are the businesses and entities for which you are completing work.
Heads up!
We have two types of clients in Canopy: Individual and Business
Individual clients are based on filing status (i.e., single, married, filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, etc)
Business clients are all other clients (i.e., non-profit, LLC, S-Corp, Trust, etc.)
Client information includes:
Type of client (individual or business)
Status (client, prospect, other)
External IDs or EIN
Any referral information
Custom Fields
Tags
For any businesses, you will include additional information including a business email, phone number, and address.
Contacts
Contacts are the people associated with each client.
Examples of Contacts:
Primary Contact
Spouse
Dependent(s)
Employee
Partner
Contact information can include emails, phone numbers, addresses, birthdays, social security numbers, etc.
Tip!
To ensure you don't create unwanted duplicates:
Include as much detail as possible.
When entering client/contact info into your spreadsheet, make sure you double check your data for consistency. Misspellings or incorrect information could lead to unwanted mistakes or duplicates.
Client Groups
You can create Client Groups during your import process. This allows you to organize your clients into relevant groups including family groups or business groups. All you need is a name for the group (i.e., Smith Family).
Keep in mind that a client can only be a part of one client group.
Next, let's take a look at an example of how you can organize your clients, contacts, and client groups. For the next article in this series, click here!