Be precise. Reduce delays. Automate the ask.

This blog post is dedicated to AI prompts for building Document Checklists in Canopy.

These prompts help you auto-generate dynamic, role-aware document request lists that adapt based on client type, service, or context. Perfect for use in onboarding, cleanup, or recurring engagements.

Tone & Context:

Friendly and clear. Ensures clients submit required documents without confusion.

Prompt:

"Create a document checklist for a new individual tax client filing a 1040. Include requests for W-2s, 1099s, last year’s return, and any relevant deduction documentation. Use conditional logic to show only the docs that match the income or deduction types they select."

Tone & Context:

Proactive and thorough. Designed to surface business complexity early.

Prompt:

"Build a document request list for a new 1120S tax engagement. Include requests for prior returns, ownership records, balance sheet, income statement, payroll reports, and bank statements. Use conditional logic to request K-1s if there are multiple shareholders."

Tone & Context:

Professional and urgent. Targets clients who are switching firms or amending returns.

Prompt:

"Create a document checklist for a client coming to the firm mid-year with prior tax issues. Include requests for IRS/state notices, past tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and any correspondence or notes. Use a clear, no-nonsense tone that sets expectations."

Tone & Context:

Organized and instructive.

Prompt:

"Generate a document checklist for onboarding a new small business bookkeeping client. Request prior year financials, access to accounting software, bank statements, payroll provider access, and outstanding invoices. Use conditional logic based on their accounting platform and employee count."

Tone & Context:

Direct and time-saving.

Prompt:

"Build a checklist to collect documents for a bookkeeping cleanup project. Include requests for monthly bank and credit card statements, loan docs, receipts, and unreconciled balances. Use a firm but helpful tone to move quickly."

Tone & Context:

Strategic and professional.

Prompt:

"Create a year-end planning document checklist for a client with both W-2 and self-employment income. Request P&L statements, YTD payroll reports, and planned capital expenditures. Include conditional logic to add entity-specific requests if they own a business."