| Overview |
This guide walks you through everything you need to do to get BrightTax set up and working for your practice. Follow the steps in order — each one builds on the last. Most firms are fully operational within a few days; the 30-day window gives you time to work through client data at your own pace.
| Week 1 — System Setup |
These steps configure BrightTax for your practice and must be completed before you can file any returns.
| Task | What to Do | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Set up your company information | Go to Settings > Company Information. Enter your practice name, address, and contact details. |
| ☐ | Enter your HMRC filing credentials | Go to Settings > Account Information > HMRC Filing Details. Enter your agent credentials for Self Assessment and Corporation Tax. |
| ☐ | Enter Companies House presenter details | Go to Settings > Account Information > Companies House Details. Enter your presenter ID and authentication code. |
| ☐ | Invite your team | In BrightHub, go to Members and invite your colleagues. Assign them BrightTax access and set their permission level. |
| ☐ | Set filing permissions for each user | In BrightTax System Management, configure which users can file which return types. |
| Week 2 — Client Setup |
Once your system is configured, start building your client list.
| Task | What to Do | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Import existing client data | If migrating from BTC or another system, contact customersuccess@brightsg.com to arrange a bulk data import. |
| ☐ | Create your first client manually | From the Dashboard, go to Client List > Create Client. Start with one or two clients to get familiar with the process. |
| ☐ | Add UTR numbers for individual clients | Open each client record and ensure the UTR is entered — this is required for HMRC submissions. |
| ☐ | Add company registration numbers | For company clients, ensure the Companies House registration number is recorded on the client record. |
| ☐ | Store practice bank details (optional) | Go to Company Information > Bank Details to pre-populate Self Assessment refund bank details. |
| Weeks 3–4 — First Tasks and Submissions |
With your clients set up, you are ready to create and work on your first tasks.
| Task | What to Do | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Create your first Individual Tax Return | From the Dashboard, click Create Task > Individual Tax Return. Select your client and tax year. |
| ☐ | Create your first Corporation Tax return | From the Dashboard, click Create Task > Corporation Tax Return. Assign a CT template before opening the return. |
| ☐ | Create your first Year End Accounts | From the Dashboard, click Create Task > Year End Accounts. Assign an Accounts Production template before opening. |
| ☐ | Run the MTD Qualifying Income Report | Go to Reports > MTD Qualifying Income to identify which clients need to prepare for Making Tax Digital. |
| ☐ | Connect your accounting integrations | If using FreeAgent, BrightAP, Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage, set up the relevant integration from within BrightTax. |
| ✔ Tip: Don't try to do everything at once. Start with one or two clients and one return type. Once you are comfortable with the workflow, the rest follows the same pattern. |
| Need Help Along the Way? |
The following resources are available to support you:
- Help Centre — you're already here. Use the search bar at the top to find articles on any topic.
- Customer Success team — for data migration and onboarding support, email customersuccess@brightsg.com.
- Support team — for product queries, use the in-product chat or email brighttaxsupport@brightsg.com.
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Q: Do I need to complete all of these steps before I can use BrightTax?
A: The Week 1 system setup steps are required before you can file any returns. The client setup and task steps can be completed at your own pace.
Q: Can I import my clients from BTC desktop?
A: Yes. The Customer Success team can assist with bulk data imports from BTC and other systems. Email customersuccess@brightsg.com to start the process.
Q: Who do I contact if I get stuck?
A: Use the in-product support chat, search the Help Centre, or email brighttaxsupport@brightsg.com.
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