Client Portal Instructions

Activating and Setting Up Your Account

Once you are granted access to our Client Portal, you will receive an email invitation with an account activation link.

1. Open your activation email from SmartVault.
2. Click the SmartVault Activation link.
3. On the activation page, enter your phone number and choose a secure password.
4. Click Create My User to complete your account setup.

Signing In to Your Account

1. Go to the SmartVault portal, connected desktop app, or mobile app.
2. Enter the email address and password you used when activating your guest account.
3. Click Sign In.

Uploading Files

As a Guest User on SmartVault, you can upload documents using the Upload Documents option from the left-hand navigation bar or the Secure Document Upload box on the main panel. Whichever option you choose, uploading your files is quick and straightforward. Your account manager (who invited you to create your guest account) can view and download any files you upload.

1. Depending on your preference, you can select Upload Documents on the left-hand navigation bar or click the Upload a Document button in the “Secure Document Upload” box.
2. Select Upload file next to the folder where you would like to upload your file.
3. In the Upload file here, drag and drop your file inside the drag-and-drop area.
4. To upload a file from your computer, click inside the drag and drop area, select the file(s) you want to upload, then click Open.
5. Add more files if needed. Click Save when you’re done.
6. A confirmation message appears. A green check mark shows you which files were uploaded.
7. Click Close to close the message.

Downloading Your Files

1. Once logged in, select View Files and Folders on the left-hand navigation bar or click the View Your Documents button in the “All Your Documents, One Place” box.
2. Click the folder with your name or company name; we refer to this particular folder as a “Vault”. Here is where the person who invited you to SmartVault has shared files with you.
3. Navigate to the specific folder with the file(s) you want to download.
4. Click Actions(may appear as three dots) on the file you wish to download and select Download.
5. The downloaded file should appear on the browser Downloads Bar at the bottom of your screen. Click on it to open your file.

Viewing and Managing Your Files

1. Select View Files and Folders on the left-hand navigation bar or click the View Your Documents button in the “All your Documents, One Place” box.
2. You’ll see a list of Vaults (these are like storage boxes for your files) you can access.

Understanding Your Vaults

• Public Documents Vault – This is a general area where the account administrator uploads forms and information that all clients can see.
• Personal or Company Name Vault – This area, named after you or your company, holds your personal documents. Here is where you’ll typically find the files that are specific to you.

Finding Your Documents

If you’re looking for specific files, such as tax returns, here’s how to find them:

1. Click on the vault with your name or your company’s name.
2. Navigate to the “Tax Year” folder. Inside it, you’ll find the Client Tax Returns folder.
3. Click the folder to open it and view the available files.

Responding to Document Requests

1. Getting Started: When someone asks for documents using the SmartVault “Request Docs” feature, you’ll get an email. This email contains a link to upload the requested documents. All you need to do is open that email and click the link!
2. Navigating to the Right Place: In SmartVault, select Requested Docs on the left-hand navigation bar or click the View & Respond to Requests button in the “Document Requests Pending” box. Note: These options will only appear if there are pending document requests.
3. Finding Your Document Requests: On the “Requested Docs” page, you can see all the requests sent to you.
4. Uploading Your Documents: Click on the request you want to handle first.
   1. You’ll see the Upload a file button – click on it, and you can browse your computer for the file or drag and drop it into the upload area.
5. Extra Options: If the requester asks for a document that doesn’t apply to you, you can select the box “This does not apply”.
6. Finishing Up: Once you upload your files, click Submit.
7. You’re Done! After clicking Submit, you’ll see the status of the document request change to “Submitted.” The person who requested the documents will be notified that you have completed the request.