Tax File Activation lets you integrate the tax software with SurePrep services. CCH Axcess Tax customers using Active Directory Federated Services (ADFS) or Single Sign-On (SSO) mode to sign in must use Tax File Activation on the web page to integrate CCH Axcess Tax with SurePrep (that is, Token Authentication). The
Token
authentication method lets SurePrep use API requests on behalf of a customer without acquiring a username and password.
note
CCH Axcess Tax users using the legacy authentication method must switch to using the
Token
authentication method to integrate CCH Axcess Tax with SurePrep services. Legacy authentication was deprecated on November 5, 2021.
CCH Axcess customers connected with SurePrep using username and password (Tax File Activation window) may switch to OIP Token Authentication, however, it is not a requirement as of now.
note
Firms using Credential Authentication (that is, User ID and password) in the Tax File Activation window may switch to Token Authentication. However, you must first delete the Credential Authentication method before using the Token Authentication method.
If you are using SurePrep's OutSource service for 1040, 1041, and BTR (Business Tax Returns), then continue using the Tax File Activation window.
Connecting CCH Axcess Tax with SurePrep
Follow these steps to turn on CCH Axcess Tax for your firm:
Enter all the required fields with a red border. Enter your firm's
CCH Axcess Tax Account
number.
note
Your CCH Axcess Tax account number should have a maximum of 6 digits only. 88 account numbers are issued to CCH Customers for evaluation purposes only. You won’t be able to create a binder if there are more than 6 digits.
If necessary, select
Is ADFS/SSO
.
Select
Is Mixed Mode
only if your firm meets the following requirements:
The firm uses Outsource service.
The firm uses ADFS/SSO.
The firm has a service user to use to generate tokens.
Copy and paste the following
Client ID
and
Client Secret
based on the
Authentication Type
you selected earlier.
Authentication Type
Client ID
Client Secret
Token
76459023-6a7b-31c0-9204-dc34f171bb24
1e926e65-747a-2cf3-513e-9cf7efe3a79f
Select
Generate
to turn on your CCH Axcess Tax account.
A new verification window will appear. Enter your CCH Axcess
Account Number
, then select
Submit
.
Sign in to CCH Axcess Tax.
CCH requires you to verify your identity. Select your verification method, then select
Send the code
.
Based on your previous selection, you will receive a verification code via email, SMS, or voice message. Copy or note down the code.
Enter the verification code, then select
Submit
.
Select
Allow
to connect your firm domain with CCH Axcess Tax.
Once you generate the access token, details will display at the bottom of the window and the following column details will generate automatically:
Expired On
: This column displays the date on which the token expires.
Email ID
: The FileRoom user’s (who is setting up the token generation process) email ID is populated by default in this column. This email ID is stored in SurePrep's database, and an email notification is sent to the user and SurePrep Support when the token is about to expire.
Created By
: This column displays the name of the user who has generated the token.
Created On
: This column displays the date and time when you generate the token.
Modified By
: This column displays the name of the user who regenerated the token after the initial setup.
Modified On
: This column displays the date and time when you regenerate the token.
Token Authentication (SSO/ADFS mode)
To enable Token Authentication, enter the following details (highlighted in red):
Authentication Type
:
Token
: Select the
Token
option. You will be able to use SurePrep's provided Client ID and Client Secret to turn on your account. All new SurePrep clients using SSO must select this checkbox.
** CCH Axcess Tax Account
: Enter your unique account number with CCH Axcess.
Is ADFS/SSO
: Mark this checkbox if you're using ADFS (Active Directory Federation Services) Login mode or SSO (Single Sign On). You can use ADFS Login mode only when you have enabled third-party client applications that let you sign in (for example, via portal). Don’t use select this checkbox if you're using CCH sign in mode (that is, CCH Tax is installed on your computer).
Is Mixed Mode
: Select this checkbox only if your firm is using Outsource service, with ADFS/SSO, and has a service user you can use to generate a token. You can add a service user if you are using mixed mode. .
OAuth Server:
This column will display the CCH Axcess Server URL.
** Client ID
: Use the Client ID provided by SurePrep:
If you selected
Token
authentication, then enter: 76459023-6a7b-31c0-9204-dc34f171bb24
** Client Secret
: Use the Client Secret provided by SurePrep:
If you selected
Token
authentication, then enter: 1e926e65-747a-2cf3-513e-9cf7efe3a79f
Redirect URL:
The
Redirect URL
is hosted by SurePrep and is where CCH Axcess will provide the access token for the CCH account. You can copy and paste the
Redirect URL
address in
CCH Axcess Dashboard
while generating
Client ID
and
Client Secret
.
OAuth Scope:
SurePrep exports data to the tax return with the following settings:
CCHAxcess_data_writeaccess
: Lets SurePrep read or write CCH Axcess data.
IDInfo
: Required to obtain the ID token that is used for sign out.
offline_access
: Required to obtain a refresh token.
opened
: Required to have sub-claims.
When creating Client ID and Client Secret in CCH Axcess, you must select the listed options.