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Truss Prep for Lacerte

How to use Truss Prep with Lacerte tax software

AI Prep Instructions

Bulk Import Clients – Lacerte for AI Prep

This guide walks you through the one-time setup to bulk export client information from Lacerte into your AI Prep workspace.

⚠️ Important Before You Begin

Before starting this process, you must complete the Roll Forward of all tax returns from 2024 to 2025 inside Lacerte.

👉 Click here for Roll Forward instructions.

Failure to complete this step may result in incomplete client data.

Additionally, please review Client IDs.

  • The entity Client ID in Truss should exactly match the Lacerte Client Number

  • Case-sensitive matching if letters are used

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Confirm Your Lacerte Data Path

  1. Open Lacerte

  2. Navigate to:
    ​Settings → Options → Setup → Data Path

  3. Confirm the file path where Lacerte is saving your tax data files.

Make note of this location — you’ll need it in the next step.

Step 2: Locate the Data Folder in File Explorer

  1. Open File Explorer

  2. Navigate to the data path confirmed in Step 1

For most firms, the default path is:

Step 3: Compress the IDATA Folder

  1. Inside the 25TAX folder, locate the IDATA folder

  2. Right-click on the IDATA folder

  3. Select “Compress to ZIP File”

This will create a compressed (.zip) file containing your client data.

Step 4: Securely Share the ZIP File

Upload the newly created ZIP file using the secure Truss upload link provided to your firm.

If you do not have the secure upload link, please contact support.

Step 5: Confirmation from Truss

Once the file is received and processed:

  • Truss will import your client data into AI Prep

  • You will be notified when your account is ready to begin submissions

✅ What Happens Next?

After confirmation:

  • Your client list will appear in AI Prep

  • You can begin submitting returns

  • No additional bulk export will be required for this tax year

If you encounter any issues during this process, please contact Support and include:

  • A screenshot of your Lacerte Data Path

  • Any error messages received

  • Confirmation that Roll Forward has been completed

We’re here to help ensure a smooth transition into AI Prep.