Your clients expect self-service access to their documents. Here's how to build a professional portal without hiring a developer—from free solutions to purpose-built accounting platforms.
Why client portals matter
Email attachments and Dropbox links worked in 2015. Today, clients expect the same self-service experience they get from their bank or mortgage provider: a branded, secure hub where they can upload documents, check status, and access their files anytime.
71%
reduction in document collection time
52%
fewer errors from manual re-entry
24/7
client access without staff involvement
For accounting firms, a good client portal does three things:
- Secure document exchange — Encrypted uploads/downloads for tax slips, financial statements, and sensitive files
- Task management — Clients see what documents are pending, deadlines, and completion status
- Communication hub — Messaging and notifications without clogging your inbox
Two approaches: No-code vs. purpose-built
You have two paths to a client portal:
Build your own portal using tools like Softr, Notion, or Airtable. Full customization, your branding, your workflow.
Complete control over design
Often free or low-cost to start
Requires setup time (2-8 hours)
No built-in accounting integrations
Purpose-Built for Accounting
Dedicated platforms like TaxDome, Canopy, or Client Hub with accounting workflows baked in.
Built-in e-signatures, invoicing
Integrates with Xero, QBO, etc.
Higher monthly cost ($50-100/user)
Less flexibility in customization
Use the filters below to find the right solution for your firm:
Step-by-step: Build with Softr + Notion
Here's how to create a functional client portal using free tools. This setup gives you document sharing, task tracking, and client communication.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Both Softr and Notion have free tiers. You can complete this entire setup without spending anything.
Step 1: Set up your Notion workspace
Create three databases in Notion that will power your portal:
Notion Database Structure
📋 Clients Database
Name (Title)
Email
Status
Year-End Date
📁 Documents Database
Title
Client (Relation)
File (File)
Type (Select)
✅ Tasks Database
Task (Title)
Client (Relation)
Due Date
Status
Step 2: Create your Softr app
1
Sign up at softr.io and create new app
Choose "Start from scratch" to have full control. Connect your Notion workspace when prompted.
2
Set up user authentication
Add a sign-up/login page. Map the user's email to your Clients database to show them only their data.
3
Create a Documents page
Add a "List" block connected to your Documents database. Set visibility filter: "Client Email = Logged-in User Email".
4
Add a file upload form
Create a form block that lets clients upload files. Auto-populate the Client field with logged-in user.
5
Create a Tasks dashboard
Show pending document requests and deadlines. Clients can see what you need from them.
6
Customize branding and publish
Add your logo, set brand colors, and publish. Free tier uses softr.app subdomain; paid plans allow custom domains.
Pro tip: Start with a template
Both Softr and Notion have client portal templates. Starting from a template and customizing is often faster than building from scratch.
If you want deeper accounting integrations (e-signatures, invoicing, tax organizers), consider a purpose-built platform:
| Platform |
Starting Price |
Best For |
Key Feature |
| TaxDome |
$67/user/mo |
Full-service firms |
All-in-one CRM + Portal |
| Canopy |
Custom quote |
Mobile-first clients |
#1 rated mobile app |
| Client Hub |
Per-firm pricing |
Bookkeepers on QBO |
Month-end workflows |
| Financial Cents |
$39/user/mo |
Small QBO firms |
Client recategorization |
| Liscio |
$45/user/mo |
Communication-heavy |
Secure messaging focus |
Which solution is right for you?
Answer these questions to find your best fit:
