NOTE: You will need an Excel (.xlsx) file of your client email addresses to upload the data into the system. You can export this data from your tax software or make your own Excel files of this info.
Although the only item that needs to be on the list in order for it to upload are email addresses, we highly recommend having data in following categories in addition to the email address for personalization:
Client's first name
Client's last name
Company name
Birthday
IMPORTANT: DO NOT include the column names your file. This will result in an error when you attempt to import your file.
For simplicity, we recommend using the below screenshot as an example of how you should order the information in your file:
Before Proceeding: We highly recommend backing up your existing client list before starting an import
Before Importing a list to an existing list, we highly recommend saving your current list as a backup just incase you need to refer back to it.
To do this, click here to go to your Main Lists page, then select the "Export" button on the list you want to backup (as shown in the screenshot below):
Or, if you're already on the import page, click the 'Save current list' as shown below:
NOTE: We strongly recommend exporting to an .xlsx file.
The .csv file types can come through as many different mime types (depending on browser settings, OS, or something a program changed on your computer).Excel files (.xlsx) have a specific mime type that is consistent, which is why they're more reliable.
How to Import your Client List to Practice Panda
1. Log into your account at https://portal.practicepanda.com
2. Expand 'Settings' in the left menu, then click "List Management".
3. On your Main Lists page, Click the "Import" button next to the list you would like to add your clients to.
If you don't have list yet, you can also create a new list first by clicking on the "Add a new list" button, and then selecting the "import" button.
To add a new list to begin the import, click "Add a new list" (b.). Or, if you already have an existing list created that you want to add your clients to, you can simply click the "Import" (a.) button on the same row that the list you want to edit is (as shown below):
Important Information you should know before importing your client list
IMPORTANT: DO NOT include the column names your file. This will result in an error when you attempt to import your file.
For simplicity, we recommend using the below screenshot as an example of how you should order the information in your file.
NOTE: We strongly recommend using an .xlsx file.
The .csv file types can come through as many different mime types (depending on browser settings, OS, or something a program changed on your computer).Excel files (.xlsx) have a specific mime type that is consistent, which is why they're more reliable.
Upload your client list file from your computer
4. On the Upload your file page, after clicking the import button shown in the previous step 3.a., click on "Choose File" (1.) to search your computer and choose your list you want to upload.
Next, click the "Add or replace existing clients in list" (2.) dropdown and select one of the following options:
Option A: Add uploaded data to my existing clients in this list
Most of the time, you can simply just add your clients to the list, since duplicate email addresses are automatically removed and the newest information on that client is kept.
Option B: Replace existing clients in this list with uploaded data
Replacing a list will completely overwrite any clients already on the list with the clients on the list being uploaded, so this would likely only be necessary if there were drastic changes to the list (such as a replacing a list from the previous tax season).
Finally, click "Upload File and Start Import" (3.) when you are ready to import your list.
Map your client list file to Practice Panda
5. After you click on "Upload File and Start Import" from step 4., you will be asked to set which columns include which data. The systems displays the first three items found in each column and a drop-down menu used to set that column's data.
Our system attempts a best guess based on the data found in your file. If a best guess is determined, you will see that column automatically set to what our system is guessing it is. You can change this if it is incorrect.
For example (using the following screenshot), next to the data you need to map, click the "Which item is this?" (1.) dropdown, then select the correct column name for the corresponding data (2.).
IMPORTANT: You will not be able to proceed with the import until you have mapped a column with email addresses.
Once you have mapped all of the desired columns, click "Save and Import Clients" at the bottom as shown below:
NOTE: If you import a file you have exported from Practice Panda, you will see all columns automatically mapped.
6. Once you have imported your clients from step 5., you will be redirected to your Main Lists page and will get a green notice saying that your list has been imported.
NOTE: You may need to refresh the page by clicking where the arrow shows in the green box area to see your updated lists.
Did your import fail to upload?
If you get a red notice advising you that your import failed, that means you have one or more emails that did not upload properly and the notice will show which ones didn't upload. This usually happens if you have headers at the top (such as EmailAddress, FirstName, etc).
To correct this, please read the correct format your file should be in by Clicking Here.
Need Further Help?
Click the button below to Submit a ticket to your Practice Panda Support team: