SurePrep: Creating a Sureprep Binder from the FileRoom

Savannah Bunker

Updated May 21, 2026 14:52

Sureprep is the document organization tool we use when preparing personal tax returns. Before starting the preparation of a personal tax return, you’ll first need to create a binder to compile all the tax documents provided and/or saved in the Z-drive.

Please watch the short demo video below:

The steps demonstrated in the video are also outlined below.

1. Open your SurePrep account. The homepage is usually on the FileRoom tab. If not, go to the right most part of your screen, click the drop-down arrow and select “FileRoom”.

2. To create the binder, go to the left side of your screen and then you’ll see “+Create New Binder” on the menubar options. Click the drop-down arrow beside and select “1040” then click “SPbinder”.

3. Next, you’ll see a pbfx file at the bottom of your screen, which is automatically downloaded and you’ll just need to click it to launch. A “Create Bew Binder” box will launch.

4. On the “Select Binder Template”, choose “1040- SurePrep Predefined” with “N/A” as the Tax Software. Make sure that the Tax Year is the tax period you are working on.

5. Add documents to the binder by clicking on “Browse” and then choose the client’s tax documents that need to be uploaded from the zdrive.

6. Enter the client details. SP Client ID will be the client’s SSN (without dash). Then enter the client’s First Name and Last Name. Then, click “Submit”.

7. After that, a notification on your Outlook will be sent saying that the binder has been processed and is in blank status. You’ll now then see the binder appear on your dashboard. Make sure that the tax year on your menu bar is the intended year and limit the number of clients shown on your dashboard by selecting “Assigned To Me” in the Show Binders drop-down arrow.

8. Click the folder in the “Options” column to open the client’s binder. A pbfx file will again automatically be downloaded and you’ll just need to click to open the binder.

The next step in the personal tax return preparation process is Personal Tax Returns: Annotating the Sureprep Binder.