Getting Started with Onvio

This post walks through what the portal is, why it matters, and how to get the most from the how‑to guides embedded on this page.

Getting Started With Your Onvio Client Center


The Onvio Client Center is the secure online hub clients use to exchange documents, sign forms, and collaborate with Cotton Mather Accounting Group (CMAG). This post walks through what the portal is, why it matters, and how to get the most from the how‑to guides embedded on this page.

Requesting Client Portal Access


If you are a CMAG client but have never used the online portal, your first step is to request access. Open a browser and go to www.cottonmather.com, then click the “Client Portal” link in the main navigation. On the portal landing screen, you will see two options: one for people who already have an account and one labeled “I need an account” or “Request Access.” Click the “Request Access” button to open the short access request form.


That form asks for basic information—typically your first name, last name, and email address—so the CMAG team can verify you as a current client and connect the portal to the right records. After you submit the form, your request goes to the internal team; you will then receive an email within about two business days confirming that your account has been set up and providing instructions to log in. The page also includes a link to the Onvio Help Center and an overview video, so if you want to see how the client portal works before your access is approved, you can watch that while you wait.

Uploading Documents to the Client Portal


Once you have an account, uploading documents to CMAG through the portal is straightforward. Start by going to https://www.cottonmather.com and clicking on “Client Portal” in the top navigation. On the portal page, choose “Log In” under the “I have an account” option, which will take you to the Thomson Reuters Onvio sign‑in screen. Enter your email and password, click “Sign in,” and, if prompted, complete the two‑factor verification step by following your browser’s instructions.


After you successfully sign in, you will see your portal home with two main tabs near the top: “Tasks” and “Documents.” Click on the “Documents” tab to view files associated with your account. To upload new documents, click the “Add” button; a window will open that lets you either drag and drop files from your computer or click “Browse” to select them. Once you have added the correct files, click “Upload” to send them securely to CMAG.


After the upload finishes, your accounting team can access those documents directly in the portal, which is faster and more secure than sending them by regular email.

Getting Help With Onvio


Onvio Client Center is a secure web portal where you can upload tax and accounting documents, review completed work, and access your information from anywhere. CMAG uses Onvio as its primary “digital front desk,” so most document requests and file deliveries will flow through this system.


If you ever get stuck using the Onvio Client Center, the easiest place to start is the built‑in Onvio Help Center. From the CMAG website or your portal login screen, look for the Onvio Client Center area; there you will see links that clearly separate people who already have an account from those who still need one. The same section also points you to the Onvio Help Center and a short video titled something like “Register and use your client portal,” which walks through the basics visually.


Think of the Help Center as your searchable library for everything related to the portal. Once you click into it, you can browse topics, watch the registration video, and read quick articles that answer common questions about logging in, uploading documents, or resolving technical issues. If you hit a snag at any point—whether during sign‑in or while trying to complete a task—returning to this Help Center page is a simple, self‑service way to get back on track without waiting for a call or email response.

Tips for Using the Onvio Guides Effectively


To get the most out of the how‑tos:


  • Open the how‑to in one browser tab and your Onvio portal in another, then follow along step by step.
  • Pause on each screenshot and make sure your screen matches what you see in the guide before moving forward.
  • If something looks different on your device (for example, on mobile), look for the same button labels and icons even if the layout has shifted.


When to Use the Portal vs. Calling the Office


The portal is ideal for routine, document‑related tasks like uploading tax documents and downloading completed returns. For questions that require personalized advice or time‑sensitive clarifications, you can still call Cotton Mather Accounting Group during business hours.


Staying Organized Each Tax Season


Using Onvio consistently throughout the year reduces last‑minute tax season stress. As you receive important forms or notices, upload them promptly to your portal so your accounting team has everything needed to work efficiently on your behalf.

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IRS Get Ready 2026: New Tax Deductions, SALT Cap Increase, and Paper Check Phaseout

January 20, 2026
The 2026 filing season (Tax Year 2025) marks a historic turning point for American taxpayers. Defined by the proposed "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB), the current landscape introduces major changes that move beyond standard deductions to provide targeted relief for homeowners, workers, and families. If you are an individual or a small business owner, here is what you need to know to stay ahead. 1. The End of the $10,000 SALT Ceiling For years, the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction was capped at $10,000, forcing many middle-class families to take the standard deduction. The new OBBB proposal quadruples this cap to $40,000 . The Strategy: For residents in high-tax districts, the math has changed. It is time to re-evaluate whether itemizing your property and income taxes will yield a higher return than the standard deduction ($31,500 for joint filers). 2. The "Drive American" Interest Deduction In a boost for domestic manufacturing, a new "above-the-line" deduction allows you to deduct up to $10,000 in interest on a loan for a new, personal-use vehicle. The Catch: To qualify, the vehicle must be assembled in the U.S. (verified by a VIN starting with 1, 4, or 5) and weigh under 14,000 lbs. This benefit is available even to those who do not itemize, making it a powerful tool for new car buyers. 3. Relief for the Service and Industrial Workforce Through the new Schedule 1-A, specific income streams are seeing unprecedented relief: Tax-Free Tips: Qualified professionals may exclude up to $25,000 in tips from their gross income. Overtime Protection: Up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) of the "half-time" premium for qualified overtime is now deductible. These benefits begin to phase out at $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 for joint filers), so timing and income tracking are critical. 4. Legacy Wealth: The "Trump Account" For families who welcomed a child in 2025, a new pilot program offers a $1,000 government seed contribution . These tax-deferred accounts are designed to grow until the child reaches age 18, with annual funding limits up to $5,000. Enrollment is made via the new IRS Form 4547. 5. The Fully Digital IRS Under Executive Order 14247, the IRS is officially transitioning away from paper checks. All refunds are now mandated to be electronic. Whether you prefer direct deposit or a digital wallet, ensuring your IRS Online Account is verified and updated is no longer optional—it is a requirement for a timely refund. Looking Ahead While these provisions offer significant opportunities for wealth preservation, they are technically complex. Eligibility often hinges on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) thresholds and specific documentation requirements (like VINs and FLSA-qualified pay stubs). As these legislative drafts move toward finalization, we recommend a personalized consultation to ensure your 2026 filing strategy is both compliant and optimized. _________________________________________ Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change. The specific application of these provisions depends on the individual facts and circumstances of each taxpayer. We strongly recommend a personalized consultation with a Qualified Tax Professional (CPA or Enrolled Agent) before making any financial decisions.
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Some Tax Basics for Setting Up a New Business

September 26, 2024
Don’t let the process of starting a new business deter you from your future success! While it may seem overwhelming, the IRS has provided a number of great resources to help brand-new business owners understand their tax responsibilities. Below are some tax basics for setting up a new business: Choose a business structure The type/form of a business determines which income tax return a business will need to file. The most common business structures are: Sole proprietorship : An unincorporated business owned by an individual. There’s no distinction between the taxpayer and their business. Partnership : An unincorporated business with ownership shared between two or more members. Corporation : Also known as a C corporation. It’s a separate entity owned by shareholders. S Corporation : A corporation that elects to pass corporate income, losses, deductions and credits through to the shareholders. Limited Liability Company : A business structure allowed by state statute. If a single-member LLC does not elect to be treated as a corporation, the LLC is a “disregarded entity,” and the LLC’s activities should be reflected on its owner’s federal tax return as a sole proprietorship. Choose a tax year A tax year is an annual accounting period for keeping records and reporting income and expenses. A new business owner must choose either: Calendar year : 12 consecutive months beginning January 1 and ending December 31. Fiscal year : 12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December. If an individual files their first tax return using the calendar tax year and later begins business as a sole proprietor, becomes a partner in a partnership, or becomes a shareholder in an S corporation, they must continue to use a calendar tax year unless they get IRS approval to change it. Apply for an Employer Identification Number An EIN is also called a Federal Tax Identification Number and it is used to identify a business, much like a person’s social security number. Most businesses need one of these numbers, but some don’t. For example, a sole proprietor without employees who doesn’t file any excise or pension plan tax returns doesn’t need an EIN. The EIN checklist on IRS.gov can help business owners know if they need an EIN. Make sure all employees complete these forms when hired: I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate Pay yearly business taxes The form of business you chose above determines what taxes should be paid and how to pay them. Check with your business accountant to find out what tax liabilities you are responsible for. Visit the state’s website Prospective business owners should also visit their state’s website for info about state tax requirements, as those may be different than federal tax obligations. Talk to a tax professional Before you fill out any paperwork or online forms to set up a new business, speak with a tax professional to make sure your forms are filled out correctly! Give us a call at 412-931-1617 or shoot us an email at info@cottonmather.com.