Overview
Truss Prep integrates with GruntWorx to:
Download a Lacerte pro forma
Send documents for OCR and data extraction
Return an Excel file that populates data directly into Lacerte
This workflow reduces manual data entry while maintaining reviewer control.
Account Setup Requirements
Firm Requirements
The same tax software must be selected in Truss Org Settings and used for prep
GruntWorx Agent installed on at least one Windows machine with:
Lacerte installed
Microsoft Excel installed
GruntWorx works with one tax prep software at a time
If your firm uses multiple prep platforms, you must uninstall and reinstall the agent when switching
Entity Requirements (Critical)
Each Truss entity must have:
A Client ID that exactly matches the Lacerte Client Number
Case-sensitive matching if letters are used
A linked taxpayer with name and SSN matching Lacerte
⚠️ If the entity is not linked correctly:
Download Pro Forma will fail
An alert will appear in Truss
High Level Workflow
High Level Workflow
Link Truss project to the correct entity (with Lacerte Client ID)
Download the Lacerte Pro Forma from Truss
Send Pro Forma + documents to Truss Prep (OCR)
GruntWorx processes the files and returns an Excel output
Download and unblock the Excel file
Run Populate to push data into Lacerte
Validate populated data in Lacerte
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Truss Project
Open the project in Truss
Confirm it is linked to an entity with:
Client ID matching what appears in Lacerte
This is case sensitive
Matching taxpayer identifiers
Step 2: Download Pro Forma
Click Download Pro Forma (gear icon or Truss Prep panel)
2. Save the file locally (defaults to Client ID as filename)
3. Open the Pro Forma file
Step 3: Submit to Truss Prep (OCR)
In the project, select Send to Truss Prep
Choose OCR
Confirm:
Pro Forma file is attached
Supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, scans) are included
Submit
Behind the scenes:
Truss sends files to GruntWorx
GruntWorx OCRs and prepares an Excel output for Lacerte
Step 4: Monitor Status
View status in the Truss Prep Requests panel:
Ready status indicates the file is ready for download
⚠️ If a job remains stuck in Processing, contact support.
Step 5: Download Processed Output
Once complete:
In the Truss Prep Requests dashboard click Download
Right click and extract the ZIP file
Save the file locally or save to the Populate folder created by the Agent: Local Disk (C:) > Users > (username) > Documents > GruntWorx > populate.
You will receive:
Bookmarked PDF (workpapers)
manifest.jsonPointsheet Excel file
Step 6: Windows & Excel Security (Required)
The Excel file contains macros and must be unblocked.
Unblock in Windows
Right-click the Excel file
Select Properties
Check Unblock
Click Apply → OK
Enable in Excel
Open the file
Click Enable Editing
Click Enable Content
Step 7: Review & Populate Data
Review the diagnostics/summary tab in Excel
Resolve any fields marked with X
Any field with an 'X' will not populate into the tax return
Ensure:
Lacerte is open
Correct client is selected
Click Populate
GruntWorx will write data into the Lacerte tax return for that client ID.
Verify populated data in Lacerte (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
In Lacerte, open relevant input screens to confirm data has been populated
✅ Congratulations on using Truss Prep OCR!