Building a client onboarding process from scratch — figuring out which documents to collect, in what order, and for which industry — is a waste of time when templates already exist. A good onboarding checklist template gives you a ready-made list of every document you need, so you can focus on the work instead of building the process.
This page collects client onboarding checklist templates for seven industries. Each template covers the exact documents, forms, and credentials to collect during intake — from engagement letters to compliance requirements. Use them as-is or adapt them to your practice.
How to Use These Templates
- Pick your industry and service type — Each template is organized by industry (accounting, legal, real estate, etc.) and broken down by sub-type (tax preparation vs. bookkeeping, personal injury vs. family law).
- Review and customize — Remove items that don't apply to your practice. Add firm-specific requirements (your engagement letter format, your preferred ID verification process).
- Send to your client — Share the checklist with new clients at the start of the relationship so they know exactly what to provide.
For an interactive version with progress tracking, use our free online checklist tool — select your industry, check off items as you receive them, and pick up where you left off.
Accounting & Tax Onboarding Checklist
Accounting firms handle some of the heaviest document requirements in professional services. Tax engagements need prior returns, authorization forms, and identification numbers. Bookkeeping engagements add ongoing system access — bank feeds, accounting software credentials, and payment processor logins.
Available templates
- Tax Preparation (Individual) — Engagement letter, prior returns, W-2s/1099s, Form 8879, bank statements, SSN/EIN verification
- Monthly Bookkeeping — Engagement letter, chart of accounts, trial balance, bank/credit card access, QuickBooks credentials, payroll data
- Audit — Engagement letter, PBC list, financial statements, supporting schedules, management representation letter
Detailed guide: Bookkeeping Client Onboarding Checklist | Accounting Client Onboarding Guide
Legal Client Intake Checklist
Law firms must verify identity, check conflicts, and document the scope of representation — often under strict bar association rules. The required documents vary significantly by practice area.
Available templates
- Personal Injury — Retainer agreement, medical authorizations, insurance policy, police/accident reports, medical records, lost wage documentation
- Family Law — Retainer agreement, financial disclosures, custody documents, prenuptial agreements, property records
- Immigration — Retainer agreement, passport copies, visa history, employment verification, I-94 records, prior petitions
- Corporate/Business Formation — Engagement letter, entity formation docs, ownership structure, BOI filing information, governance documents
- Real Estate Closing — Purchase agreement, title commitment, deed, mortgage documents, settlement statement, insurance binders
Detailed guides: Law Firm Client Intake Form (50+ Questions) | Corporate Law Intake Checklist | Real Estate Closing Checklist
Real Estate Onboarding Checklist
Real estate transactions involve multiple parties — buyers, sellers, lenders, and title companies — each with their own document requirements.
Available templates
- Buyer Onboarding — Pre-approval letter, proof of funds, government ID, buyer's agency agreement, insurance binder
- Seller Onboarding — Property deed, mortgage payoff statement, seller's disclosure, lead paint disclosure, tax certificates
- Tenant Screening — Application, credit/background check consent, income verification, references, government ID
- Property Management — Management agreement, proof of ownership, existing leases, rent roll, insurance certificates, vendor contracts
Detailed guides: Buyer Questionnaire Template | Property Management Onboarding Checklist
Financial Services & KYC Checklist
Financial advisors face the strictest onboarding requirements due to KYC, AML, and fiduciary regulations. Missing a compliance document is a regulatory violation — not just an inconvenience.
Available templates
- Individual Client Onboarding — Government ID (2 forms), SSN, proof of address, risk tolerance questionnaire, IPS, beneficiary designations, ACAT transfer form
- Business/Entity Account — All individual requirements plus Articles of Incorporation, beneficial ownership declaration, corporate resolution, EIN
Detailed guide: Financial Advisor Client Onboarding Checklist | KYC Checklist
Insurance Client Intake Checklist
Insurance agents need enough information to quote accurately and bind coverage. Incomplete applications lead to coverage gaps and E&O exposure.
Available templates
- Personal Lines (Home/Auto) — Property details, photos, driver information, current dec pages, loss runs, mortgage info
- Commercial Lines — ACORD applications, revenue/payroll data, property schedule, vehicle list, loss runs, financial statements
Detailed guide: Insurance Client Intake Checklist
Interior Design Client Intake Checklist
Available templates
- Residential — Design agreement, floor plans, room photos, budget, style inspiration, contractor contacts, timeline
- Commercial — Design agreement, CAD files, building specs, lease agreement, ADA requirements, brand guidelines, landlord approvals
Detailed guides: Interior Design Questionnaire (50+ Questions) | Commercial Interior Design Intake Checklist
HR & Employee Onboarding Checklist
Available templates
- New Employee — I-9, W-4, state tax forms, direct deposit, benefits enrollment, handbook acknowledgment, emergency contacts, equipment acknowledgment
- Independent Contractor — W-9, contractor agreement (with IP assignment), COI, classification documentation, NDA
Detailed guides: New Employee Onboarding Checklist | Contractor Onboarding Checklist
Tips for Getting the Most from These Templates
Don't send a 30-item list when 15 items apply
Templates are starting points. Remove items that don't apply to the specific client or engagement type. A tax preparation client doesn't need bookkeeping access credentials. A buyer doesn't need seller disclosure forms.
Add your firm's specific requirements
These templates cover industry-standard documents. Add your engagement letter format, your preferred payment authorization form, and any firm-specific compliance requirements.
Use a collection tool, not just a checklist
A checklist tells you what to collect. A document collection tool actually collects it — giving clients a secure upload link, tracking received documents, and sending automated reminders. The checklist is the plan; the tool is the execution.
If you want clients to work through the checklist in order instead of dumping everything at once, you can turn it into a step-by-step guided upload flow. Break the request into task steps, show a progress sidebar as clients complete each one, and collect a sign-off at the end so nobody skips a required item.
Interactive Checklist Tool
All 7 industries, 15+ sub-types — interactive, with progress tracking and compliance notes.
Use the Free Checklist Tool →Frequently Asked Questions
Are these checklist templates free to use?
Yes. All templates on this page are free to use and customize for your practice. For an interactive version with progress tracking, use our free online checklist tool.
Can I customize these templates for my firm?
Absolutely. These templates cover industry-standard documents — add your firm's engagement letter, payment authorization, and any specific compliance requirements. Remove items that don't apply to your practice area.
What's the difference between the templates and the interactive tool?
The templates on this page give you a reference list of documents by industry. The interactive tool lets you select your industry and sub-type, check off items as you receive them, track your progress with a percentage bar, and print the checklist. Your progress is saved automatically.
Which industries are covered?
We cover seven industries: Accounting & Tax, Legal, Real Estate, Financial Services, Insurance, Interior Design, and HR/Employee Onboarding. Each industry includes multiple sub-types (e.g., tax preparation vs. bookkeeping, personal injury vs. family law) with tailored document lists.
How do I actually collect these documents from clients?
The checklist tells you what to collect. To collect efficiently, use a dedicated document collection platform like File Request Pro — it gives each client a branded upload page, tracks which documents have been received, and sends automatic reminders for missing items. Read our guide on how to collect documents from clients for the full framework.
