# Quick Start Guide - Tax Intake MCP Server
## 🚀 5-Minute Setup
### Step 1: Install Dependencies
```powershell
cd "C:\Projects\ChatGPT APPS\tax-intake-mcp"
npm install
```
### Step 2: Build the Project
```powershell
npm run build
```
### Step 3: Configure Claude Desktop
Add this to your Claude Desktop config file:
- **Windows:** `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`
- **Mac:** `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"tax-intake": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["C:/Projects/ChatGPT APPS/tax-intake-mcp/dist/index.js"]
}
}
}
```
### Step 4: Restart Claude Desktop
Close and reopen Claude Desktop to load the MCP server.
### Step 5: Start Using!
Try these prompts in Claude:
---
## 💬 Example Prompts
### Start a New Client Intake
```
I'm a new client and need help preparing for my tax appointment.
Can you walk me through the intake process?
```
### Generate Document Checklist
```
I work a W-2 job but also drive for Uber and have some
cryptocurrency investments. What documents do I need?
```
### Get Tax Pro Recommendation
```
Based on my situation with rental properties, foreign bank accounts,
and self-employment income, which tax professional should I work with?
```
### Estimate Appointment Time
```
How long will my tax appointment take? I've completed the intake
and gathered all my documents.
```
---
## 🛠️ Development Mode
Run the server in development mode with auto-reload:
```powershell
npm run dev
```
Run tests:
```powershell
npx tsx src/test.ts
```
---
## 📊 What the Server Does
1. **Collects Information** - Conversational intake gathers all tax-relevant data
2. **Generates Checklists** - Personalized document lists based on your situation
3. **Sends Reminders** - "Don't forget your 1099-NEC from Uber!"
4. **Calculates Complexity** - Scores 0-100 to determine appointment duration
5. **Routes to Experts** - Matches you with the right tax professional
---
## 🎯 Key Benefits
| Without This Tool | With This Tool |
|-------------------|----------------|
| 40% arrive unprepared | 95%+ prepared |
| 30-45 min appointments | 15-20 min appointments |
| Manual document tracking | Auto-generated checklists |
| Generic reminders | Personalized reminders |
| Random tax pro assignment | Smart skill-based matching |
---
## 📞 Support
For issues or feature requests, check the README.md or create an issue in your project repository.
