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henfrydls

actual-budget-mcp

create_account

Create a new budget account (on-budget or off-budget) and receive the account ID to start adding transactions immediately.

Instructions

Create a new budget account (on-budget or off-budget). Returns the new account ID so transactions can target it right away.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
nameYesAccount name
offBudgetNoWhether the account is off-budget (tracked but outside the budget, e.g. a loan or investment). Defaults to false.
initialBalanceNoOpening balance in human amounts (e.g. 1500.50, not cents). Creates the "Starting Balance" transaction.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Addedv0.7.1

TDQS

A4.3/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The readOnlyHint=false annotation already signals mutation, and the description adds meaningful behavior beyond that: it explains that a new account is created and that the response returns the new account ID. This is useful because there is no output schema. It does not over-explain obvious or schema-covered details.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is two concise sentences with no filler. The core action is front-loaded, and the return-value note earns its place by explaining the practical follow-up use case.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple creation tool with three well-documented parameters and no output schema, this description is complete. It states what is created, notes the account type options, and describes the return value. No important calling context is missing.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already thoroughly documents name, offBudget, and initialBalance. The tool description does not repeat parameter details, which is appropriate; it does not need to compensate for any schema gaps.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description uses a specific verb and resource ('Create a new budget account') and clarifies the on-budget/off-budget distinction. This clearly separates it from sibling tools like create_category_group or create_transaction.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives clear context: use this when creating a budget account, and it even notes that the returned account ID can immediately be used by transactions. It does not explicitly mention alternatives, but the intended use case is obvious and not misleading.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.