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Global Indirect Tax

A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Commenda
Step 1

Getting Started: Logging In

Commenda supports two ways to log in: Magic Link and Google OAuth.
Both are available from the login screen at commenda.io.

Option A: Magic Link

  1. Navigate to commenda.io in your browser.
  2. Enter your registered email address into the email field.
  3. Click “Send Magic Link”
  4. A one-time login link will be sent to your inbox.
  5. Open the email from Commenda and click the login link.
  6. You will be redirected to your dashboard.

Note: Magic links expire after a set time. If your link has expired, return to the login page and request a new one.

Option B: Google OAuth

  1. On the login page, click “Sign in with Google”
  2. Select the Google account associated with your Commenda account.
  3. If prompted, authorize access.
  4. You will be redirected to your Home dashboard.
Step 2

Navigating the Home Dashboard

After logging in, you land on the Home screen – your central hub.

What You’ll See

Entities Section
 Shows all corporations added to your account.
 Click any entity to open its detail page.

To-Do List
 Surfaces action items that need your attention:

  • Pending filings
  • Registration approvals

 

Tip: The To-Do List updates in real time. Check it regularly to stay on top of deadlines.

Step 3

Setting Up Your Corporation

Before using Global Indirect Tax, you need at least one corporation set up in Commenda.

Step 1: Add a Corporation

  1. Click “Corporations” in the left-hand navigation.
  2. Click “Add Corporation” (top-right).
  3. Enter:
    • Corporation Name (legal name of your entity)
    • Jurisdiction (country and state/province of incorporation)
    • Incorporation Date (date the entity was formed)
  4. Click “Save.”

Step 2: Complete Your Corporation Profile

Open your corporation and complete the following tabs:

Business Information

Enter:

  • Filing dates
  • Accounting method
  • Government identifiers
  • Business IDs
  • Registered locations
  • Physical exposure data

 

Key Persons

Add:

  • Directors
  • Shareholders
  • Members

 

Ownership
Enter your cap table information. Commenda plans future integrations with dedicated cap table tools like Carta.

Bank Accounts
Add the bank account where government refunds should be deposited when Commenda files returns on your behalf.

Step 4

Connecting Your Accounting Software (Rootfi)

Rootfi is Commenda’s integration layer. It connects your accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.) so customers, products, and transactions sync automatically.

Steps to Connect

  1. Click your entity.
  2. Open the Global Indirect Tax app under Apps > Transactions
  3. Click Connect Integration > Add Transactions
  4. Select your accounting platform.
  5. Log in and authorize access.

Once connected, syncing begins automatically.

Tip: After the initial sync, data updates automatically. No manual re-sync required.

Note: If you do not use accounting software, you can upload transactions manually in the Transactions module (see Section 7).

Step 5

Syncing & Managing Products

The Products module contains your synced product catalog.

Steps

  1. Click “Products” in the Global Indirect Tax sidebar.
  2. Select a product to open its detail page.
  3. Assign the correct tax classification code:
    • TPP (Tangible Personal Property)
    • SaaS
    • Digital Goods
    • Clothing
    • Food & Beverage
    • Services
  4. Click “Save.”

Important: Accurate tax classification is critical. Misclassified products may result in incorrect tax calculations.

Step 6

Managing Customers & Exemptions

Step 1: Manage Customers

  1. Click “Customers.”
  2. Select a customer or click “Add Customer.”
  3. Ensure billing/shipping address is correct.

Step 2: Add Exemptions

  1. Open the customer profile.
  2. Go to “Exemptions.”
  3. Upload the exemption certificate.
  4. Click “Save.”

Tip: Exemption certificates have expiration dates. Commenda will notify you when certificates are nearing expiry.

Step 7

Importing & Reviewing Transactions

The Transactions module is your centralized ledger.

View Transactions

  1. Click “Transactions.”
  2. Use filters to narrow by:
    • Date range
    • Jurisdiction
    • Customer
    • Status

Manual Upload (If Not Using Rootfi)

  1. Click “Upload Transactions.”
  2. Upload your CSV file.

Tip: If a transaction looks incorrect, flag it via Threads.

Step 8

Tracking Tax Exposure (Economic Nexus)

The Exposure Tracking module monitors your economic nexus in real time.

Steps

  1. Click “Exposure Tracking.”
  2. Review jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction breakdown.
  3. Identify flagged jurisdictions.
  4. Initiate registration directly from this screen if needed.

Tip: Exposure updates automatically as transactions sync.

Step 9

Registering for Tax in New Jurisdictions

Steps

  1. Click “Registrations.”
  2. Click “New Registration”
  3. Select jurisdiction.
  4. Provide requested information.
  5. Submit.

Track status:

  • Pending
  • In Progress
  • Active
Step 10

Filing Tax Returns

The Filings module manages return preparation and submission.

Filing Statuses

  • Accruing
  • Active
  • Filed
  • Overdue

Approving a Filing

  1. Click a filing.
  2. Review tax amounts and summary.
  3. Click “Approve”

Commenda files on your behalf.

Tip: Filings are prepared automatically — you only review and approve.

Important: If marked Overdue, check your To-Do List or contact your Commenda team via Threads.

Step 11

Using the Tax Calculator

Steps

  1. Click “Tax Calculator.”
  2. Select:
    • Country
    • State/Province
    • City/Zip (if applicable)
  3. Choose product or classification code.
  4. Enter sale amount.
  5. Click “Calculate.”

Tip: Use for quotes, invoice verification, or market research.

Step 12

Communicating with Your Commenda Team (Threads)

Steps

  1. Click “Threads.”
  2. Click “New Thread.”
  3. Select topic/entity.
  4. Type message and click Send.
  5. Attach files if needed.

Tip: Use Threads instead of external email to keep communication centralized.

Step 13

Managing Account Settings

Steps

  1. Click “Settings” (account-level).

Under:

Team Members – Add/remove users, set roles.
 Billing History – Review invoices.
 Active Subscriptions – View all subscriptions.

Note: Only account administrators can manage team members and billing.