When clients log into your tax portal, the first thing they notice is the URL. Does it feel like part of your brand—or just another third-party tool?
This is where domain mapping comes in. With a few quick DNS updates, you can connect your own domain (e.g., portal.yourfirm.ca) to your CloudTax portal. Instead of sending clients to a generic link, you deliver a seamless branded experience from start to finish.
Why Domain Mapping Matters
Professional Branding – Your portal looks and feels like an extension of your own firm.
Client Trust – Customers are far more comfortable logging into a familiar domain name.
Consistency – Whether it’s your website, email, or portal, everything is aligned under your brand.
Scalability – Once mapped, you don’t need to resend confusing links—just use your custom URL year after year.
How Domain Mapping Works
Domain mapping is the process of pointing a subdomain (like portal.yourfirm.ca) to CloudTax’s secure servers. This is done by adding a CNAME record in your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Google Domains, Namecheap, etc.).
Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
You choose a subdomain (e.g.,
portal.yourfirm.caorapp.yourfirm.ca).In your DNS settings, you create a CNAME record.
That record points to CloudTax’s portal host (
_portal_.cpahub.ca).Once connected, your clients log in through a URL that matches your brand.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Domain Mapping
Enter your custom domain inside CloudTax first
Log into your EFILE account → Admin Settings → Custom Domain → type in your chosen subdomain (e.g.,portal.yourfirm.caorapp.yourfirm.ca).Log into your DNS provider
This could be GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Google Domains, or wherever you manage your domain.Add a CNAME record
If your custom domain will look like portal.yourfirm.ca, then:
Host (Name):
portalValue (Points To):
_portal_.cpahub.ca
If your custom domain will look like app.yourfirm.ca, then:
Host (Name):
appValue (Points To):
_portal_.cpahub.ca
TTL: 600 (10 minutes) or default
If for some reason this doesn’t work with your DNS provider, use the alternate target:
portal-44df2c67d77f.cpahub.ca
Key tip: The Host field should always match the prefix you want your clients to use (either
portalorapp).Wait for DNS propagation
This may take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours depending on your domain provider.Check for the green “Connected” status
Once everything is set correctly, your EFILE account will show your domain as Connected.Always test your URL
Open a browser and go to your custom link (e.g.,portal.yourfirm.ca). Confirm that it loads your CloudTax login page.
Common Issues and Fixes
Host name mismatch – If you’re setting up portal.yourfirm.ca but entered
appas the host (or vice versa), your domain won’t connect.Example:
For portal.yourfirm.ca, Host =
portalFor app.yourfirm.ca, Host =
app
Periods in names – Some DNS providers don’t allow dots in the Host field. Always stick to a single word like
portalorapp.Still Pending – If your record looks correct but status is “pending,” double-check:
You entered the custom domain in your EFILE settings first.
The CNAME record points to
portal.cpahub.ca.TTL is set reasonably (600 seconds works well).
DNS delays – Keep in mind that DNS propagation can take a few hours depending on the server. If it doesn’t work right away, test again later.
Going the Extra Mile
Once your portal is mapped, don’t stop there:
Upload your logo (600x300 px max, JPG/PNG/SVG) for a polished login page.
Set up branded email using SendGrid so clients receive messages from your domain (e.g.,
[email protected]).Test with clients by sending them the new link and confirming the login flow works smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Domain mapping is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to take ownership of your CloudTax portal. With just a CNAME record and a few minutes of setup, you’ll have a fully branded client experience that inspires trust and professionalism.
If you’d like to upgrade your account to enable domain mapping, reach out to our team at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to assist. :)