> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pluvel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick start checklist

> Get up and running with Pluvel in 10 minutes.

This checklist covers the essential setup steps. Complete these and you'll have a working Pluvel account with real data flowing in.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create your account" icon="check">
    Sign up at [pluvel.com](https://pluvel.com) and verify your email.

    **Time:** 2 minutes

    [Detailed guide →](/guides/getting-started/create-account)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your company">
    Either form a new company (we handle state filing and EIN) or connect an existing business.

    **Time:** 5 minutes for existing business, 10 minutes for new formation

    [Detailed guide →](/guides/getting-started/setup-company)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect your bank">
    Link your business bank accounts through Plaid. Transactions sync automatically.

    **Time:** 3 minutes

    [Detailed guide →](/guides/money/connect-bank)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review your chart of accounts">
    Pluvel sets up a standard chart of accounts. Review it and make any adjustments for your business.

    **Time:** 5 minutes

    [Detailed guide →](/features/accounting/chart-of-accounts)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your first customer">
    Create a customer record so you can send invoices.

    **Time:** 2 minutes

    [Detailed guide →](/features/invoicing/customers)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## After the basics

Once you've completed the checklist above, here's what to tackle next based on your needs:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="I need to invoice clients">
    1. [Create an invoice](/guides/money/create-invoices)
    2. [Set up payment methods](/features/invoicing/payments) (optional — let clients pay by card)
    3. [Configure recurring invoices](/features/invoicing/recurring) for retainer clients
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="I need to run payroll">
    1. [Add employees](/guides/payroll/add-employee)
    2. [Configure tax withholding](/features/payroll/payroll-taxes)
    3. [Set up direct deposit](/features/payroll/direct-deposit)
    4. [Run your first payroll](/guides/payroll/run-payroll)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="I need to track expenses">
    1. [Categorize your transactions](/guides/money/categorize-transactions)
    2. [Create bank rules](/features/accounting/bank-rules) for recurring expenses
    3. [Add vendors](/features/bills/vendors) for regular suppliers
    4. [Upload receipts](/features/bills/receipts) for documentation
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="I'm a new business">
    1. [Get your EIN](/guides/formation/get-ein) (if you didn't during formation)
    2. [File your BOI report](/guides/formation/boi-report) (required within 90 days)
    3. [Set up your registered agent](/features/registered-agent/how-it-works) mail forwarding
    4. [Review compliance calendar](/features/compliance/calendar) for upcoming deadlines
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Common questions at this stage

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How long until my transactions appear?">
    Initial bank sync takes 1-4 hours depending on your bank. After that, new transactions typically appear within a few hours. Some banks are faster than others.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I have existing data in another system?">
    We can import from QuickBooks, Xero, and Wave. Go to **Settings → Integrations** to connect and import. For other systems, you can import transactions via CSV.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I undo formation if I change my mind?">
    Once we've filed with the state, formation can't be undone. But you can dissolve the company later if needed. Before filing, you can cancel at any point.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need to enter historical transactions?">
    Not necessarily. You can start fresh from today. If you want historical data for reporting, you can:

    * Import from another accounting system
    * Upload bank statements as CSV
    * Enter opening balances as of a specific date
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Getting help

Stuck on something?

* **Search these docs** — Use ⌘K (or Ctrl+K) to search
* **Email support** — [support@pluvel.com](mailto:support@pluvel.com) — we typically respond within a few hours
* **In-app chat** — Click the help icon in the bottom right of your dashboard