Send a census.
Prepare your spreadsheet, then upload it through your Defined Benefits client portal account.
Upload through your client portal.
Create an account or sign in to the Defined Benefits client portal. Open Shared Files, then choose Share file to upload your census.
Use a CSV file or an Excel spreadsheet ending in .xlsx. Include the business name in the filename so it can be matched to your business.
After uploading, check that your file appears in Shared Files.
Do not include Social Security numbers, driver license numbers, bank or card account numbers, or medical information. Remove those details before uploading.
Only share employee information if you are an owner or officer of the business, or have their authorization to provide it for a retirement plan proposal. Read the privacy policy.
What should your census include?
A census lists everyone who works in the business, including owners. Include these facts for each person:
- Name and job title
- Date of birth and hire date
- Hours worked and wages last year
- Ownership percentage
- Whether the person is a family member of an owner
An enrolled actuary uses these details to assess contributions for the owner and employees and prepare a written estimate with its assumptions.
Add your business details.
Include a second worksheet or an accompanying file with:
- The business name, type of entity and state where it is based
- Existing retirement plans and what the business contributed to each this year
- The deduction you have in mind for this year
- Your name, email and phone number
- Your CPA’s name and email, if you want them included
If you are the business’s CPA, include your name, firm and email, identify the client business, and confirm that you are authorized to share its census.
Checked on October 15, 2026.