The CData MCP Server for QuickBooks defines each connection to QuickBooks as a named configuration that Claude can use when sending natural language queries.

You create and manage these configurations using the MCP Configuration Tool, which automatically handles formatting, storage, and registration with Claude Desktop.

Understanding Connection Configurations

Each connection configuration is stored in a .mcp file, located in ~/AppData/Roaming/CData/QuickBooks Data Provider/, and includes the details needed to initialize the connector when Claude starts a session. For example, a connection called "MyConnection" is stored at ~/AppData/Roaming/CData/QuickBooks Data Provider/MyConnection.mcp.

The .mcp file is a text file containing a line-delimited list of connection properties, plus a timestamp. For example, MyConnection.mcp contains the following text:

#Tue May 20 15:48:40 EDT 2025
AuthScheme=Basic
User=myUser
Password=myPassword
Security Token=myToken

The configuration tool handles these settings automatically. Each saved configuration enables Claude to launch a dedicated MCP Server instance with the correct connector and options — no manual file editing required.

Connecting to QuickBooks

The server makes requests to QuickBooks through the QuickBooks Gateway. The QuickBooks Gateway runs on the same machine as QuickBooks and accepts connections through a lightweight, embedded Web server. The server supports SSL/TLS, enabling users to connect securely from remote machines. The first time you connect, you will need to authorize the server with QuickBooks. For more information, refer to our Using the QuickBooks Gateway guide.