> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/administration/settings/configure-custom-task-timing.md).

# Configure Custom Task timing

Custom Task settings control when Essential creates internal recurring-service tasks. They are independent from the customer-facing Automated Outreach sequence.

> **Where to find it:** Settings -> Automations -> Custom Tasks tab

1. Use the **Active / Paused** switch to resume or freeze Custom Task creation without changing the schedule.
2. Set **Days before due** to choose the lead time from each recurring service's due date.
3. Choose **Relative to due date** to use that lead time directly. Turn on the weekday option to count the lead time in business days and skip weekends.
4. Choose **Fixed day of month** to snap the calculated task date to the nearest occurrence of a selected calendar day. Turn on the weekday option to move a fixed date that lands on a weekend to the next weekday.
5. Under **Folder terminology**, set the name used for this recurring-service folder in the Tasks sidebar and Task Statuses settings.
6. Click **Save changes**. Recalculating existing recurring services may take a few minutes.

Automated Outreach and Custom Tasks have separate Active / Paused switches. Pausing one does not pause the other.

While a new business's setup review is pending, Custom Tasks stay paused. Users with **Edit Automations**, including the default **Back Office Admin** role, can turn the switch on and click **Save changes** to complete the review for Custom Tasks and activate task creation. Activating Custom Tasks leaves Automated Outreach unchanged.

When activating or resuming automation, wait for **Save changes** to finish. Essential recalculates the schedule before activation takes effect. If saving fails, automation stays paused and your edits remain available to retry. If someone changed the status while your page was open, reload before changing it.

## Related guides

* [Configure the automated outreach sequence](/administration/settings/configure-the-automated-outreach-sequence.md)
* [Set the confirmation email for automated outreach](/administration/settings/set-the-confirmation-email-for-automated-outreach.md)


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