How to import Chart of Accounts in new QuickBooks Online?


Here are the steps needed to import the Chart of Accounts:

  1. From the gear icon go to Import Data and choose Chart of Accounts.
  2. Read the checklist before importing and make sure your file fits the requirements for import (must be a .csv or Excel file format and must have Account Type and Name fields).
  3. I recommend downloading this sample Excel spreadsheet and using it as a format:
  4. Click Choose File to find your file.
  5. Click Open.
  6. Click Continue.
  7. Click the drop-down menus next to the field descriptions to choose which field to import. If you don’t use a field, choose I don’t have this.
  8. When you’re ready, click Continue.
  9. If you’re missing critical fields, we’ll tell you by showing you an icon with an exclamation point and an instruction (such as Choose typeChoose detail type, or both).
  10. When you’re done, click Import [number] Records.

Important information to note:

  • The Type and Detail Type should match the types in QBO.  If not, you’ll get an error message in red and will need to change each line item manually.
  • Right now you can’t add new types or detail types; these are hard-coded into the system.  Please select the best fit for each account.  Here’s a link to a spreadsheet that has all the detail types listed: Detail Types:
  • The import limit is 2 MB or 1000 rows.
  • The colon character isn’t allowed, so parent:sub-account relationships will have to be imported as parents first, then adjusted to become subs on the chart of accounts after the import is completed.
  • See the Learn more link inside QuickBooks Online for exact limits on name lengths and other restrictions.
  • The import is ADDITIVE. That means that it will add accounts to the already-existing Chart of Accounts but won’t subtract the standard ones that came with QuickBooks Online.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You can’t undo this import.

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