How to Import Chart of Accounts into QuickBooks Desktop?

August 26, 2025

Import Chart of Accounts into QuickBooks Desktop

Import Chart Of Accounts from Supported File Formats directly into QuickBooks Desktop using SaasAnt Transactions (Desktop) - #1 user-rated and Intuit-trusted bulk data automation tool built exclusively for QuickBooks.

SaasAnt Transactions (Desktop) supports QuickBooks Pro, Premier, Enterprise, and Accountant Editions.

You can download the free trial of the software directly from the SaasAnt Website. Follow this article for detailed installation instructions.

Steps to Import Chart of Accounts into QuickBooks

Steps to Import into QuickBooks Desktop Using Saasant Transactions

This guide outlines the complete process of importing data into QuickBooks Desktop, from downloading the application to reviewing the final results.

Step 1: Download, Install, and Connect Saasant

Before you can import, you need to set up the Saasant Transactions application.

  • Download: Go to the Saasant.com website and download the Saasant Transactions Desktop application.

SaasAnt Desktop Download - SaasAnt Website.png

  • Install: Run the installer and complete the installation on your computer.

  • Connect: Open the Saasant application and connect it to your QuickBooks Desktop company file by following the on-screen instructions. This will authorize Saasant to access and import data into your file.

Connect SaasAnt Desktop with QuickBooks Desktop.png

Step 2: Start the Import Process

From the Saasant home screen, you have two options to begin:

  • Click the Import button.

  • Go to the File menu and select Import.

Start Import SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

Step 3: Select Your Transaction Type and File

On the first screen, you will need to define what you are importing.

  • Choose Transaction/List Type: Use the dropdown menu to select the type of data you want to import here “Chart of Accounts”

  • Download a Sample Template (Optional): You can download a sample CSV/spreadsheet file. This template shows you the correct column structure and formatting for a successful import.

  • Select Your File: Click Browse File to locate and select the CSV or spreadsheet file you want to import from your computer.

Browse Chart of accounts - SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

Step 4: Map Your File to QuickBooks Fields

This is a critical step where you tell Saasant how the columns in your file correspond to the fields in QuickBooks.

  • Automatic Mapping: Saasant will automatically map columns from your file if their headers match the QuickBooks field names.

  • Manual Mapping: If your column names are different, you can manually select the correct QuickBooks field from the dropdown list for each of your columns.

  • Customization Options: Use advanced options to manipulate your data during the import:

    • Set value if empty: Fill in a default value if a cell in your file is blank.

    • Merge: Combine data from multiple columns into a single QuickBooks field.

    • Override: Replace existing data with new information.

  • View Mandatory Fields: Click the Show Important Fields button to see which fields are required by QuickBooks for the transaction type you are importing.

  • Save Your Mapping: You can save your mapping configuration. This creates an efficient workflow for future imports, as you won't have to map the same file format again.

Mapping Chart of Accounts - SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

Step 5: Review, Edit, and Configure Settings

The final screen, "Review and Import," gives you a last chance to check and modify your data before it goes into QuickBooks.

  • Review Your Data: Your data is displayed in a spreadsheet-like grid. You can review all entries for accuracy.

Review Chart of Accounts - SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

  • Make Final Edits: The fields in the grid are editable, allowing you to make last-minute corrections directly within Saasant.

  • Filter Data: If you have a large file, use the filter options to find and review specific lines or make bulk changes.

  • Selective Import: Use the checkboxes next to each row to select or deselect specific lines you want to import or skip.

  • Configure Import Settings: Click Import Settings to access powerful automation features:

    • Assign transaction numbers (e.g., Invoice No, Check No) from your file.

    • Specify the date format used in your file.

    • Set rules for finding and handling matching transactions already in QuickBooks.

    • Automatically create new Customers, Vendors, Products/Services, or Accounts if they don't already exist.

Import Setting - SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

Step 6: Send to QuickBooks and Monitor Results

Once you are satisfied with the review and settings:

  1. Click the Send to QuickBooks button to start the validation and import process.

Send Chart of Accounts QuickBooks - SaasAnt Transactions Desktop.png

  1. If you need to start over, click Select file again.

  2. After the import, a results screen will appear, clearly showing which lines were successful and which failed with errors.

Step 7: Handle Errors and Finalize

The import results screen provides tools for troubleshooting and finalizing the process.

  • Fix Errors: For each failed line, an error message will explain the problem (e.g., "No account found in the specified name").

    • Click the Fix button next to the error to correct the data in the table directly.

    • After making corrections, you can attempt to re-import only the failed lines.

  • Undo Import: If there are major issues with the entire import, click the Undo button. This will safely delete all records created in QuickBooks during this specific import session.

  • View Logs: You can access detailed Warning and Error Logs for further analysis.

Mapping QuickBooks Fields

Field Name

Format

Description

Name*

Text (Max Length: 31 Characters)

Name of the Account.

Sub Accounts can be given as "ParentAccount: SubAccount."

Account Type*

Reference Text (Max Length: 11 Characters)

Name of the Account Type. E.g., Income, Expense.

Account Number

Text (Max Length: 7 Characters)

GL Account Number.

Bank Account Number

Text (Max Length: 25 Characters)

Bank Account Number.

Description

Text (Max Length: 200 Characters)

Free form text description of the Account.

Opening Balance

Decimal

The Opening Balance Amount.

Opening Balance Date

Date

Opening Balance Date

Currency Code

Text  (Max Length: 64 Characters)

Currency Code Ex: USD, CAD

 

All (*) marked fields are mandatory. 

Import Settings

A host of powerful customizations for your file data is available with Import Settings. This is available in the  Step 3: Review & Import screen or under the "Edit" Menu in the Menubar. Some of the very useful settings for lists include:

  • Action When a Matched List Found: If an existing list entity is found with the given name, then the corresponding action is to be taken. You can choose to Show Warning/ Update existing transactions in your QuickBooks.

  • Pre-Import Validation: Validate the complete file before importing to QuickBooks. By turning this setting ON, file rows will be imported only after cleaning up all the issues in the file. This option, however, will delay the import.

More details about the settings related to managing list import are available in this article.

FAQ's

Most of us would have questions while moving data to your QuickBooks Online. Some of them for your reference below:

Will your application support Multi Line Transactions?

 Yes. It will.

I made some mistakes in the Import, and my QuickBooks reports got corrupted. Is there any way to undo or revert my Import?

It is possible to undo the import completely/ partially with the Delete feature.

Does your app support taxes?

Yes. It does.

My file has some specific date format. I don't want to change the file. Will your product support all date formats?

Yes. You can select the specific date format in the import settings per your requirement.

Do you have any sample templates?

Yes. We do have. Sample Template

What file types does SaasAnt Transactions Desktop support for importing into QuickBooks Desktop?

SaasAnt Transactions Desktop supports XLS, XLSX, XLSM, CSV, TXT, and IIF.

How do I report the issues if I am stuck?
Feel free to drop an email to
support@saasant.com 

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