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S
sconsltd
September 16, 2025
Question

Date format issue while using excel template to import chart of accounts

  • September 16, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views

I am trying to import chart of accounts in QBO using excel spread sheet. In fact I am using the sample spread sheet provided in QB help and just overriding it with my data. Although I have kept the date format as YYYY-MM-DD related to the opening balance however when I upload it automatically changes to MM/DD/YY and then throws an error that the date must be in the format YYYY-MM-DD. Does anyone else had similar problem and was able to find a solution. On a related note, the article on QB help for the "Import your chart of accounts to QBO" is as confusing as it could be. In step 4, it expects to complete import chart of accounts and then it expects you to manually enter opening balances in step 5. This is not feasible if you are importing hundreds of accounts. It also contradicts the fact when the sample spread sheets provides fields for opening balance and the related date.

    1 reply

    A
    ArielIQuickBooks Team
    QuickBooks Team
    September 16, 2025

    I appreciate you sharing this in the Community forum, @sconsltd. To successfully import your chart of accounts with opening balances into QuickBooks Online, make sure your Excel file includes an opening balance column and that the dates are precisely formatted as YYYY-MM-DD to avoid import errors.

     

    1. In your Excel file, right-click on the column where you want to add the opening balance, select Insert column to the left, and name this column Opening Balance.
    2. Next, right-click on the created column, choose Format Format, then click the More Format tab. Enter the date format as yyyy-mm-dd.
    3. Click OK.

     

    Regarding your concern about step 4, the process outlined suggests that after completing the import of the chart of accounts, you will need to manually enter the opening balances within QuickBooks Online. However, if you have already included the opening balance amounts along with the corresponding dates directly in your Excel spreadsheet before importing, there is actually no need to enter those balances manually afterward. The system should recognize and import the opening balances from your properly formatted Excel file, making the additional manual entry unnecessary and saving you significant time, especially if you are working with a large number of accounts.

     

    Remember, setting up your accounting system correctly from the start is crucial for accurate reporting and smooth day-to-day operations. I’m here to provide whatever support you need. Please reach out anytime if you have questions or need further guidance. Take care!

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