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lindak1119
Level 7
December 11, 2018
Solved

Export/import a chart of accounts

Is it possible to export a chart of accounts from one company and import them into a new company?
    SkinnyRavenAnswer
    Level 6
    December 11, 2018
    File>export>list as IIF, select your chart of accounts, from the other company file use file>import>from IIF files, navigate to your file.
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    25 replies

    SkinnyRavenAnswer
    Level 6
    December 11, 2018
    File>export>list as IIF, select your chart of accounts, from the other company file use file>import>from IIF files, navigate to your file.
      lindak1119Author
      Level 7
      December 11, 2018
      When I am in the second company that I want to import to it won't let me open the company.  It asked where do I want to import and I can only name a new file and store it in documents, or desktop, but not in a QB company file
        RayanneB
        December 11, 2018
        Yes. The easiest way is to export the IIF file from one company and import it into another. This should be available in the Mac version.  File > Utilities > Export > Lists to IIF.

        Open the new company and go to File > Utilities > Import > IIF Files
          lindak1119Author
          Level 7
          December 11, 2018
          Can you send a screenshot please? That would help me a lot. I don't even know where "File" is. Do you have the online version?
          AccountingPro1
          May 7, 2021
          This post has been deleted.

          I exported my Chart of Account, saved the IIF file but when I go to Import the file I get this error message. I'm not sure what happened. Any suggestions? 

          Maybelle_SQuickBooks Team
          QuickBooks Team
          May 7, 2021

          Thanks for joining the thread, @AccountingPro1.

           

          I want to ensure this is taken care of, but before I do, may I know the exact error you receive? Any information can help us resolve the issue.

           

          Usually, some error occurs when your data is damaged or corrupted. We can run the Verify/Rebuild tool utility to detect the data damage.

           

          Here's how:

           

          1. Go to the File menu, then hover over Utilities.

          2. Select Rebuild Data.

          3. On the QuickBooks Information window, select OK. Follow the onscreen steps to save a backup.

          4. Let the tool repair your file. It may take some time. QuickBooks may seem stuck, but as long as you can move your mouse, the tool is working.

          5. When the tool finishes, select OK.

          6. Go to the File menu, and then hover over Utilities.

          7. Select Verify Data.

          8. Let the tool check your file for data issues.

           

          If QuickBooks doesn't find any problems, select OK. However, if QuickBooks finds an issue with your company file, click Rebuild Now.

           

          Let's also make sure QuickBooks has its latest release. This is to ensure that everything is up to date.

           

          I've added these articles to learn more about exporting transactions in QBDT:

           

          • Improved IIF Import in QuickBooks 2019

          • Export or import Intuit Interchange Format (.IIF) files

           

          Please let me know how it goes. I'm always here to help if you have any other questions importing lists in QuickBooks. Have a good one.

          Anonymous
          May 11, 2021

          Is there a way to export the chart of accounts from desktop 2016 to excel .csv file to upload to qbo - please help?

          Catherine_B
          Level 9
          May 11, 2021

          Yes, I can help and show you another to export your lists, deon.

           

          You'll want to run a Chart of Accounts report and then export it to Excel. After exporting, you can open the Excel file and follow the column format QuickBooks Online prefers. Then, save it as a CSV file type. 

           

          Here's how to run the Chart of Accounts report: 

           

          1. Open your QuickBooks Desktop company file.
          2. Go to the Lists menu and click Chart of Accounts.
          3. From the bottom menu, click Reports and select Account Listing.
          4. Click the Excel drop-down in the Account Listing report.
          5. Select Create New Worksheet and then click Export.

          After the export is done, the Excel window will open. Format the columns accordingly and then follow these steps to save it as a CSV type. 

           

          1. Click File > Save As.
          2. Select the location where you can easily locate the file.
          3. Enter a File name and from the Save as type drop-down. select CSV (Comma delimited).
          4. Click Save.

          You can now import the file into QuickBooks Online. 

           

          Keep me posted on how this works and if you're prompted with errors so I can walk you through it. Take care!

          PollNofer
          August 29, 2025

          For Desktop export the chart of accounts from the old file and import the IIF into the new one. If you are moving to QBO you can also load the chart from a sheet with a tool like Skyvia so the codes and names stay consistent across companies.

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