IIF Import error on INVITEM Service

Welcome to the Community, @sfanzoi.

Let me share information regarding your problem with importing your data in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

If you have added INVITEM on the !TRNS row as a field that would cause the message above. INVITEM should be included on the !SPL row.

I would also like to ask if you have turned on your tax option, and it happened that it won’t charge taxes, I recommend entering a zero in the sales tax column for the transactions without tax.

I also recommend Verify and Rebuild data utilities. They automatically fix company file data issues, but remember to back up your file before running the rebuild tool. You can also update your QuickBooks to resolve any missing program files that could have caused this error.

In addition, I'll leave you these articles that outline the details about IIF and its limitations when importing and exporting IIF files:

• Import IIF Files
• IIF Overview: import kit, sample files, and headers (I suggest using a dummy company file when trying the samples.)

Let me know if you have other inquiries when importing your files in QuickBooks Desktop. I’ll be right here to assist you. Have a great day ahead!

As stated, the file imports properly in the 2013 version of QuickBooks. the INVITEM is in the SPL row and we do not charge tax, thus we use the "Invoice (Sales Tax Preference=off).iif" template. The question is why the same IIF file that we import into QB 2013 imports the Items properly, but it does NOT import the Items into the 2023 version - because all of our items are Services.

I am using the IIF templates and the most recent are for "QB 2007 & Enterprise 7.0 and later" - thus I would expect that the template I have used in QB 2013 desktop should have no issues when importing to QB 2023 Desktop. Why do the Item Services not import - or do not display when looking at Invoices?

Hi there, @sfanzoi. Thank you for providing us with a detailed overview of your situation. Your input will help us assess your concerns better and provide accurate answers. 

When you try to view invoices in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), you may notice that item services are missing or not displayed. There could be several reasons for this issue, but one of the most common reasons is the use of an incompatible IIF template. To avoid such issues when importing items, make sure that you use an IIF template compatible with your version of QBDT.

Another reason could be related to the format or mapping of the IIF file. To ensure a successful import, it's crucial to verify that the IIF file is accurately formatted and mapped. Know that the IIF file format is outdated and no longer recommended by Intuit. It is recommended to use an alternative method and manually edit the item from the mapping screen to ensure the successful import of item services into QBDT.

Here are some articles that explain IIF, including its limitations when importing and exporting files, as well as tasks you can perform using IIF:

• Import IIF Files
• IIF Overview: import kit, sample files, and headers 
• Tasks you can do with IIF files

If you continue to experience issues with importing item services into QBDT, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for further assistance. We're here to help and ensure that you have a positive experience with QBDT. 

In your answer you reference "Import kit, sample files, and headers". I have downloaded this and am using the most recent version provided which is for 2007 and later. If using this template in 2013 works and it doesn't work in 2023, then the kit should provide newer templates that will address the issue. I have read all of the supporting documentation on the QuickBooks site and none of it addresses my specific issue. What is the difference between the 2013 version of QuickBooks and the 2023 version which causes 2023 to not properly import the Items (which are already existing Item Services in QB2013 and QB2023 {which is a copy of 2013 that has been upgraded}).

I have found a solution: https://bigredconsulting.com/quickbooks-2019-iif-import/

I need to use the "import without review" as the newer process for 2019+ will not import my items correctly.

I am unable to post the resolution I have found because it is a link to another website and that seems to be restricted. This site advises to use the "import without review" process as the new improved 2019+ import process tries to "fix" things that it thinks are errors - even though they import properly in older versions of QB: bigredconsulting.com/quickbooks-2019-iif-import

Hello sfanzoi,

Thank you for sharing your input to help address the issue. We love to see members supporting one another! Have a great day.