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Corktown1726
Level 1

QuickBooks 2018 IIF file truncating account name when imported

I am trying to import a IIF file formatted for general journal entry. The file is not too large but has several column including the "account" column. The "account" name is exactly the same as in our QuickBooks company file. However, after importing some of the "account" names are truncated. In some cases leaving off one letter. In others it will leave off several letters. This does not happen with all "account" names, just a few. I have tried to modify the file structure and the "account" names but I keep getting the same outcome. The file imports without error but when I look at the imported journal entry the some account names are truncated. The result is that QuickBooks attempts to add a new item to our chart of accounts because it does not exactly mat. I would appreciate any suggest you might have to address this problem. We would like to use the IIF import feature more routinely for entering a specific journal entry but we cannot with this problem.

6 Comments 6
BigRedConsulting
Community Champion

QuickBooks 2018 IIF file truncating account name when imported

Questions:

- Are the truncated accounts the max length for an account in the IIF file?

- In the IIF file, do they have leading or trailing spaces?

Corktown1726
Level 1

QuickBooks 2018 IIF file truncating account name when imported

I am not aware of the max length for an account name but that does not appear to be the issue. It happens to different names of different lengths.

I don't have leading or trailing spaces.

Below is a screen shot of the exact file layout with some changes to protect data identity but the structure is the same. The items highlighted in yellow get truncated at the end by a letter or two. The items highlighted in orange are different versions of the same name that I tried to correct the problem but they also get truncated regardless of the length.

 

Problem IIF.jpg

 

DivinaMercy_N
Moderator

QuickBooks 2018 IIF file truncating account name when imported

I've got you covered, @Corktown1726.

 

Data on your company file has a maximum limit of characters that can be entered. The account name maximum character limit is 31 and 7 for the account numbers. To know more, see this article: Character limitations for fields in QuickBooks.

 

To ensure you can import IIF files successfully, let's make sure that you map them correctly to avoid problems, refer to this article for your guide: IIF Overview: import kit, sample files, and headers. 

 

Then, import the IIF files again. If the same thing happens, I suggest reaching out to our technical support team. You can request a screen sharing so they can investigate what causes the issue and provide steps to fix it. To do so, follow these easy steps below:

 

  1. In QuickBooks, go to the Help menu, and then click QuickBooks Desktop Help.
  2. Choose Contact us.
  3. In the What can we help you with? box-like, enter IIF file truncating account name when imported.
  4. Tap Let's talk to continue.
  5. Hit Start a chat or Get a calliif3.JPG

 

I've also added this helpful article for additional info about the maximum number of list entries you can make in QuickBooks Desktop: Maximum number of list entries (list limits and custom fields).

 

Also, if in case you want to bulk edit your IIF files info, visit our Tasks you can do with IIF files page for the detailed steps. 

 

Let me know how this goes and leave a reply below if you have further concerns about importing IIF files to QuickBooks. I'm always here to help you. Have a good one. 

Corktown1726
Level 1

QuickBooks 2018 IIF file truncating account name when imported

Thank you for the response DivinaMercy_N. I will read the suggested information and attempt to import again. FYI. I began this effort by reviewing and using the IIF import kit and sample IIF files. I also reviewed the Header information. 

BigRedConsulting
Community Champion

QuickBooks 2018 IIF file truncating account name when imported

Don't include the account numbers in the IIF file. Just use the account names and then they won't be truncated - as long as they're not too long.

PandS
Level 1

QuickBooks 2018 IIF file truncating account name when imported

I have also been frustrated by this. It exists in QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2021 for sure. And the magic number appears to be 31. Anything longer than that is truncated. In my case, those truncated entries become bank accounts, so at least I can spot them.

 

If an account number and/or name exists in QuickBooks, then that exact same should be importable. It's a disconnect for QB to allow account number and name combinations of one only a certain length for importing but to then allow ones within the program.

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