Quickbooks Desktop Budget Import IFF

I appreciate sharing these details about the error when importing IFF files to QuickBooks Desktop, @liz67.

I'm here to help you fix this error. First, I'd like to know if you're using the IFF Tool Kit when making changes to the file? If yes, you may need to get a sample file to make sure that the details have been mapped correctly. If not, you'll have to download the Tool Kit to make it easier for you to IFF files.

Before importing IFF files, I'd suggest creating a backup file so that you can easily undo the changes. 

You can download the Tool Kit in this article: IIF Overview: import kit, sample files, and headers.

This also contains topics on what you can do with IFF files where you'll see the steps on how to remove a budget before importing multiple budgets or copy a budget to a new data file.

Now, here's how to edit the downloaded IFF file.

1. Open Microsoft Excel, go to File and select Open.
2. In the File type drop-down, select All Files.
3. Select the IIF, then select Open.
4. In the Text Import Wizard, select Next, then Next, and Finish.
5. Make the changes to your IIF file.
6. Go to the File menu, select Save, and Yes.
7. Close the Microsoft Excel program. Don't select the Save when you get a prompt to save the IIF again.

I've added this article in case you want to track specific aspects of your business: Understand reports. This contains topics on how to modify the filters and get the exact details you need.

Fill me in if you have other concerns and I'll get right into it. Take care.

Hi,

I have the toolkit, but there is not a budget import included.  Which file would you recommend that I use to import the budget?

Thanks

Hi,

I have the toolkit, but there was not a specific file for budget import.  Did I miss it?  Which file would you recommend that I use?

As I mentioned in my initial post, I exported the 2020 budget and edited it.  Why wouldn't that work as an import file?

Thanks,

Importing a budget file correctly is my top priority, liz67.

You'll want to review the mapping of accounts to correctly import the file. Then, ensure we have the correct .IIF format must import the budget transactions successfully into QuickBooks Desktop. The incorrect format may lead to an error or data will import incorrectly. To give you more information, see the IIF Overview: Import Kit, Sample Files, And Headers article.

If you're using QuickBooks Desktop 2019, you'll see the number of list and transactions that both failed and was successfully imported. QuickBooks automatically creates a new .IIF file for failed records with the error information. What we can do is to review and resolve the errors found in the .IIF file for January- June file not imported. Let me show you how: 

1. Go to File on the top menu.
2. Choose Utilities.
3. Select Import.
4. Click IFF Files and tap the File not imported window. 
5. Select Review now.
6. Look for ERROR to see what the problem(s) with the file is.
7. Correct the errors and press Save. If asked if you want to keep the file type, choose Yes.
8. Close the File not imported window. Then, import the new, corrected .IIF file.

For more details about this one, see Improved IIF Import in QuickBooks 2019 and later the article. Then, create a budget or forecast on your software.

To learn more about Intuit Interchange Format (IIF) files, check out these articles: 

• Export or import IIF files
• Tasks you can do with IIF files

Keep me posted if you have any additional questions or concerns in QuickBooks. Assistance is just one click away. Have a great day ahead. 

I downloaded the IIF import Kit.  There is not a budget template.  Which template should you use?

Thanks for getting in touch with the Community, rodneyb.
 

Currently, there isn't an available sample file for budgets; however, you can export your budget data from one company file and import it into another.
 

Here's how:

1. Create the budget in the company file you want to export it from.
2. Export it to your computer's desktop.
3. Close the company file you exported from and open the one you're importing into.
4. Import your budget file.

I've also included a detailed resource about working with the IIF import kit and sample files which may come in handy moving forward: IIF Overview

I'll be here to help if there's any additional questions. Have a wonderful day!

The best instructions I have found for importing a budget into QuickBooks Desktop is by Hector Garcia. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVf9VXm6Sq8

It is a bit complex but his explanation is relatively easy to follow.  The answers provided by Intuit are less than helpful.

I'm using QuickBooks Desktop Premier Nonprofit Edition

So I've tried everything to import my budget. Everything is setup perfectly and it still doesn't work.
I followed Hector's video to the letter and I continue to get error messages for each line.

We have 30+ Classes that I will otherwise need to enter manually which is ridiculous given that QuickBooks says that importing budgets is a feature and (presumably) an easy one at that.

I don't  know why the software insists on being so unfriendly with importing data, especially from Excel, but I really with that would change.

If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate it. I can provide a copy of the file I'm trying to import, too.

Thanks.

Hello there, tschultz.

Thank you for adding a screenshot.

Can you share with me what's your concern with importing IIF Files?

I'll be keeping an eye on your response. Keep safe!

I was able to manipulate my budget in excel and import the budget as an IIF  Great!

But what about forecast?   Can I import forecast to QB desktop??  Thanks for any guidance.

I was able to manipulate the budget in excel then import it as IIF.  Great!

But what about forecasts.  Can I import them into Quickbooks desktop?   Thanks for any quidance.

It's good to know that you were able to import a budget, Linuszz.

I'm here to share some information about forecast.

If the data for the forecast is the same as the budget, you don't need to import a different file. You can use the existing file to create forecast.

Before you can set up a forecast, ensure your fiscal year is correctly set.

Then, you're good to create forecast. I've added this reference for the detailed steps to create one: Create a budget or forecast.

Also, if you want to save the same setting of report, you can memorize it. Here's an article as your guide:

That should do it. Please know that your always welcome to post anytime you have concerns. Keep safe!

Adrian, thank you for your reply.   You mention "If the data for the forecast is the same as the budget, you don't need to import a different file. You can use the existing file to create forecast."

How can I use that file to create a forecast?   Your link only talks about creating a forecast from scratch or from last year's data.   I need to IMPORT a forecast.   Is this possible?  if so, please explain or link to the IIF structure.

Hello there, Linuszz.

Let me help and provide you with some information regarding importing a forecast in QuickBooks Desktop.

Importing forecast is easy because QuickBooks Desktop formats the file for you. You'll want to review the mapping of accounts to correctly import the file.

Also, correct .IIF format must be followed exactly to ensure that transactions import successfully. The incorrect format may lead to an error or data will import incorrectly. To give you more information, you can read this article: IIF Overview: Import Kit, Sample Files, And Headers.

I've attached some articles below for additional reference: 
 

• Export or import Intuit Interchange Format (.IIF) files
• Create a budget or forecast in QuickBooks Desktop

The Community will always have your back if you need anything else in QuickBooks Desktop. Take care always. 

Thank you again for your reply.  However before replying again, instead of just attaching links to articles, could you please double check what you send to me and  perhaps ask someone on your team to verify if what you are saying is correct?   All the links you send are great but yes, I've already done all this research and am quite familiar with the obvious options.    NONE of the link you send reference importing of FORECASTS.  they do cite importing of BUDGETS.   For example in the page "Export, import, and edit IIF files" (click on "Learn about IIF import and export limitations") it lists BUDGETS but no FORECAST.   Similarly in the tooklit, it gives BUDGET examples but no FORECAST.    

So I know that you have assured me several times that we can IMPORT a new FORECAST, but are you sure?  and if so, please provide an example file or a link that actaully addresses IMPORTING FORECASTs.

I appreciate you getting back to us, @Linuszz. Please know that this isn't the kind of service we want you to experience with us. I'm here to help and address your concern right away.

I understand that having this feature is beneficial to you and your business. However, the steps provided by my colleague above are for importing budgets in QBDT. 

As a workaround, you’ll want to consider looking for a third-party app in QBDT that allows you to import Forecasts. You can go to the Apps Center and select which one from the list of applications that matches your needs. Here’s how: 

1. In your browser, enter this link: Apps for QuickBooks Desktop.
2. From there, enter a keyword in the Search field or use the Filters section to narrow down the process.
3. This action will display a list of apps.
4. Click on the View Profile button to see more details about the software.
   
   

Alternatively, I do think this would be a great time to send this suggestion to our Product Development Team. We value your suggestions. This way, our developers can determine what features to add in QBDT's future enhancements. Let me guide you on how: 

1. Go to the Help menu and then select Send Feedback Online.
2. Choose Product Suggestion.
3. Add the type of feedback.
4. Type in your feature suggestion.
5. Once done, click Send Feedback.
   
   

Your valuable feedback goes to our Product Development Team to help improve your QuickBooks experience.

Get back to me here if you have further questions about the information above about QBDT. I'd be more than happy to answer it for you. Have a nice day.

I'm with you! The exact data I export to an IFF file fails when I attempt to import. Same nonsensical error messages you identified. Unless modifying through Excel causes a problem.

I know this hasn't been an easy process for you, RayBrownCFO.

Let me make it up to you by ensuring this error gets fixed.

Beforehand, are you using the IFF Tool Kit when modifying the file? If so, let's get a sample file to make sure that the details have been mapped correctly. Otherwise, you'll have to download the Tool Kit to make it easier for you to modify the files. You can download the Tool Kit in this article: IIF Overview: import kit, sample files, and headers.

Now, here's how to edit the downloaded IFF file.

1. Open Microsoft Excel, go to File, and select Open.
2. In the File type drop-down, select All Files.
3. Select the IIF, then select Open.
4. In the Text Import Wizard, select Next, then Next, and Finish.
5. Make the changes to your IIF file.
6. Go to the File menu, select Save, and Yes.
7. Close the Microsoft Excel program. Don't select Save when you get a prompt to save the IIF again.

Also, make sure to create a backup file so that you can easily undo the changes. 

I've added these articles that'll help you make sure your record is always accurate in QuickBooks:

• Customize Reports
• Create, Access, and Modify Memorized Reports
• Combine Reports from Two or More Company Data Files

Please keep us posted if you need additional assistance managing your data. We're always here to help you out.

Clicking the import for me, I'll fix it later is what worked for me.   It makes me a little nervous though I would like to understand what the real issue is

I appreciate you for joining the thread, @Brian007.

I'll chime in and share some information that could clear things up for you.

The issue here is that you will see some incorrect data when importing files or have specific data errors in IIF files. QuickBooks will generate a new IIF file with the error information for failed records and will resolve the issue using the QuickBooks IIF Import kit as a reference. The kit is a how-to guide for creating and working with IIF import files. It includes the following elements:

• IIF Import Manual: A .pdf document that outlines common .iif pitfalls and best practices.
• IIF Header Help: The column headings used to import list data.
• IIF Example Files: A folder that contains version-specific .iif transaction examples.

You can use .IIF import kit to save time and improve your results. You can also download a sample .IIF files to practice or use as templates for importing transactions into QuickBooks. You may refer to this article for more information: IIF Overview: import kit, sample files, and headers.

You can also utilize this article for future reference, it contains information on how to import and export Intuit Interchange Format (IIF) files to and from QuickBooks Desktop for Windows and Mac.: Export or import Intuit Interchange Format (.IIF) files.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need assistance with QuickBooks-related concerns. Have a nice day!

Did you ever get help? I'm having an issue uploading my budget to QB desktop non profit as well. I exported the budget template from QB. The chart of accounts is not in the right format and most accounts are duplicated. I decided to enter a sample budget by using just a few accounts in the right order (by account #) and enter some numbers for each line item by month. I saved it as an IIF file although it says it's a text document. I tried importing to QB and I got the same error message you did for each line. Were you able to resolve this?

Were you able to get your budget import to work? I can't. I exported the IIF budget template from QB (I'm using the desktop non profit addition). The chart of accounts were not in the right order and most accounts were duplicated for some reason. I ran a test budget by using just a few accounts in the right order (by account #) and plugged in a few numbers for each month. I saved it as an IIF file although it said it was a text document. When I tried importing, I got an error message like others commented about the account not being recognized. This is so frustrating. I called QB and they said they don't support IIF files yet it seems like they have an issue with their file. Were you able to get your problems resolved?

Importing budgets to your QuickBooks Desktop is very important, @ARobb.

I'll help you import the budget to QuickBooks Desktop successfully. Since you're getting an error, I recommend checking the mapping of the account and ensure it has the correct ".IIF" format. Otherwise, you'll have an error and won't upload the data. Check this article to learn more about IIF overview: IIF Overview: import kit, sample files, and headers.

Also, as mentioned by my colleague above, you can use the improved Import IIF Tool. This way if you are using QuickBooks Desktop 2019 and later, you can see the number of transactions that failed and imported successfully.

QuickBooks will then create a new one.IIF file for the failed data. I'll show you how to review and resolve the errors found in the ".IIF" file.

Here's how:

1. Go to File from the top menu.
2. Choose Utilities.
3. Select Import.
4. Click IFF Files and tap the File not imported window.
5. Choose Review now.
6. Look for an ERROR to see what the problem(s) with the file is.
7. Correct the errors and press Save. If asked if you want to keep the file type, choose Yes.
8. Close the File not imported window. Then, import the new, corrected .IIF file.

Here is the article that contains the complete details of this process: Improved IIF Import in QuickBooks 2019 and later.

If you need further assistance, with IIF files, it's best to consult an IT expert.

I'm also adding this article for the tasks you can do with IIF files: Tasks you can do with IIF files.

Let me know if you have questions about importing IIF files to QuickBooks Desktop. I'm always here to help. Have a great day.