Convert CSV to IIF for QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Desktop uses the IIF (Intuit Interchange Format) for importing transactions, lists, and other data. Unlike QuickBooks Online which accepts various formats, Desktop requires this specific text-based format. Our CSV to IIF converter transforms your spreadsheet data into properly structured IIF files.

The IIF format uses tab-separated values with specific header rows that tell QuickBooks how to interpret the data. Creating these files manually is tedious and error-prone. Our converter handles the formatting automatically, letting you focus on your accounting work.

How to Convert CSV to IIF: Step by Step

Understanding IIF File Format

IIF files are plain text documents with a specific structure. They begin with header rows marked by exclamation points that define the data columns. Transaction data follows in tab-separated rows. The format supports various transaction types including checks, deposits, invoices, and journal entries.

Our converter creates IIF files with the standard transaction structure. Each entry includes the transaction row (TRNS), a split row (SPL) for the offsetting entry, and an end marker (ENDTRNS). This double-entry format ensures your books stay balanced.

IIF Transaction Types

The IIF format supports multiple transaction types for different accounting needs. General Journal entries work for any transaction and provide maximum flexibility. Deposit type creates bank deposits, while Check type records payments and withdrawals. Choose the type that best matches your data.

Import IIF into QuickBooks Desktop

Importing IIF files into QuickBooks Desktop is straightforward. Open your company file, go to File menu, select Utilities, then Import, and choose IIF Files. Browse to your converted file and click Open. QuickBooks reads the file and creates the transactions automatically.

Before importing, always create a backup of your company file. IIF imports cannot be easily undone, so having a backup protects your data. QuickBooks creates transactions immediately upon import without a preview step.

Handling Import Errors

If QuickBooks reports errors during import, check these common issues. Account names in the IIF must match existing accounts in your chart of accounts. Date formats must be valid. Amount fields should contain only numbers and decimal points. Our converter handles most formatting requirements automatically.

CSV to IIF for Bank Statements

Banks often provide transaction downloads in CSV format. Our converter transforms these exports into IIF files for QuickBooks Desktop import. This workflow saves hours compared to manual data entry, especially for accounts with many monthly transactions.

The converter handles various CSV formats from different banks. Whether your file uses commas, semicolons, or tabs as separators, the tool parses the data correctly. Date formats like MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY, and YYYY-MM-DD are all supported.

Excel Spreadsheets to IIF

Have transaction data in Excel? Save your spreadsheet as CSV first, then convert to IIF using our tool. This two-step process handles complex spreadsheets with multiple columns. Just make sure your CSV includes the essential columns for date, description, and amount.

QuickBooks Desktop Versions Supported

The IIF format works with all QuickBooks Desktop products. This includes QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise editions. Both current and older versions support IIF import, making it a reliable choice for businesses running various QuickBooks installations.

QuickBooks for Mac also supports IIF import with some limitations. The basic transaction format works the same way, though some advanced features may differ from the Windows version.

IIF vs QBO: Which Format to Use

Choose IIF for QuickBooks Desktop and QBO for QuickBooks Online. The IIF format offers more control over transaction details and works well for complex accounting needs. QBO format is simpler and designed specifically for bank transaction imports.

If you’re unsure which QuickBooks version you have, check the title bar of your QuickBooks window. Desktop versions show “QuickBooks Pro,” “Premier,” or “Enterprise.” Online users access QuickBooks through a web browser.

Free CSV to IIF Conversion

Our converter is free with no registration required. Process unlimited CSV files and download IIF outputs without any cost. The tool runs entirely in your browser, keeping your financial data private and secure on your own computer.

For other conversion needs, explore our complete toolkit. We offer CSV to QBO for QuickBooks Online, Excel to QBO for spreadsheets, OFX to QBO for bank downloads, and QIF to QBO for Quicken files.