Data import template best practices
Data Import Templates are Microsoft Excel spreadsheets you complete importing data into the program.
Set up
- It's easiest to download and use "Data Import templates" we've created.
- You can change the file name, but make sure you save it as a *.xlsm (macro) file.
- You can use or create your own spreadsheets, but it might take some time to set up. If you have existing spreadsheets with data, you can copy the tabs into our templates, then use Excel formulas to transfer and/or concatenate the data.
- Each template has a different purpose, but is organized in a similar way with multiple tabs.
- You can add tabs to the spreadsheet template, but data in those tabs won't import into the program. You'll need to use formulas to transfer and/or concatenate the data to the existing tabs.
Entering data
- The first tab in each spreadsheet isTR_Setup. This tab has required information and anAudit Databutton.
- Each spreadsheet also has aTR_XXXX_TemplateName_Detailtab.
- Don't change existing column headings or formatting in this tab. Data won't import if you change these.
- You can add columns to this tab, but the 1st column needs to remain the first.
- We've added formulas to the template file to assist with data entry. You can change formulas throughout the spreadsheet to meet your needs.
- You can copy and paste data into cells. If you aren't using macros, make sure you paste the correct values when required. See the tabTR_XXXX_TemplateName_Stringsfor the values you'll need to use.
- If an amount field contains the valueNone, it won’t be imported. To import the valueNone, enter1E-150in the Data Import Template.noteThe Excel audit will flag1E-150as invalid, and will convert it to the valueNonein the tax return upon import. On export, the valueNonewill convert to1E-150and appear as such in the Excel file.
- Fields you leave blank don't import. If you have a value in the tax return that needs to be removed or set to a blank, change it in the return.
- Special characters are not allowed. If special characters are in an activity name, we'll replace them with hyphens (-). If there are special characters in areas other than the activity name, the export will likely fail. The following are considered special characters.
- Blank spaces
- . Period
- # Pound
- % Percent
- & Ampersand
- { Left bracket
- } Right bracket
- \ Back slash
- < Left angle bracket
- > Right angle bracket
- * Asterisk
- ? Question mark
- / Forward slash
- $ dollar sign
- ! Exclamation point
- ‘ Single quotes
- “ Double quotes
- : Colon
- @ At sign
- Carriage returns won't work in the import.
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