How-To Guide
Updated: 2025-01-15 6 min read

How to Import IIF Files to QuickBooks Desktop (2025 Guide)

Importing IIF files to QuickBooks Desktop is straightforward once you know where to look. This guide walks through the process step-by-step, including important preparation steps to avoid common errors.

Before You Import

Pre-Import Checklist

  • Back up your QuickBooks company file
  • Verify accounts referenced in IIF exist in your Chart of Accounts
  • Close all other windows in QuickBooks
  • Make sure you're logged in as Admin
  • Review the IIF file in a text editor or spreadsheet first
Always Back Up First IIF imports cannot be easily undone. Create a backup before importing: File → Back Up Company → Create Local Backup

Import Steps

1

Open QuickBooks Desktop

Launch QuickBooks and open your company file.

Tip: Make sure you're logged in with Admin privileges.
2

Go to File menu

Click 'File' in the top menu bar.

3

Navigate to Import

Select 'Utilities' → 'Import' → 'IIF Files'.

The full path is:

File → Utilities → Import → IIF Files
4

Select your IIF file

Browse to your IIF file and select it.

Tip: IIF files typically have a .iif extension.
5

Click Open

QuickBooks will process and import the file.

6

Review the import

Check the import log for any errors or warnings.

Warning: If you see errors, don't import again without fixing them first — you may create duplicates.

Verify the Import

After importing, verify the transactions were imported correctly:

1

Check the bank register

Open your bank account register and look for the imported transactions.

Banking → Use Register → Select your bank account

2

Verify transaction details

Spot-check several transactions for correct dates, amounts, and accounts.

3

Run a report

Create a Transaction Detail report filtered by date to see all imported transactions.

Reports → Accountant & Taxes → Transaction Detail by Account

4

Reconcile if needed

If importing historical data, reconcile with your bank statement.

Setting Up Accounts First

IIF imports require that all referenced accounts already exist in QuickBooks. If an account doesn't exist, the import will fail.

Check Your Chart of Accounts

  1. Go to Lists → Chart of Accounts
  2. Verify the bank account name matches exactly
  3. Verify expense/income accounts exist
Account Name Matching Account names must match exactly, including: - Capitalization ("Checking Account" ≠ "checking account") - Spacing ("Office Supplies" ≠ "Office Supplies") - Punctuation ("Misc. Expense" ≠ "Misc Expense")

Creating Missing Accounts

If accounts don't exist, create them before importing:

  1. Lists → Chart of Accounts
  2. Right-click → New
  3. Select account type (Bank, Expense, Income, etc.)
  4. Enter exact name as it appears in your IIF file
  5. Save & Close

QuickBooks Version Notes

IIF Support by Version

QuickBooks Version IIF Import Notes
QuickBooks Pro Yes Full support
QuickBooks Premier Yes Full support
QuickBooks Enterprise Yes Full support
QuickBooks Online No Use QBO format instead
QuickBooks for Mac Limited Some versions support IIF
QuickBooks Online Users QuickBooks Online does NOT support IIF files. If you use QBO, you need a different file format (QBO web connect or CSV import). For e-commerce imports to QBO, see our Shopify, Stripe, and Square converters.

Common Import Issues

Troubleshooting

Account not found

Cause:

An account referenced in the IIF doesn't exist in QuickBooks

Solution:

Create the account in Chart of Accounts before importing
Transaction doesn't balance

Cause:

TRNS and SPL amounts don't sum to zero

Solution:

Check the IIF file for calculation errors
Import appears to complete but no transactions appear

Cause:

Wrong date range or account filter in view

Solution:

Adjust date filters and check all accounts
Duplicate transactions after import

Cause:

Imported the same file twice

Solution:

Restore from backup and import once

Need to convert a bank file to IIF?

Convert Now

Frequently Asked Questions

File → Utilities → Import → IIF Files. If you don't see Utilities, make sure you're logged in as Admin.
Not directly. You'd need to manually delete the imported transactions or restore from a backup made before the import.
The accounts referenced in your IIF file must exist in QuickBooks with exact matching names. Create any missing accounts in Chart of Accounts before importing.
No, QuickBooks Online uses different import formats (QBO web connect, CSV). IIF is only for QuickBooks Desktop versions. For QuickBooks Online, see our e-commerce converters for Shopify, Stripe, and Square.
There's no hard limit, but very large files (10,000+ transactions) may take several minutes to process. Consider splitting into smaller batches.

Related Guides

Common Errors

Troubleshoot import problems

Export Bank Files

Get files from your bank

IIF Format Reference

Technical details about IIF structure