What is the Excel format required for Tally import?

Tally requires XML format for import, not Excel directly. The XML must use the TALLYMESSAGE/VOUCHER structure with DATE, NARRATION, and ALLLEDGERENTRIES.LIST elements. Our converter produces this format from your bank statement PDF automatically.

Excel2Tally is a third-party paid software that converts Excel files to Tally-compatible XML and handles the import. It costs approximately ₹1,500–₹5,000 for a license. Our free converter provides the same XML output for bank statement import at no cost.

Does Tally support CSV import?

Tally Prime (3.0 and later) added a Bank Statement Import feature that accepts CSV files in a specific column format. This is separate from the XML voucher import method and is primarily for bank reconciliation rather than voucher creation.

🔀 Excel → Tally · PDF → Tally XML · Free · No Paid Software

Excel to Tally Import — Free Method

Tally does not import .xlsx or .csv directly. This guide explains the correct method: convert your bank statement to Tally XML, then import via Gateway → Import → Vouchers. No paid Excel2Tally software needed.

🔀 Get Tally-Ready Data →

Ways to Import Excel Data into Tally

Tally doesn't open .xlsx files directly. Here are the available methods, from free to paid.

XML Voucher Import

✓ Free — Built Into Tally

Convert your Excel/PDF data to Tally XML format, then import via Gateway → Import → Vouchers. Works in all versions of Tally ERP 9 and Tally Prime. Our converter produces this XML from your bank statement PDF for free.

Tally Prime CSV Import

✓ Free — Tally Prime 3.0+

Tally Prime 3.0 and later added a Bank Statement Import (BSI) feature that accepts CSV files. The CSV must have Date, Description, Debit, Credit columns in Tally's expected format. Primarily for bank reconciliation, not full voucher creation.

Excel2Tally Software

✗ Paid — ₹1,500–₹5,000

Excel2Tally is a popular third-party utility that reads Excel files and generates Tally XML. It handles complex scenarios like multiple ledgers, cost centres, and stock items. Requires a one-time license purchase.

Tally Connector API

✗ Paid — Developer Setup

Tally's HTTP-based connector allows programmatic data push via REST API. Used for ERP integration and automated accounting pipelines. Requires developer setup and ongoing server infrastructure.

Free Method: PDF → Excel → Tally XML

The free path from bank statement PDF to Tally vouchers — no paid software required.

Download bank statement PDF

Download from your bank's internet banking or app. HDFC NetBanking, SBI YONO, ICICI iMobile Pay, Axis Mobile — all provide PDF statement downloads.

Upload to our converter

Upload the PDF above. Enter your bank password if prompted (HDFC: Customer ID or DDMMYYYY · ICICI: name+DOB · Axis: PAN lowercase). The converter extracts all transactions into structured data.

Download Tally XML

Download the .xml file. Each transaction becomes a Bank Payment voucher (debit) or Bank Receipt voucher (credit) in Tally's TALLYMESSAGE XML format.

Import into Tally ERP 9 or Prime

ERP 9: Gateway of Tally → Import of Data → Vouchers → enter XML path → Enter. Prime: Gateway → Alt+O (Import) → Vouchers → select file → confirm.

Update counterpart ledgers

Each imported voucher uses a default suspense ledger as counterpart. Edit each voucher to assign the correct expense/income ledger (rent, salary, vendor name, etc.).

Free vs Paid Excel to Tally Methods

Feature	Our Free XML Method	Excel2Tally (Paid)	Tally Prime CSV (Free)
Cost	✓ Free	✗ ₹1,500–₹5,000	✓ Free
Works with PDF input	✓ Yes	✗ Excel input only	✗ CSV input only
Tally ERP 9 compatible	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✗ Prime 3.0+ only
Tally Prime compatible	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Prime 3.0+
Creates vouchers	✓ Yes — Pay/Receipt	✓ Yes — full control	Reconciliation only
Multiple ledger support	Default suspense	✓ Full control	✗ Limited
Bank-specific PDF parsing	✓ 50+ Indian banks	✗ Manual Excel prep	✗ Manual CSV prep

Frequently Asked Questions

Tally does not natively import .xlsx or .csv files for voucher creation. The supported method for all versions is to convert Excel data to Tally XML format (TALLYMESSAGE envelope) and import via Gateway → Import → Vouchers. Tally Prime 3.0+ also supports CSV import for bank reconciliation specifically.

Tally requires XML format for voucher import, not Excel directly. The XML must use the TALLYMESSAGE/VOUCHER structure with DATE (YYYYMMDD format), NARRATION, and ALLLEDGERENTRIES.LIST elements. Our converter produces this format automatically from your bank statement PDF — no manual XML preparation needed.

Excel2Tally is a third-party paid software (approximately ₹1,500–₹5,000 for a license) that converts Excel files to Tally-compatible XML and handles the import. It offers more control over ledger mapping, cost centres, and stock items compared to our bank statement focused converter. For bank statement import specifically, our free tool provides the same functionality at zero cost.

Use our free converter: upload your bank statement PDF → download Tally XML → import the XML in Tally Prime via Gateway → Alt+O (Import) → Vouchers → select file → confirm. No paid software required. The entire process takes under 5 minutes.

Tally Prime 3.0 and later added a Bank Statement Import feature that accepts CSV files in a specific column format. This is primarily for bank reconciliation (matching bank transactions to Tally ledger entries) rather than full voucher creation. Tally ERP 9 does not support CSV import.