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How to configure accounting settings via CSV upload

Import or create your Accounts (CoA) and your Tax Codes/Rates directly in Tofu (for entities not integrated with an accounting software).

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Written by Cristina Michelini
Updated over a week ago

Key Steps

1. Accessing Accounting Settings 0:09

  • Navigate to your organization.

  • Select the entity you want to set up.

  • Click on 'Settings'.

2. Navigating to Accounting Settings 0:26

  • In the settings menu, if no accounting software integration is active, select 'Accounting'.

3. Options for Accounting Settings 0:57

  • You have two options:

    • Connect to accounting software.

    • Add or upload accounting information.

4. Adding Tax Rates/Accounts Manually 1:08

  • To add manually:

    • Click on 'Add'.

    • Fill in the required information (description is optional).

    • Click 'Add' to save.

5. Using CSV Template for Bulk Upload 1:41

  • If you have multiple tax rates/accounts:

    • Download the CSV template provided.

    • Fill in your tax rate/accounts information in the CSV.

This is the information needed to upload tax rates:

This is the information needed to upload accounts

Tip: Save your file as “CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited)” to prevent broken characters (especially for non-English names).

6. Uploading the CSV File 2:36

  • Once your CSV file is ready:

    • Return to the tax rates/accounts table.

    • Click on 'Import'.

    • Attach your completed CSV template.

7. Verifying Uploaded Tax Rates/accounts 2:50

  • Check the tax rates table to confirm that the tax codes from the CSV have been successfully uploaded.

8. Finalizing Setup 3:04

  • After adding your accounts and tax rates, proceed to your invoice processing view to start uploading invoices.

  • Notice how you will be able to select the available tax rates and accounts in the invoice info

Cautionary Notes

  • Ensure that the CSV file is formatted correctly to avoid upload errors.

  • Double-check tax rates for accuracy before finalizing uploads.

  • Field length limits (non-integrated entities):

    • For entities not connected to an accounting software, Tofu supports up to 200 characters for Account Name and Contact Name fields.

    • ⚠️ Some downstream systems enforce shorter limits. If you plan to export this data later, keep names concise to avoid “value too long” import errors.

  • CSV encoding best practice:

    • When saving your file from Microsoft Excel, always choose “CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited)” to prevent broken or unreadable characters—especially for non-English or multilingual names.

Tips for Efficiency

  • Use the CSV template for bulk uploads to save time.

  • Regularly update your tax rates to reflect any changes in tax laws.

We also have instructions on how to do the import specifically for QBO users, please head on to this article.

✨Improvements & Enhancements


🗂️ CSV Encoding Detection — Help Guide

Tofu now includes improved automatic encoding detection to ensure smooth and accurate CSV imports. This guide explains how the feature works and what you can expect when uploading CSV files.


🔍 How Encoding Detection Works

  • Tofu automatically scans your CSV file when uploaded.

  • The system identifies the correct text encoding (e.g., UTF-8, ASCII).

  • Manual selection is still available if needed, but rarely required.

  • As long as the CSV uses a standard encoding format, the system will process it correctly.


🌐 Multilingual Character Support

Tofu can handle CSV files containing various language characters, such as:

  • Other non-Latin or regional characters

  • Mixed-language content in the same file

This ensures smooth imports for users working with international suppliers or multilingual accounting data.


🧠 Benefits of Enhanced Encoding Detection

  • No manual encoding checks needed—Tofu identifies the format for you.

  • Reduces data corruption caused by incorrect encoding.

  • Supports global teams who work with diverse languages.

  • Saves time by ensuring the upload “just works” on the first try.

  • Improves reliability across all CSV imports.


💡 Tips for Uploading CSV Files

  • Ensure the CSV follows standard formatting.

  • If the preview looks incorrect, try selecting a different encoding manually.

  • For multilingual files, confirm characters appear correctly in the preview.

  • Reach out to support if you encounter any unexpected character issues.

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