Updating the Chart of Accounts in Xero
Updating the Chart of Accounts in Xero
When re-importing, select "No" when asked if your file contains balances — this will prevent your existing balances from being overwritten.
You can only update either the account number or the account name in one import. To change both, complete the process in two separate imports.
Instructions to Export/Import Chart of Accounts
Delete / Archive Accounts in Xero
In Xero, you can either delete or archive accounts from the Chart of Accounts. We recommend archiving over deleting, as this allows you to easily restore accounts if needed later.
Best Practice:
Only archive accounts that have a $0 balance.
🔹 Bank and Credit Card Accounts:
If a bank or credit card account shows a statement balance but has no transactions, it may have been previously used and not closed properly. Before archiving, ensure any outstanding balances are cleared with the correct accounting entries.
🔹 Other Balance Sheet Accounts:
If these accounts show a balance, they’ve likely been used in the current or prior financial year. Post adjusting journals to bring the balance to $0 before archiving or deleting.
🔹 Income & Expense Accounts:
These can generally be archived without issue.
Instructions to Archive or Delete a Chart of Account
- In the Accounting menu, select Advanced, then click Chart of accounts.
- Select the checkbox for the account you want to delete or archive.
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