How to Export a Trial Balance from Xero

Exporting your trial balance from Xero is the fastest way to get your accounts ready for CT600 filing. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to do it.

> Prefer automatic import? Connect your Xero account and TinyTax fetches your trial balance in one click.

What You'll Need

Before starting, ensure you have:

• Xero login credentials with reporting access
• Your accounting period end date
• Completed bookkeeping for the period

Step 1: Log Into Xero

Navigate to login.xero.com and sign in to your account. Select the correct organisation if you have multiple companies.

Step 2: Access Reports

From the main dashboard:

1. Click Accounting in the top menu
2. Select Reports from the dropdown
3. Find Trial Balance in the list (or search for it)

Step 3: Set the Report Date

Configure your trial balance:

1. Set the Date to your accounting period end date
2. For example: 31 March 2025
3. Ensure this matches your CT600 accounting period

> Important: The trial balance date must exactly match your corporation tax accounting period end date.

Step 4: Export to Excel

With the correct date set:

1. Click Export in the top right
2. Select Excel or CSV format
3. Save the file to your computer

The exported file will contain all your account codes, names, and balances.

Step 5: Review Before Importing

Check your trial balance for:

Balance check:

• Total debits should equal total credits
• The balance should be zero

Common issues:

• Suspense account with balance (clear this first)
• Bank reconciliation incomplete
• Unposted transactions

Importing to TinyTax

Once you have your Xero export:

1. Start your CT600 filing in TinyTax
2. Click Import Trial Balance
3. Select Xero as your source
4. Upload your exported file
5. TinyTax maps accounts automatically

Our system recognises standard Xero account codes and maps them to the correct CT600 boxes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Trial balance doesn't balance"

• Check for unposted draft invoices
• Complete bank reconciliation
• Review suspense account entries

"Wrong period"

• Ensure year-end date is correct in the report
• Check your accounting period settings in Xero

"Missing accounts"

• Some accounts may have zero balances
• Ensure "Show accounts with zero balance" is unchecked in Xero (or checked, depending on your needs)

Alternative: Manual Entry

If you can't export, you can manually enter your figures into TinyTax:

• Turnover (Box 145)
• Cost of sales
• Administrative expenses
• Other income
• Fixed assets values

However, trial balance import is faster and reduces errors.

Year-End Checklist

Before exporting your final trial balance:

• All invoices posted
• Bank accounts reconciled
• Depreciation journals entered
• Prepayments and accruals adjusted
• Stock valuation updated
• Director loan accounts reviewed

Next Steps After Export

With your trial balance exported:

1. Import to TinyTax - Upload the file
2. Review mappings - Check accounts are correctly categorised
3. Add adjustments - Enter any tax-specific adjustments
4. Generate CT600 - TinyTax calculates your tax
5. File with HMRC - Submit directly from TinyTax

Key Takeaways

• Export trial balance from Xero's Accounting > Reports menu
• Set the date to match your CT600 accounting period
• Export as Excel or CSV format
• TinyTax automatically maps Xero account codes
• Complete all year-end adjustments before exporting