How to Import Your Figures from a Spreadsheet into ThisQuarter
Bring your income and expenses into ThisQuarter from Excel or CSV — how the labelled import works, how to check the preview before applying it, and how it feeds straight into your quarterly update.
The short answer
To import figures, open Data Entry in ThisQuarter and click Import, then choose your Excel (.xlsx/.xls) or CSV file. ThisQuarter reads the labelled cells, matches them to the right fields, and shows an import review so you can check everything before it's applied. Confirm, and the figures flow into the quarterly wizard ready to review and submit — no retyping, preserving the MTD digital link.
If you already keep your figures in a spreadsheet, you don't have to retype them. ThisQuarter can import a labelled Excel or CSV file and feed the numbers straight into your quarterly update — keeping the MTD digital link intact.
Before you start
- Select the client in the client switcher (for individuals, that's you).
- Have your spreadsheet ready as Excel (.xlsx/.xls/.xlsm) or CSV/TSV.
- Make sure the cells are labelled so ThisQuarter can match them to fields.
Step by step
- Open Data Entry with your client selected.
- Click Import and choose your spreadsheet file.
- Check the import review — ThisQuarter shows exactly what it will bring in, field by field, before applying anything.
- Apply the import to load the figures into the quarterly wizard.
- Review and submit — check every field, confirm, and file to HMRC.
Why the preview matters
The import review is your safety net. It shows the matched values before they touch your figures, so you can spot a mislabelled cell or an unexpected number and fix your spreadsheet rather than filing something wrong. Nothing is applied until you confirm.
Keeping the digital link
MTD requires that figures reach HMRC without manual re-keying. Because the import carries your spreadsheet values straight into the submission, the digital link is preserved end to end — you get the convenience of your own spreadsheet with a compliant path to HMRC.
Troubleshooting
- "That's an Apple Numbers file": export it to Excel first (File → Export To → Excel), then import the .xlsx.
- A field didn't import: check the label in your spreadsheet matches what ThisQuarter expects, and that the cell contains a number.
- No obligations found: HMRC hasn't issued a quarterly obligation for the period yet — try again once it has.
Once imported, head to the guide on submitting a quarterly update to review and file your figures.
Step by step
- 1
Open Data Entry and select your client
In ThisQuarter, choose the client in the client switcher, then go to Data Entry. Importing acts on the selected client's business.
- 2
Click Import and choose your file
Click Import and pick your spreadsheet — Excel (.xlsx, .xls, .xlsm) or CSV/TSV. ThisQuarter reads the labelled cells and matches each to the correct income or expense field.
- 3
Check the import review
ThisQuarter shows a preview of exactly what will be brought in, field by field, before anything is applied. Check the values against your records so nothing unexpected lands in your figures.
- 4
Apply the import
Confirm to apply the import. The figures flow into the quarterly wizard for that business, exactly as if you'd typed them — but with the digital link preserved.
- 5
Review and submit
Open the quarterly update, review every field, tick the confirmation that you've checked the figures, and submit to HMRC.
Frequently asked questions
What file formats can I import?
Excel files (.xlsx, .xls, .xlsm) and CSV/TSV files. ThisQuarter matches your figures to fields by their labels, mirroring the familiar bridging-spreadsheet convention.
Can I import an Apple Numbers file?
Not directly. In Numbers, choose File → Export To → Excel, then import the resulting .xlsx. ThisQuarter will tell you if you try to import a Numbers file by mistake.
Does importing skip the review step?
No. Importing shows a preview of what will be brought in before it's applied, and the figures still go through the normal quarterly review screen — including the 'I have checked these figures' confirmation — before you can submit.
What if HMRC hasn't issued obligations yet?
You need an open quarterly obligation to file against. If HMRC hasn't issued one for the period yet, ThisQuarter will tell you to try again once it has. You can still keep your records ready in the meantime.
Does importing keep my records MTD-compliant?
Yes. Because the imported figures feed straight into the submission without manual retyping, the MTD digital link is preserved from your spreadsheet through to HMRC.
Related reading
How to Complete Your Final Declaration in ThisQuarter
The year-end step by step: add your non-business income and reliefs, trigger and review HMRC's tax calculation, and submit the final declaration that replaces the SA100 — all in ThisQuarter.
How to Review and Amend a Submitted Quarterly Update
How to correct a quarterly update you've already filed in ThisQuarter — unlocking the period, amending the cumulative figures, resubmitting to HMRC, or cancelling to restore the filed version.
How to Add a Client and Send an HMRC Authorisation Request
For accountants: how to add a client in ThisQuarter, pass HMRC's proof-of-knowledge check, and send an authorisation request so you can file for them under your Agent Services Account.