How to import receipts into Xero as bills (CSV)

Xero can import many bills at once from a CSV file. The template is strict — required columns start with an asterisk and dates must be DD/MM/YYYY — which is why most people give up and type receipts in by hand. TillSheet Pro produces that file for you.

1. Convert the receipts

Drop your receipts and invoices into TillSheet. Check each row's ✓ badge and fix anything marked ⚠. Set the category for each receipt — it decides the account code.

2. Download “Xero bills”

Choose your account codes (TillSheet pre-fills Xero's default chart: e.g. 420 Entertainment, 449 Motor Vehicle Expenses, 453 Office Expenses, 485 Subscriptions, 493 Travel) and type your tax rate names exactly as they appear in your Xero organisation (for example 20% (VAT on Expenses) in the UK or GST on Expenses in Australia).

3. Import into Xero

1. In Xero go to Business → Bills to pay.
2. Click Import, choose the CSV file.
3. When asked, choose Amounts are Tax exclusive — TillSheet writes net line amounts and a TaxAmount per line, so the bill total matches the receipt to the cent.
4. Review the draft bills and approve.

How TillSheet builds each bill

• One bill per receipt; the vendor becomes the contact (Xero creates new contacts automatically).
• Line items become bill lines when they add up to the subtotal; otherwise a single line with the net amount is used, so totals are never wrong.
• Tax is allocated across lines in proportion and the rounding remainder goes on the largest line. Tips are added as a separate untaxed line.
• Receipts without a number get a stable reference like VENDOR-20261009, and the due date defaults to the receipt date.

Reconciling against your bank? If you only have PDF bank or card statements, TidyLedger (our sister tool, same no-upload approach) turns them into CSV or QBO files Xero can import.

Last reviewed 2026-10-27. General information, not tax advice.