# How to import purchase invoice records from a CSV into Sage 50

In Sage 50, use the import template for purchase invoice records. Fill one row per line, keep the same invoice number on every line of a bill, test with a few rows, then import.

Importing bills from a CSV means loading many supplier bills into your accounting system from one spreadsheet instead of typing each one.

## Before you start

- Sage 50 Accounts (UK)

## The Sage 50 way

Where to find it: File > Import

1. Take a backup first.
2. Use File > Import (Transaction CSV import) with a CSV or Excel-based file.
3. The supplier must already exist.
4. The Sage knowledgebase also describes entering supplier invoices by hand in a batch (Suppliers > Batch invoice). Lines with the same account, date and reference are grouped automatically, and a duplicate alert appears for an invoice that looks like one already entered.
5. For the import, a Sage community reply says to use the Audit Trail Transaction templates. The sample files sit in the Import Templates folder of the Sage Accounts install, and a search for Import in the help gives the layout.
6. Import a small test file first and check the audit trail before loading the full batch.

## Limits in Sage 50

- Edition and region decide the template.
- A Sage community reply says the core import only creates postings in the audit trail. It does not create the 'paper' invoice that you can progress through the invoicing module.
- Because the import posts directly, take a backup before you start and check the supplier account codes match records that already exist.

## Good to know in Sage 50

- The same KB article lets you record a payment against a batch invoice as you enter it, with Pay Date, Bank A/C and Pay Ref. Disputed invoices get a reason in the Disputed? column.
- A school-sector webinar for Sage 50 suggests using the supplier import template when you first set up the Suppliers ledger, then recording unpaid invoices in the first month with a nominal code on each.

## Common mistakes

- Importing before taking a backup.
- Importing for a supplier that does not exist yet.

## Common questions

### How do I import supplier invoices?

Take a backup first. Use File > Import (Transaction CSV import) with a CSV or Excel-based file. The supplier must already exist.

### Does the import layout vary?

Yes. Edition and region decide the template.

### Where do I learn the exact columns?

A Sage KB tip says supplier invoices can be imported from CSV or Excel and points to a how-do-I-import-data article. Check it for your edition.

### Can Pulsify import a CSV of bills?

No. Pulsify reads invoice documents. Forward each invoice to your Pulsify address and approve it.

## Sources

- https://gb-kb.sage.com/portal/app/portlets/results/viewsolution.jsp?solutionid=200427112601649&hypermediatext=null
- https://communityhub.sage.com/gb/sage-50-accounts/f/general-discussion-uk/271890/importing-data-from-excel/652626
- https://www.fssu.ie/app/uploads/2023/11/Sage-Webinar-Presentation-Slides-Using-the-Suppliers-Ledger-in-Sage-50-Nov-8th-23.pdf

Source: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/import-supplier-bills-from-a-csv-in-sage-50/ (last checked 2026-10-19)