# Line item coding for Sage 50

Sage 50 has line item coding built in. Pulsify reads each line and suggests its nominal code and VAT code (T-code) from how that supplier was coded before.

Line item coding means giving every line on a supplier bill its own nominal code, VAT code (T-code) and tracking, not one code for the whole bill.

## What Sage 50 does on its own

Each line on the Batch invoice window carries its own N/C (nominal code), Dept, tax code and net amount. A supplier record can hold a default nominal code and department that fill in on new lines. Posted entries can be changed one at a time from the Transactions list.

- Department is not in Sage 50 Accounts Essentials.

## What you need in Sage 50

- Sage 50 Accounts (UK)
- Department is not in Sage 50 Accounts Essentials

## Setting it up in Sage 50

Where to find it: Suppliers > Batch invoice

1. Open the supplier record and set the default N/C and Dept.
2. Go to Suppliers and select Batch invoice.
3. Add a line for each part of the cost with its N/C, Dept, Details, net amount and tax code.
4. Use the same account, date and Ref on every line of one invoice so they group together.
5. Check the batch totals and press Save.

## Good to know in Sage 50

- Splits are by lines you type. The window has no percentage split.
- To fix a coding error on a posted purchase invoice, open Transactions, choose Edit and change the N/C, Project Ref or Cost Code. No bulk recode tool was found.
- Project Ref and Cost Code on the line depend on your edition and on Project Costing being switched on.

## How to do it in Sage 50

### How to enter a purchase invoice with line items in Sage 50

In Sage 50, open a new purchase invoice, pick the supplier, add one line per invoice row with a nominal code and VAT code (T-code), then check the total matches the invoice. Full guide: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/enter-a-supplier-bill-with-line-items-in-sage-50/

### How to code one purchase invoice to several nominal codes in Sage 50

In Sage 50, add a line for each type of cost on the purchase invoice. Set a different nominal code and VAT code (T-code) on each line, then check the total matches the invoice. Full guide: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/code-one-bill-to-several-accounts-in-sage-50/

### How to set a default nominal code for each supplier in Sage 50

In Sage 50, open the supplier record and set a default nominal code and VAT code (T-code). New purchase invoice lines will start with those and you can change any line. Full guide: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/set-a-default-account-for-each-supplier-in-sage-50/

### How to bulk change account codes on purchase invoice records in Sage 50

No bulk recode tool for posted purchase invoices was found in Sage 50 Accounts (UK). Open each posted invoice from Transactions, choose Edit, change the N/C and save. Repeat for each transaction. Full guide: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/bulk-change-account-codes-on-bills-in-sage-50/

### How to code a purchase invoice with mixed VAT rates in Sage 50

In Sage 50, set the VAT code (T-code) on each line of the purchase invoice. Use 20%, 5%, zero-rated, exempt or reverse charge codes to match the invoice, then check the VAT total matches. Full guide: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/code-a-bill-with-mixed-vat-rates-in-sage-50/

## What Pulsify adds

1. Pulsify reads each invoice into individual line items.
2. Each line gets its own account and its own tax code.
3. The account comes from how that supplier's past bills were coded. The tax code comes from the rate printed on the line.
4. You check every value on an editable review screen before approval.
5. Bulk edit sets the account and tracking on every line of one invoice, or on many invoices at once.

Pulsify connects to Sage 50. We set up the connection for you.

What Pulsify does not do:

- Pulsify aims for 99% accuracy on account and tax coding per line. You still review before approval.
- Splits are by line amount. There are no percentage splits.

## Common questions

### Can Sage 50 split one supplier invoice across several nominal codes?

Yes. Add one line per nominal code on the Batch invoice window with the same account, date and reference. Sage groups them as one invoice. Each line has its own net amount and tax code.

### Does the supplier default nominal code change old invoices?

No. The default only fills in on new batch lines, and you can overwrite it. Posted invoices keep the code they were saved with unless you edit each transaction.

### Can I recode many posted purchase invoices at once in Sage 50?

No bulk recode tool for posted purchase invoices was found in Sage 50 Accounts UK. You edit each transaction from the Transactions list. Users mention a third-party Nominal Code Changer.

### Do I need to set up coding rules?

No. Pulsify learns from how your team coded past invoices for each supplier. A coding note in the forwarding email is followed first.

## Sources

- https://gb-kb.sage.com/portal/app/portlets/results/view2.jsp?k2dockey=200427112519282
- https://my.sage.co.uk/public/help/askarticle.aspx?articleid=6753
- https://communityhub.sage.com/gb/sage-50-accounts/f/general-discussion-uk/134208/change-nominal-code-also-transferring-activity-details

Source: https://www.pulsify.tech/line-item-coding-for-sage-50/ (last checked 2026-10-19)