# Line item coding in Sage Intacct for builders

Sage Intacct has line item coding built in. A builder's job cost report is only right if every bill reaches the correct project and department. One wrong job code moves cost from one project to another and hides a loss.

## Why it matters for builders

- One supplier invoice often covers several jobs. A hardware or hire statement may carry 15 lines for 6 different projects.
- Subcontractor claims mix labour, materials, variations and retention. Each part needs its own code and GST treatment.

## For builders in Sage Intacct

- Create the project in Projects > All > Projects and add tasks from the standard task catalog to build the work breakdown structure. Commitments and bills can be linked to the project.
- Cost types come from the Standard Cost Type Catalog under Projects > Setup > Cost Types. A cost type can be added to a project only from the catalog. After adding it you can edit it but you cannot change its ID.
- Use the task ID as the cost code. Build a template project with tasks and IDs that match your cost codes, then duplicate it for each new job so every bill line is coded to the same cost codes.

## What Sage Intacct does on its own

Each bill line takes a GL account, tax detail and dimensions.

A Default expense account on the vendor record prefills the Account field. It is one account per vendor.

What you need and the setup steps: https://www.pulsify.tech/line-item-coding-for-sage-intacct/

## Example

Example Hire Co sends one invoice for plant hire used on two jobs.

- Excavator 5 tonne, job 214, 4 days: $2,000.00 (Coded to job 214, cost code 3100 plant hire)
- Scissor lift, job 188, 2 days: $900.00 (Coded to job 188, cost code 3100 plant hire)
- Fuel and cleaning fee, job 214: $180.00 (Coded to job 214, cost code 3190 sundries)

Each line is coded to its own job and cost code, so job 214 shows $2,180 of cost and job 188 shows $900 before GST.

## Common mistakes

- Coding a whole invoice to one job to save time, then correcting it at month end.
- Using different cost codes for the same type of cost on different jobs, so job reports cannot be compared.

## Step-by-step guides for Sage Intacct

- How to enter a bill with line items in Sage Intacct: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/enter-a-supplier-bill-with-line-items-in-sage-intacct/
- How to code one bill to several GL account codes in Sage Intacct: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/code-one-bill-to-several-accounts-in-sage-intacct/
- How to set a default GL account for each vendor in Sage Intacct: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/set-a-default-account-for-each-supplier-in-sage-intacct/
- How to bulk change account codes on bill records in Sage Intacct: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/bulk-change-account-codes-on-bills-in-sage-intacct/
- How to code a bill with mixed GST lines in Sage Intacct: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/code-a-bill-with-mixed-gst-lines-in-sage-intacct/

## What Pulsify adds

Pulsify reads each line and suggests its GL account and tax detail from how that vendor was coded before. Pulsify connects to Sage Intacct. We set up the connection for you. More: https://www.pulsify.tech/automated-line-item-coding/

## Common questions

### Where do cost types come from in Sage Intacct Construction?

From the Standard Cost Type Catalog under Projects > Setup > Cost Types. A cost type can be added to a project only from that catalog. You can edit it on the project afterwards but you cannot change its ID.

### How do builders code a bill that covers several jobs?

Split it by line to each job and cost code when the bill is entered. Use the delivery docket or site name on the invoice to choose the job, and add a note where the supplier shows no job reference.

### Can Sage Intacct split a bill line by percentage?

Yes, with transaction allocations. Create a definition under General Ledger > Allocations > Transaction allocations, then pick the Allocation template on the bill line. You can also just add lines with different Department or Location.

## Sources

- https://www.intacct.com/ia/docs/en_US/help_action/Construction/construction-project-basics.htm
- https://www.intacct.com/ia/docs/en_US/help_action/Construction/cost_types/define-standard-cost-type.htm
- https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/preparing-lodging-and-paying/reports-and-returns/taxable-payments-annual-report/work-out-if-you-need-to-lodge-a-tpar/building-and-construction-services

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