Tally XML is the XML-based data format Tally Prime and Tally.ERP 9 use to import and export vouchers, masters, and other accounting data. It follows an ENVELOPE > TALLYMESSAGE > VOUCHER structure.

How do I import Tally XML in Tally Prime?

Open Tally Prime, go to Gateway of Tally > Import > Vouchers, select the XML file, and confirm. The vouchers are created from the VOUCHER elements in the file.

What is the structure of a Tally XML file?

A Tally XML file has an outer ENVELOPE, one or more TALLYMESSAGE blocks, and inside each TALLYMESSAGE a VOUCHER element with DATE, LEDGER, AMOUNT and voucher type (Payment/Receipt) details.

Tally XML Format Explained - How Tally XML Import Works

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If you work with Tally Prime or Tally.ERP 9, you have probably heard the term Tally XML. It is the file format Tally uses to exchange accounting data — vouchers, ledgers, stock items, and more — with external software and other Tally installations. Understanding Tally XML is the key to importing bank statements, automating data entry, and integrating your accounting workflow.

What Is Tally XML?

Tally XML is an XML document that follows Tally's own tag vocabulary. It is not a generic XML schema — Tally reads specific tags like TALLYMESSAGE, VOUCHER, LEDGER and AMOUNT and interprets them as accounting entries.

The most common use is importing vouchers: a Tally XML file containing Payment and Receipt vouchers can be imported directly, turning a bank statement into Tally entries in seconds instead of typing each transaction by hand.

Tally XML Structure: The Three-Layer Format

Every Tally XML file for voucher import follows the same three-layer structure:

Layer	Tag	What It Contains
1 — Root	`ENVELOPE`	One file-level wrapper around all data
2 — Message	`TALLYMESSAGE`	One block per transaction / voucher
3 — Voucher	`VOUCHER`	The actual entry: type, date, ledgers, amounts

Here is what a minimal Tally XML file looks like:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<ENVELOPE>
  <HEADER>
    <TALLYREQUEST>Import Data</TALLYREQUEST>
  </HEADER>
  <BODY>
    <IMPORTDATA>
      <TALLYMESSAGE>
        <VOUCHER VCHTYPE="Payment">
          <DATE>20260715</DATE>
          <NARRATION>Rent payment</NARRATION>
          <ALLLEDGERENTRIES.LIST>
            <LEDGERNAME>Rent A/c</LEDGERNAME>
            <AMOUNT>-50000</AMOUNT>
            <LEDGERNAME>Bank A/c</LEDGERNAME>
            <AMOUNT>50000</AMOUNT>
          </ALLLEDGERENTRIES.LIST>
        </VOUCHER>
      </TALLYMESSAGE>
    </IMPORTDATA>
  </BODY>
</ENVELOPE>

Key rule: In each ledger entry, the debit side has a negative amount and the credit side has a positive amount. Voucher types are “Payment” (outgoing) and “Receipt” (incoming).

Common Tally XML Voucher Types

Payment — money going out (bank debit). Debit an expense/party ledger, credit the bank.
Receipt — money coming in (bank credit). Debit the bank, credit the customer/income ledger.
Contra — transfer between two bank/cash ledgers.
Journal — adjustment entries.
Sales / Purchase — invoice-based entries with stock and tax.

How to Import Tally XML in Tally Prime

Open the company in Tally Prime and make sure the target ledgers exist (bank, expense, customer, etc.).
Go to Gateway of Tally → Import → Vouchers.
Select your .xml file and click import.
Tally reads the file, validates the vouchers, and shows the result. Review any error messages.
Confirm import. Your bank statement transactions are now Tally entries.

Common Tally XML Import Errors and Fixes

Error	Why It Happens	Fix
Ledger not found	The voucher references a ledger that does not exist in the company	Create the ledger first or map it to an existing one
Invalid date format	Dates must be YYYYMMDD with no separators	Format dates as e.g. 20260715
Amount sign error	Debit must be negative, credit positive	Correct the amount signs in the XML
Duplicate voucher	The same entry already exists	Remove duplicates or import with overwrite option
Voucher type invalid	Unsupported or misspelled VCHTYPE	Use Payment, Receipt, Contra, Journal, Sales, or Purchase

Why Generate Tally XML Instead of Typing Entries

✓ Eliminates manual voucher entry and typos
✓ Import 100+ bank statement transactions in seconds
✓ Consistent Payment/Receipt mapping across clients
✓ Frees CA and accounts staff hours every reconciliation cycle

Convert Bank Statement to Tally XML Automatically

Upload your PDF bank statement and download Tally-ready XML with correct ENVELOPE > TALLYMESSAGE > VOUCHER structure. Supports SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis & 100+ banks.

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Tally XML Format Explained: Structure & Import Guide