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NOTE: A sample import file is included with the software to assist you in creating your spreadsheet.  This can be located at the following file location: "C:\Program Files\Best Software\FAS Asset Accounting\sample_import.xls".

IMPORT FILE MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Save file as Excel spreadsheet 4.0 worksheet or Comma Separated Values (.CSV).
2. Format all columns to General Text and for date columns, set to Custom and enter: MM/DD/YYYY.
3. Import file must include 5 critical fields:
   1. Property Type
   2. Place in Service Date
   3. Acquisition Value - Format will be a number with a decimal point, no commas, and no dollar signs.
   4. Estimated Life - Format sample:  0506 for 5 years and 6 months and 1000 for 10 years.
   5. Depreciation Method: Format sample: 
      • MF200 needs to be in two separate columns MF the Depreciation Method in one, 200 the Depreciation Percentage in another. 
      • SL and other other methods that do not involve percentage can be setup in one column.

HOW TO IMPORT ENDING ACCUMULATION:

• Requires 3 separate fields on the import file, Begin Thru Date, Begin YTD, Begin Accum:
  1. Begin Thru Date - Ending date for the accumulation.
     • Example:  If importing ending Accum for 12/2004, the column needs to have "12/31/2004".
  2. Begin YTD - This column is Year-to-Date calculation.
     • Example:  If importing ending Accum for 12/2004, the column needs to have year to date calculation, i.e.- The amount of depreciation calculated from 1/2004 - 12/2004.
  3. Begin Accum - Ending depreciation accumulation as of 12/31/2004.

NOTE: Begin YTD is not required. If there is a Begin Thru Date there must be a Begin Accum amount to go with it.

HOW TO FIX OR AVOID COMMON ERRORS:

1. Unknown Depreciation Method - Separate depreciation method and depreciation percent into two columns.
2. Critical Fields Missing - Insure the map contains the above list critical fields for each books being imported.
3. Invalid Life Format - Check the estimated life format and or check rules to verify if life is valid for it's use.
4. Beginning Accumulation must not be zero - If there is a Beginning thru date, there must be an amount in the Beginning accumulation field. Clear out beginning date or Insert an accumulation amount into begin Accum field.
5. Beginning Accumulation must not exceed depreciable basis - Beginning accumulation must not exceed acquisition cost of the asset. In the case where the asset being imported has a Section 179 amount or is using a Section 168(k) Allowance depreciation method, both of which lower the depreciable basis, the beginning accumulation cannot include those amounts.

NOTE: Please see Appendix F "Import Helper" section of FAS Asset Accounting User's Guide for more information on the import process.