How does a trial balance map to micro-entity accounts?
Short version. A trial balance lists individual ledger accounts. Micro-entity annual accounts combine those accounts into a smaller set of statutory headings. Software can suggest the grouping, but you must confirm ambiguous accounts, signs, property splits and retained earnings.
On this page
To upload your prepared figures, follow how to import Xero, QuickBooks or spreadsheet data for a CT600. That guide explains the import controls and lets you return here for the meaning of the filing headings.
1. Statutory headings
Sales usually map to Turnover. Direct materials and purchases map to Cost of raw materials and consumables. Wages, employer National Insurance and pensions map to Staff costs. Most remaining overheads map to Other charges. Fixed assets, current assets, creditors, provisions, share capital and retained earnings map to their balance-sheet headings.
One statutory heading can contain many ledger accounts. The importer adds all confirmed rows in pence, then rounds the destination total once when the filing field requires whole pounds.
2. Signs and totals
A trial balance normally shows debits and credits in separate columns. Income, liabilities and equity are usually credit balances, while expenses and assets are usually debit balances. Statement reports can print every cost as positive or use signed amounts. The importer asks you to confirm the convention when the layout is unclear.
Subtotals must not be added again when their detailed accounts are present. A summary total can be used when the file contains no underlying rows.
3. Choices you must make
An account name does not always establish its statutory or tax treatment. Other income may be trade income, interest or another type of income. A loan may be due within or after one year. A charitable payment may not qualify for relief. Mixed trade and property costs may need a customer-entered split.
Retained earnings need a separate check because some trial balances include the current result in equity and others do not. Compare the mapped equity rows, current profit and the balancing figure of net assets less share capital. Enter another prepared figure when those options do not match your accounts.
4. Check the result
Confirm that income less expenses agrees with the prepared profit before tax. On the balance sheet, net assets must equal total equity. A balanced sheet is one control, not proof that every classification is correct. Review the generated annual accounts and tax computation before authorising the filing.