ConvertExcel2TXF Quick Start Guide

Here's a quick tutorial for using ConvertExcel2TXF to get your trades from your broker into your tax software 

This tutorial will guide you step by step through the process of exporting your Excel transactions to a TXF file which can then be easily imported into TurboTax, TaxCut, or just about any other tax software. I think you'll find that this program is straightforward and easy to use. But, if you run into any problems, or have any questions, send me an email.

Step 1: Open the Excel file ConvertExcel2TXF.xls.  Note that you won't actually be directly using this workbook - you just need to have it open while you're working in your own Excel file where you record your capital gains transactions. This allows the main macro to be accessible from your Excel file. When the file opens you will be asked whether or not you want to enable the macros in the file. You must enable macros for the program to work.
[Note: If you are uneasy about running an unsigned macro from your computer, just send me an email with your spreadsheet attached . I'll run the conversion for you and then send you the resulting TXF file.]

Don't have Excel?

You'll need to purchase the stand-alone java version, ConvertCSV2TXF instead. If you already paid for the Excel version, just ask for a refund.

Excel 97 or earlier:

You need to have at least Excel 2000, but you could use the stand-alone java version, ConvertCSV2TXF instead. If you already paid for the Excel version, just ask for a refund.

Excel 2000, XP, 2003:

When you open the ConvertExcel2TXF, you'll get a "Security Warning" popup asking you to Enable or Disable macros. You must choose "Enable Macros". If you do not get the security warning popup, you'll need to change your security settings:

  • From the Excel menu, select Tools > Macro > Security…
  • In the 'Security Level' screen make sure that 'Medium' is selected. This will cause Excel to prompt you to decide whether or not to run a particular macro.

Excel 2007:

Similar to older versions of Excel, when you open ConvertExcel2TXF, you'll get a "Security Warning" popup. However, it is not as obvious as it used to be, and it will disapear if you don't address it right away. You'll find it at the top of the workbook. Click the 'Options...' button and then select 'Enable this content' and click Ok. If you aren't given the option to enable the macros, you'll need to change your security settings:

  • Click the Office button (top left corner) and select Excel Options.
  • Select Trust Center from the left side menu and then click the Trust Center Settings... button.
  • Select Macro Settings from the left side menu and then check the box next to Disable all macros WITH notification. This will cause Excel to prompt you to decide whether or not to run a particular macro.


Step 2: Open your Excel file that contains your capital gains transactions. Check out our broker page to find specific instructions for downloading the file from your broker. If you don't see your broker listed, send me an email and I'll help you get it figured out.

Step 3: You may need to add a few columns to your worksheet before proceeding. You need to ensure that you at least have the following required columns, which correspond to the required entries on tax form Schedule D. The order of the columns is not important, and any additional columns are not a problem.

If your file has a separate line for each buy and sell order, you will need to purchase and run the MatchBuySell macro first to match up your individual orders.

Step 4: Within your Excel file, select Tools > Macro > Macros… In the list of macros select the name "ConvertExcel2TXF.xls!Run" and then click "Run".

A dialogue will then open prompting you to select the beginning and ending rows, as well as the columns for each of the required fields. For the beginning and ending rows, you only need to select one cell anywhere in the row. For the data columns, you only need to select one cell anywhere in the appropriate column. To enable the selection mode just click the small square in the right side of the input box that you are trying to fill. [Note: If your quantity and description are already combined into a single column, just leave the "Quantity Column" box blank.]

Step 5: When all of the required input boxes have been filled, click on the "Generate TXF File" button. You will then be prompted with a standard Windows "Save As" dialogue to select a name and location for your tax file. A suggested filename is given, but you are free to change it as long as you keep the .txf extension.

Step 6: Now just follow your tax software's instructions to import the TXF file from the saved location that you chose in the previous step. After the import is complete, you should then do a quick spot check of a few transactions just to make sure everything looks right.  And that’s it! You're all done!

Purchase ConvertExcel2TXF now for only$5.00See Excel2TXF Purchase Options!

If you have any questions or comments, send me an email.




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