Bank reconciliation template (free Excel, CSV and printable)
A bank reconciliation proves that the balance in your books matches the bank statement. Download the spreadsheet (enter the balances and the uncleared items, and it calculates the difference) or print the blank form below.
How the reconciliation works
- Statement side. Start with the ending balance on the bank statement. Add deposits in transit (recorded in your books, not yet on the statement). Subtract outstanding checks and payments (recorded, not yet cleared). The result is the adjusted bank balance.
- Books side. Start with the ending balance in your ledger for the same date. Add anything the bank recorded that you have not, such as interest earned. Subtract bank fees and other bank-only charges. The result is the adjusted book balance.
- Compare. The two adjusted balances should be equal. If they are not, the difference cell shows by how much.
Printable form
| Line | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| A | Ending balance per bank statement | |
| + | Deposits in transit (list each) | |
| − | Outstanding checks and payments (list each) | |
| B | Adjusted bank balance | |
| C | Ending balance per books (same date) | |
| + | Interest or deposits on the statement, not yet in the books | |
| − | Bank fees and charges not yet in the books | |
| D | Adjusted book balance | |
| B − D | Difference (should be 0.00) | |
| Prepared by: ____________ Date: ____________ Reviewed by: ____________ | ||
When the difference is not zero
- Check whether the difference equals a single transaction, or exactly half of one (a transaction entered on the wrong side)
- Look for two digits swapped in a number, for example 540 recorded as 450 (the difference is divisible by 9)
- Make sure every item from the previous reconciliation that was outstanding has either cleared or is still listed
- Confirm that the statement dates and the ledger date match
- Check for fees, interest, returned payments and transfers between accounts that were not recorded
Onboarding a new client first? Use the client intake form template.
Reconciliation is one step of the monthly close. See the month-end close checklist and the guide to a 3-day close. If a transaction has no support, see what to do about missing receipts. The usual delay is waiting for clients' statements and answers, which is what DocNag is for.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bank reconciliation?
It is a check that the balance in your books matches the balance on the bank statement for the same date, once timing differences such as uncleared checks and deposits in transit are accounted for.
How often should I reconcile?
Monthly is the usual minimum, done as part of the month-end close. Accounts with many transactions are often checked more often.
What if the difference is not zero?
Look for a transposed number, a missed or duplicated transaction, a bank fee or interest not yet recorded, or an item entered on the wrong date. Work from the difference: if it equals one transaction, that is probably the culprit.
Do I need this if I use QuickBooks or Xero?
The software has its own reconciliation screen. A template is still useful for accounts you track outside the software, for a second check, or to show a client how the numbers tie out.
This is a general checklist to help you gather paperwork, not tax or legal advice. Rules and thresholds change and depend on your situation, so confirm details with a qualified preparer or the IRS.