How to Migrate from MYOB to Xero

Complete MYOB to Xero migration guide. What data transfers, what breaks, payroll implications & step-by-step instructions.

Estimated time: 2-4 hoursDifficulty: Moderate
MyobXero
What this guide coversThis guide walks you through every stage of this migration for Australian businesses. You will learn what data transfers automatically, what requires manual import via CSV, and how to handle AU-specific requirements like BAS reporting periods, STP finalisation and bank feed reconnection.

What Transfers & What Doesn’t

Not everything moves across automatically. Use this table to plan your migration scope.

Data TypeAuto Transfer?Notes
Chart of AccountsYesCSV export from MYOB, import to Xero
ContactsYesBulk CSV import
InvoicesPartialOutstanding invoices only — historical invoices as PDF archive
BillsPartialOutstanding bills — historical as archive
Bank TransactionsNoRe-import via bank feed from conversion date
Payroll DataNoManual YTD entry required — critical for STP
BAS HistoryNoKeep MYOB read-only access for historical BAS
Bank Feed ConnectionsNoRe-establish in Xero — takes 1-3 business days

Step-by-Step Migration Guide

  1. Step 1

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  2. Step 2

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  3. Step 3

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  4. Step 4

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  5. Step 5

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  6. Step 6

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  7. Step 7

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  8. Step 8

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

  9. Step 9

    Follow the detailed instructions for this step of the migration process. Ensure all data is verified before proceeding to the next step.

Pre-Migration Checklist

  • Reconcile all bank accounts up to the conversion date
  • Lodge all outstanding BAS and IAS returns
  • Finalise and lodge STP report for the current pay period
  • Export key reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, Trial Balance) as PDFs
  • Back up your data to an external drive and cloud storage
  • Notify your BAS agent or bookkeeper about the planned switch date
Caution: Mid-Year Migration & STP ImplicationsSwitching software mid-financial year introduces risk around Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting. If you migrate between 1 Jul and 30 Jun, you must finalise an STP event in your old system before cutting over, then lodge a “Year to Date” event in the new system with carried-forward figures.