What Is Field Mapping?
Field mapping connects the columns in your uploaded file to the data fields TaxReceipt.app needs (donor name, amount, date, etc.). Accurate mapping ensures every receipt is populated correctly.
Auto-Mapping
When you upload a file the system scans column headers and automatically maps them to known fields. For example, a column named donation_amount maps to the Amount field. Each mapped column also gets a confidence badge (High, Medium, Low, or Manual) so you can see at a glance which guesses are worth double-checking before you continue -- a Low badge is a hint to verify that column rather than trust it blindly.
Auto-mapping works best when your headers follow common naming conventions. See CSV Format for recognized header names.
Two buttons above the mapping table give you a fast reset in either direction: Auto Map re-runs the header-matching logic against every column, and Manual Setup clears all mappings so you can build them from scratch. Unmapped columns are highlighted in red and skipped columns in grey so you can scan the table for what still needs attention.
Manual Mapping
If a column is not auto-mapped, or if the auto-map is incorrect:
- Click the dropdown next to the unmapped column.
- Select the target field from the list.
- Repeat for each unmapped column.
You can also set a column to Skip if it contains data you do not need on the receipt.
Custom Fields
If a column does not fit any standard donor or donation field, you do not have to skip it. In the unmapped-columns list, click Create Custom Field, type a name, and the column becomes a new custom field on the mapping table -- stored and searchable alongside the standard fields on every receipt record.
Handling Missing Fields
- Required fields (donor name, amount, date) must be mapped or the import will not proceed.
- Optional fields can be left unmapped. The corresponding placeholder on the receipt will be blank or use a default value.
- If your file lacks an email column, email delivery will be unavailable for that batch. You can still download receipts as PDFs.
Saving an Import Template
Once you are happy with the mapping, save it as an import template so you can reuse it next time. The toolbar above the mapping table suggests a name automatically (based on your file name and the current month), or you can type your own, then click Save Template. If you loaded an existing template and changed the mapping, the button instead reads Update Template so you can overwrite the one you started from, or Save as New to keep the original and create a second template. An unsaved-changes indicator appears whenever the current mapping no longer matches what was last saved.
On future uploads, select the saved template from the toolbar dropdown and the mapping applies automatically -- no manual work required.
See Import Templates for more on managing saved templates.
Tips
- Preview the first few rows after mapping to confirm data looks correct.
- If your source system changes column order, re-upload and update the template.
- For large files (500+ rows), mapping is locked once background validation begins.
Related
- CSV Format -- column requirements and naming conventions
- Import Templates -- managing saved mapping templates