How to Share Tally Data with CA Safely: Security Checklist
How to Share Tally Data with CA Safely: Security Checklist
Learn how to share TallyPrime data with your Chartered Accountant safely. Secure backup creation, encryption, and read-only access settings.
Who is this for: Practice Growth
Sharing financial records with your Chartered Accountant is a standard part of tax filing and auditing.
However, sending unprotected backup files via email carries security risks like data leaks or overwriting existing company databases. This guide covers secure data transfer options, backup encryption steps, and remote access setups.
1. Data Sharing Options Comparison
| Sharing Method | Security Level | Audit Risk | Auditor Usability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email Unprotected Backup | Low | High (Data leakage / File corruption) | Good (Full data access) |
| Encrypted ZIP File | Medium | Low | Good (requires decryption password) |
| Read-Only Remote User | High | Zero (Data remains on company server) | Moderate (Requires active connection) |
| Secure Client Portal Sync | High | Zero | Excellent (Dynamic reports sync) |
2. Step-by-Step: Creating a Password-Protected ZIP Backup
If you need to email your Tally backup files:
- Create a backup in TallyPrime (Alt+Y > Backup) and locate the output folder.
- Right-click the backup folder and select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder (or use tools like 7-Zip).
- Add a strong password using AES-256 encryption.
- Email the encrypted ZIP archive, and share the decryption password via a separate channel (like SMS or WhatsApp) to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Granting Read-Only Remote Access to Your Auditor
Rather than sending database files, grant your CA remote access to your Tally company:
Go to Alt+K (Company) > User Roles, create a new role called Auditor Access, and set data modification options to disallow. Add a new user under this role, enter your CA's Tally.NET ID, and enable remote access. This allows your auditor to log in remotely, view transactions, and perform audits without editing data.
4. Reconciling Opening Balance Mismatches Post-Audit
After completing audits, the CA may suggest adjusting entries. To update your records without overwriting your database, ask your CA to export these adjusting journals as XML templates for direct import into Tally, ensuring your opening balances remain aligned.
Share Accounting Data Safely with Automated Portals
TrulyInvoice provides a secure portal to share transaction registers, bank statements, and tax templates with your CA, keeping your primary database secure.
Founder & Chief Architect of TrulyInvoice