Smart Map - AI Column Mapping

What this is

Smart Map is Aligned’s AI-powered column mapping feature. When you upload your own spreadsheet (rather than using the Aligned template), Smart Map reads your column headers and automatically suggests how they should map to HMRC’s required income and expense categories. This saves you from manually matching each column every time you upload.

What you see on screen

After uploading your spreadsheet, the Smart Map screen shows:

• Your spreadsheet columns listed on the left - these are the column headers from your file
• HMRC target fields listed on the right - these are the categories HMRC requires for your income type
• AI-suggested mappings shown as connections between your columns and the HMRC fields
• Confidence indicators showing how certain the AI is about each mapping (high, medium, or low)
• A preview of your data so you can verify the AI has read your spreadsheet correctly

How to use Smart Map

Review AI suggestions

1. After your file uploads, Smart Map analyses your column headers
2. Each of your columns is matched to the most likely HMRC field
3. Review each mapping - green indicators mean high confidence, amber means medium
4. Check the data preview to verify the numbers look correct

Adjust mappings manually

1. If a mapping is incorrect, click on it to change the target HMRC field
2. Use the dropdown to select the correct field from the list
3. If a column should not be mapped (e.g., notes or reference columns), set it to “Ignore”

Save a mapping profile

1. Once your mappings are correct, you can save them as a profile
2. Give the profile a name (e.g., “QuickBooks export” or “Monthly accounts”)
3. Next time you upload a file with the same column structure, Aligned will apply the saved profile automatically
4. You can have multiple profiles for different spreadsheet formats

Continue to review

Once all mappings are set, click Next to proceed to the review step.

Things to know

• Smart Map works best with clear column headers. If your columns are named things like “Income”, “Rent received”, or “Repairs”, the AI will map them accurately. Vague headers like “Column A” or “Data 1” may need manual adjustment.
• You can always adjust. Smart Map suggestions are just that - suggestions. You have full control to change any mapping before proceeding.
• Saved mapping profiles speed up repeat filings. If you use the same spreadsheet format each quarter, a saved profile means you skip the mapping step entirely on future uploads.
• The AI learns from common accounting patterns. It recognises standard bookkeeping software export formats and common accounting terminology.
• Unmapped columns are ignored. Any column you do not map to an HMRC field will not be included in the submission.

If something goes wrong

AI confidence is low on most mappings

Your column headers may be unusual or abbreviated. Manually map each column to the correct HMRC field, then save the profile so you only need to do this once.

A column is mapped to the wrong HMRC field

Click the mapping to change it. Use the dropdown to select the correct target field.

My spreadsheet columns changed since last time

If you change your spreadsheet structure, the saved profile may not apply correctly. Smart Map will detect the mismatch and suggest new mappings. Review them and save an updated profile.

“No data found in columns”

Check that your spreadsheet has data in the expected columns and that the first row contains headers, not data.

Related

• Uploading a Spreadsheet - how to upload your file
• Reviewing Before You Submit - checking mapped data before submission

FAQ

Does Smart Map work with any spreadsheet format?

Yes. Smart Map analyses whatever column headers you provide and suggests mappings. It works with exports from popular accounting software, custom spreadsheets, and bank statement exports.

Can I use Smart Map and the template together?

They are separate upload modes. If you use the Aligned template, the columns are already in the correct format and Smart Map is not needed. Smart Map is for when you use your own spreadsheet layout.

Is my mapping profile shared with anyone?

No. Your saved mapping profiles are private to your account. They are not shared with other users.

What HMRC fields does Smart Map map to?

The available HMRC fields depend on your income type. For self-employment, these include turnover, various expense categories, and disallowable amounts. For property income, they include rent received, property expenses, and allowable deductions.