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IOLTA Three-Way Reconciliation
Template — Excel

A complete Excel workbook for performing the monthly three-way trust account reconciliation required by bar rules. Free to download and use.

IOLTA Three-Way Reconciliation Template

Excel workbook (.xlsx) · 3 sheets · Free

  • Monthly three-way reconciliation form (Legs 1, 2 & 3)
  • Per-client / per-matter ledger tracker with running balance
  • Automatic balance calculations — just fill in the blue cells
  • Signature block for supervising attorney sign-off
  • Step-by-step instructions included
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What's Inside the Template

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Sheet 1: Three-Way Reconciliation

The monthly form. Enter your bank statement balance, deposits in transit, outstanding checks, and each client matter balance. The form calculates all three legs and shows whether you're in balance.

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Sheet 2: Client Ledger

One copy per client matter. Records every deposit and disbursement with a running balance. Warns you that a client balance must never drop below $0 — a bar rule requirement.

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Sheet 3: Instructions

Plain-language explanation of three-way reconciliation, how to use each sheet, what cells to fill in, and record-retention reminders. Written for attorneys, not accountants.

What Is Three-Way Reconciliation?

Standard bank reconciliation matches two numbers: your records against the bank statement. IOLTA three-way reconciliation adds a third — the sum of every individual client matter balance. Bar rules in every state require all three to match at the end of each month.

Leg 1

Adjusted Bank Balance

Bank statement balance + deposits in transit − outstanding checks

Leg 2

Book Balance

Your check register balance as of the statement close date

Leg 3

Client Ledger Total

Sum of every individual client matter balance — must equal Legs 1 and 2

If all three match, the reconciliation is complete. If they don't, there is a discrepancy that must be found and corrected before you can sign off. Most states require the signed reconciliation to be completed monthly and retained for five or more years.

Tired of doing this in Excel?

IOLTATrusts does three-way reconciliation automatically

Every month, IOLTATrusts generates all three legs, checks that they balance, and produces a signed reconciliation report — in one click. No spreadsheets. No manual client ledger math. No missed steps.

Three-way reconciliation generated automatically
Per-client sub-ledgers always up to date
Negative balance hard-block (prevents commingling)
Signed report ready to file — one click
Audit report package for bar examiners
Syncs to QuickBooks Online automatically
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