Integration Guide

WhatsApp Integration with Tally

Connect Tally Prime and Tally ERP 9 — India's most-used accounting software — to WhatsApp Business API via Zaptilo. Send invoices, GST returns, payment reminders, and account statements on WhatsApp using TDL, ODBC, or simple file-watch bridges.

Why connect Tally to WhatsApp Business API?

  • Customers and clients receive invoices on WhatsApp instantly
  • Auto-reminders for overdue payments — no manual follow-up
  • GST return summaries auto-shared with clients (great for CAs)
  • Statement of accounts on WhatsApp — quarterly auto-blast
  • INR billing, GST invoice, no monthly subscription

Three integration approaches for Tally

Approach 1: Export-watch-send (easiest)

  1. Configure Tally to export invoice PDF / data on save
  2. Run a small Python or Node.js script that watches the export folder
  3. On new file: parse data, look up customer phone (from Tally master export), upload PDF to public URL
  4. Call Zaptilo's /api/send/template with the URL and customer data

Approach 2: ODBC + scheduled query

  1. Enable Tally's ODBC server (built-in, port 9000 by default)
  2. Connect from Python (pyodbc) or Node.js (odbc) to query invoices, customers, balances
  3. Schedule a daily/hourly query that finds new invoices or overdue balances
  4. For each match: call Zaptilo's API

Approach 3: TDL custom add-on (most integrated)

  1. Write a TDL (Tally Definition Language) component that adds a "Send via WhatsApp" button
  2. TDL calls a local HTTP endpoint or directly invokes CURL to Zaptilo
  3. User clicks the button on any voucher → invoice flies to WhatsApp

Approach 1 is fastest to set up; Approach 3 gives the smoothest user experience but requires TDL skills. See Python integration guide or Node.js integration guide for the bridge code.

Use cases

Invoice on save

Tally voucher saved → WhatsApp the customer with PDF + amount + due date

Payment reminders

Daily ODBC query finds invoices > 7/15/30 days overdue → WhatsApp reminder

GST returns to clients

CAs WhatsApp clients their GSTR-1 / GSTR-3B summaries automatically

Receipt confirmation

Receipt voucher posted → WhatsApp the customer with thank-you

Quarterly statements

Cron schedule sends statements of account to all customers

Outstanding report to MD

Daily WhatsApp to management with consolidated outstanding figure

Frequently asked questions

Can Tally Prime send WhatsApp messages?

Tally doesn't have native WhatsApp Business API support. To send WhatsApp from Tally, you build a bridge using one of: (1) TDL (Tally Definition Language) custom add-on that exports invoice data, (2) ODBC connection that lets external scripts query Tally data, or (3) export to XML/Excel and watch the folder. The bridge then calls Zaptilo's WhatsApp API.

What's the easiest way to connect Tally to WhatsApp?

Most Tally users export invoices to PDF or Excel and have a small Python/Node.js script watch the folder, parse the data, and call Zaptilo. For Tally Prime users with TDL skills, a custom TDL component can call Zaptilo directly via HTTP.

Does Tally Prime support webhooks?

Tally Prime has a 'Connected Services' feature with limited webhook capability for some events. For comprehensive integration, most users still rely on TDL customization or the export-and-watch approach.

What does it cost to send invoices via WhatsApp from Tally?

About ₹0.16-0.24 per invoice — Meta's Utility conversation rate (~₹0.12) plus Zaptilo's per-message markup (₹0.04-0.12). No monthly subscription. INR billing with GST invoice. Far cheaper than SMS-based reminders.

Can I send GST returns / GSTR-1 / GSTR-3B via WhatsApp from Tally?

Yes. Tally generates these as PDFs. Your bridge script can pick up the PDF, upload to a public URL, and send via Zaptilo using a Utility template. Auto-WhatsApp these to clients (if you're a CA) or to internal stakeholders.

Will Tally on multiple branches / company files all work?

Yes. Each Tally company can have its own export folder; the same bridge script watches all of them and routes messages with the company name in the template body.

Connect Tally to WhatsApp

Free signup. INR pricing. GST invoice. India-based support.

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See also: Busy · BookKeeper · Zoho Invoice · QuickBooks · All integrations