QuickBooks HelpQuickBooksHelpIntuit

Create journal entries in QuickBooks Online

by Intuit•38• Updated a day ago

Journal entries record a transaction without using a standard form, like an invoice or bill. Each journal entry’s total debits and total credits must be equal. Use a journal entry to track income or expenses, or to move money from another account into an income or expense account.

Prerequisites

Before creating a journal entry, make sure you understand the basics of debits and credits in accounting. If you're not certain, consult your accountant to avoid errors.

Create a journal entry

Follow these steps to record a new journal entry.

  1. Select + New or + Create.
  2. Select Journal entry.
  3. On the first line, select an account from the Account field.
  4. Enter the amount in either the Debits or Credits column.
  5. On the next line, select the other account you're moving money between.
  6. Enter the same amount in the opposite column to balance the debits and credits.
    Note: The system may enter the same amount in the opposite column on the other line.
  7. Repeat as needed, making sure to balance the debits and credits between accounts.
  8. Add a description in the Memo section to explain the reason for the journal entry.
  9. Select Save and new or Save and close.
Have any other questions for our team?

If any of your questions were left unanswered, we'd love to hear them!
Pop over to our QuickBooks Community's discussion on bookkeeping processes where you can ask your questions, have them answered by qualified QuickBooks Online experts, and hopefully help others with the same questions out in the process.

Result

After you save the journal entry, the transaction is recorded in the accounts you selected. You can view the entry in the account history or run a Journal report to see all journal entries.

Related links

QuickBooks Online EssentialsQuickBooks Online PlusQuickBooks Online Simple Start