Create rules to speed up reviews in QuickBooks Self-Employed

Learn how to create and use rules to quickly categorise recent and past transactions

Do you regularly do business with the same customers or suppliers? Are the transactions usually the same?

Create bank rules so QuickBooks Self-Employed automatically categorises these types of transactions for you. All you have to do is review the work. You can even apply new rules to past transactions. Let QuickBooks do the heavy lifting so you can focus on your next gig.

Create a new transaction rule

Bank rules work best when you have the same types of transactions from the same customer or supplier.

For example, let's say you always buy your office supplies from the same shop. You can make a rule so QuickBooks automatically categorises transactions from that shop as business transactions.

If you're on an internet browser

1. Select Settings ⚙ and then Create rules.
2. Select Create rule.
3. In the Description field, enter the customer or supplier you want to create the rule for. Tick the Match exactly box if you want QuickBooks to only use the rule when transactions match exactly.
4. From the Account dropdown menu, select the account you want transactions to go into.
5. From the Type dropdown, select Business, Personal, or Split.
6. If you want QuickBooks to categorise transactions, select the Category link and choose a category.
7. If you want the rule to apply to transactions you've already categorised, tick the Also apply to past transactions box.
   
8. When you're done, select Save.

QuickBooks applies your new rule to all future transactions.

If you're using an iPhone or iPad (iOs)

1. Tap your Profile icon. Then select Settings.
2. Select Manage Rules.
3. Tap the +.
4. Give your rule a name.
5. Select Business, Personal, or Split for the transaction type.
6. If you want QuickBooks to categorise transactions, select a Category. Or you can leave them Uncategorised.
7. Tap Advanced. Toggle the Only apply to exact matches switch if you want QuickBooks to only use the rule when transactions match exactly.
8. In the Bank Account section, select the account you want the transaction to go into.
9. When you're done, tap Confirm.

If you want to apply your rule to transactions you've already categorised, follow the internet browser steps.

If you're using a phone or tablet with Android

1. Tap the ≡ menu and then Settings.
2. Tap Manage Transaction Rules.
3. Tap Create New Rule.
4. In the Description field, give your rule a name.
5. Select Match exactly if you want QuickBooks to only use the rule when transactions match exactly.
6. Select Business, Personal, or Split for the transaction type.
7. If you want QuickBooks to categorise transactions, select a Category. Or you can leave them Uncategorised.
8. Tap Advanced. In the Account section, select the account you want the transaction to go into.
9. When you're done, tap Save.

If you want to apply your rule to transactions you've already categorised, follow the steps in an internet browser.

Edit or delete a bank rule

You can always adjust your rules or delete ones you don't need anymore. Note: If you delete a rule, you won't change any of your past transactions.

If you're on an internet browser

1. Select Settings ⚙ and then Create rules.
2. Find the rule and select Edit.
3. Make your changes and select Save.

To delete a rule, select the ▼ next to Edit and then Delete. Select Yes to confirm.

If you're using an iPhone or iPad (iOs)

1. Tap your Profile icon. Then select Settings.
2. Tap Manage Rules.
3. Select the rule you want to edit.
4. Make your changes and select Confirm.

To delete a rule, select Delete Rule. Select Delete to confirm.

If you're using a phone or tablet with Android

1. Tap the ≡ menu and then Settings.
2. Tap Manage Transaction Rules.
3. Select the rule you want to edit.
4. Make your changes and select Save.

To delete a rule, select Delete Rule. Select Delete to confirm.