Create subaccounts in your chart of accounts in QuickBooks Online

Learn how to create subaccounts to keep your chart of accounts organised.

In QuickBooks Online, you can create subaccounts to break down your expenses, income, and other account types into more detail. For example, you can divide your utilities account into subaccounts so you can track different types of utility payments like petrol, telephone, water, and so on.

When you create subaccounts under a parent account, you can use them to keep your chart of accounts organised and create reports with greater detail.

Create a new subaccount

In Quickbooks Online, you can create a subaccount under a parent account. This lets you break down your income, expenses, and other account types.

Note: You can create up to five subaccounts under one parent account.

Follow the steps below to add a subaccount under an existing account. You can also create a new parent account first if you need to.

1. Go to Settings ⚙ and select Chart of accounts.
2. Select New.
3. Select the account type and detail type. You can learn more about account types and detail types if you have questions.
4. Tick Is sub-account and then enter the parent account.
5. Give your new subaccount a name. You can also add a description.
6. For the as of date, tell QuickBooks when you want your account to start. Then add the Balance in the account as of the date you choose.
7. Select a Default GST Code. Note: Only some account types need this, like bank, credit card, asset, and liability. If you need help, you can learn more about opening balances.
8. Select Save and Close.

Change an existing account into a subaccount

You can turn an existing account into a subaccount.

1. Go to Settings ⚙ and select Chart of accounts.
2. Find the account and select the small arrow ▼ in the action column. Then select Edit.
3. Select Is sub-account and then enter the parent account.
4. Select Save and Close.

Learn more about organising your accounts

Here are other things you can do to keep your chart of accounts in order:

• If there are accounts you no longer use, make them inactive
• Add an account to your chart of accounts in QuickBooks Online
• Use account numbers if you have an extensive chart of accounts