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akhet83
Level 1

My sales tax area is showing "open transactions." What do these come from and where can I see the detail of these transactions?

 
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Best answer April 29, 2020

Best Answers
Rochelley
Level 8

My sales tax area is showing "open transactions." What do these come from and where can I see the detail of these transactions?

Hello @akhet83 

Open Transactions represent changes to a previously filed period, to ensure every transaction is only filed once. 

 

If a transaction had it's date or amount edited, for example, after it had already been filed, this will create an Exception or Open transaction report.

 

If you started with one accounting method (Accrual) and switched to another (Cash) (or vice versa) after filing tax, this could create problems in your sales taxes because each method can potentially account for tax in different periods.  If this is what happened, then the only transactions that wouldn't show as open, would be transactions where you just happened to issue an invoice and collect payment for it in the same period.

 

It is possible to have your accounting method set as one type, and your sales tax set on another.  First of all, you will need to get both set to the same method.

 

To find what method you are using for Sales Taxes:

  1. Select Taxes from the left menu.
  2. Select Sales Tax at the top.
  3. Click on Manage Sales.
  4. On that page, click the drop-down arrow beside Add Rate.
  5. Select Edit Agency Settings.
  6. Choose Accrual under Reporting method then click Save.

To find out what method you are using for Accounting:

  1. Select Gear Icon at top right.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Select Company Settings.
  4. Go to Accounting method.
  5. To change, select edit pencil, edit method and save.

Now that you have both methods set the same, your sales tax filings will file everything in the same period going forward.  Any discrepancies from before the change will be identified as Open Transactions.  This is simply for your information.  QBO will take care of ensuring all taxes are filed accurately and will not duplicate any taxes already filed.

 

 

 

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5 Comments 5
AddieC
QuickBooks Team

My sales tax area is showing "open transactions." What do these come from and where can I see the detail of these transactions?

Hi there, 

 

I want to make sure I'm fully understanding your question so you can get back on track. 

Can you please attach a screenshot of the error message you're seeing? This will help me better understand where this is occurring and why. 

 

I'll be on standby.

 

Rochelley
Level 8

My sales tax area is showing "open transactions." What do these come from and where can I see the detail of these transactions?

Hello @akhet83 

Open Transactions represent changes to a previously filed period, to ensure every transaction is only filed once. 

 

If a transaction had it's date or amount edited, for example, after it had already been filed, this will create an Exception or Open transaction report.

 

If you started with one accounting method (Accrual) and switched to another (Cash) (or vice versa) after filing tax, this could create problems in your sales taxes because each method can potentially account for tax in different periods.  If this is what happened, then the only transactions that wouldn't show as open, would be transactions where you just happened to issue an invoice and collect payment for it in the same period.

 

It is possible to have your accounting method set as one type, and your sales tax set on another.  First of all, you will need to get both set to the same method.

 

To find what method you are using for Sales Taxes:

  1. Select Taxes from the left menu.
  2. Select Sales Tax at the top.
  3. Click on Manage Sales.
  4. On that page, click the drop-down arrow beside Add Rate.
  5. Select Edit Agency Settings.
  6. Choose Accrual under Reporting method then click Save.

To find out what method you are using for Accounting:

  1. Select Gear Icon at top right.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Select Company Settings.
  4. Go to Accounting method.
  5. To change, select edit pencil, edit method and save.

Now that you have both methods set the same, your sales tax filings will file everything in the same period going forward.  Any discrepancies from before the change will be identified as Open Transactions.  This is simply for your information.  QBO will take care of ensuring all taxes are filed accurately and will not duplicate any taxes already filed.

 

 

 

akhet83
Level 1

My sales tax area is showing "open transactions." What do these come from and where can I see the detail of these transactions?

My company accounting method and the sales tax accounting method are both set at accrual. I know the discrepancy is coming from changing to accrual after using cash for the previous period. After checking the previous period P&L report, I see that the "open transactions" amount matches the difference between cash and accrual accounting for the previous period.

MEMIE
Level 1

My sales tax area is showing "open transactions." What do these come from and where can I see the detail of these transactions?

I have the same problem...did you find a way to correct this?? I don't want to pay the taxes twice. 

Thanks!

Trish_T
QuickBooks Team

My sales tax area is showing "open transactions." What do these come from and where can I see the detail of these transactions?

Hi MEMIE,

 

Thanks for joining us here.  As mentioned in the valuable information provided by Rochelley, the Cash and Accrual accounting methods can have an impact on the sales tax you owe.  To ensure your sales tax is accurate in QuickBooks Online, I recommend speaking with an accounting professional.  If you don't have an accountant, we can help you locate a ProAdvisor in your local area.

 

Feel free to reach out again if you have other concerns.  We'd be glad to assist!

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