How can I filter the Statement of Activity report by "Memo/Description"?

Hi there, @KathieH1.

QuickBooks Online (QBO) provides various filtering options on the Statement of Activity to help users personalize their reports, though filtering by Memo/Description is unavailable on this report.

As a workaround, you can run a Transaction Detail by Account report and narrow it down to income and expense transactions. From there, you can apply a Filter for Memo/Description. We'll walk you through the process.

Here's how:

1. Go to Reports, then select Standard reports.
2. In the search bar, type Transaction Detail by Account.
   
   
   
   
3. Set the appropriate Report period and Accounting method.
4. Click Filter, then select Distribution account type, equals, and include all income and expense transactions in the third dropdown.
5. Add another filter, and choose Memo/Description.
   

    

   
   
   
6. Set your preferred filter settings on the second and third box.
7. Hit the Refresh report icon once finished.
   
   

You are encouraged to leave a reply below if you have further questions.

Hi @KathieH1,

I just wanted to follow up to check if the resolution we provided helped resolve your issue.

Please let us know if everything is now working as expected or if you’re still experiencing any problems. We’ll be glad to assist further if needed.

Thanks, this works for filtering! Now, how can I get it to do the math for income & expense?

Thank you for your response and follow-up question, @KathieH1.

Beforehand, could you please clarify what you mean by doing the math for income and expenses? It will help us better understand your goals and what you're trying to achieve with the Transaction Detail by Account.

In the report, the Memo/Description column will only display either the notes or memo entered for the specific transaction or the description associated with the Product or Service used in that entry.

But if you’re referring to including income and expenses in the report, you can filter it by transaction type to display only income and expense entries for calculation. Here’s how:
 

1. Click the Filter.
2. Select Transaction Type, Equals, and choose the income and expense types of entries.
3. Wait for the report to refresh to see the filtered results.

If you’re referring to something else, feel free to let us know. We’re here to assist.