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davenrose
Level 1

Voiding an unpaid invoice

I am using QB Desktop Pro 2021 (not online) and want to VOID an old invoice that I know will never get paid.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Solved
Best answer December 29, 2024

Best Answers
Erika_K
QuickBooks Team

Voiding an unpaid invoice

I’ll assist you in voiding your old invoices, davenrose. Since you indicated that this invoice will remain unpaid, two options exist to clear this out. Let me explain further.

 

First, you can void the old invoice. Here are some simple steps to help you remove it:

 

  1. Navigate to the Customers menu and choose Customer Center.
  2. Click the name of the customer and look for the invoice.
  3. Double-click the transaction to open, then hit the Delete drop-down menu beside Save.
  4. Click Void and select OK to confirm.

 

However, if this invoice pertains to a closed accounting period, please know that voiding it will impact your financial reports. In such cases, I recommend consulting with an accounting professional for tailored guidance to ensure compliance and accuracy in your financial statements.

 

Second, you can record these unpaid invoices as bad debt, as they are unlikely to be paid. This step acknowledges that these amounts are uncollectible, which is essential for effective financial management. This ensures your accounts receivable and net income stay up-to-date. 

 

Here are articles to help you learn how to email sales forms, remove credit from an invoice, and customize sales forms:

 

 

This thread is always open for any other QuickBooks matters you wish to discuss. If you need assistance with managing your invoices or sales transactions, simply click the Reply button. My team and I are here to help whenever you need guidance.

View solution in original post

4 Comments 4
Erika_K
QuickBooks Team

Voiding an unpaid invoice

I’ll assist you in voiding your old invoices, davenrose. Since you indicated that this invoice will remain unpaid, two options exist to clear this out. Let me explain further.

 

First, you can void the old invoice. Here are some simple steps to help you remove it:

 

  1. Navigate to the Customers menu and choose Customer Center.
  2. Click the name of the customer and look for the invoice.
  3. Double-click the transaction to open, then hit the Delete drop-down menu beside Save.
  4. Click Void and select OK to confirm.

 

However, if this invoice pertains to a closed accounting period, please know that voiding it will impact your financial reports. In such cases, I recommend consulting with an accounting professional for tailored guidance to ensure compliance and accuracy in your financial statements.

 

Second, you can record these unpaid invoices as bad debt, as they are unlikely to be paid. This step acknowledges that these amounts are uncollectible, which is essential for effective financial management. This ensures your accounts receivable and net income stay up-to-date. 

 

Here are articles to help you learn how to email sales forms, remove credit from an invoice, and customize sales forms:

 

 

This thread is always open for any other QuickBooks matters you wish to discuss. If you need assistance with managing your invoices or sales transactions, simply click the Reply button. My team and I are here to help whenever you need guidance.

Rainflurry
Level 14

Voiding an unpaid invoice

@davenrose 

 

Perhaps you know this but only void an invoice if you're on cash basis.  If you're on accrual basis, you should write off the invoice using Bad Debt Expense because the income was already recorded.  If the invoice is dated in a previous year, it will change the income of a closed period which is not what you want to do. 

davenrose
Level 1

Voiding an unpaid invoice

Thanks, this is what I was looking for!  Selecting the delete button is not very intuitive when one is not intending to delete an invoice.

davenrose
Level 1

Voiding an unpaid invoice

Thanks for the tip.  I do use the cash basis for my accounting.

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