Can I edit number and names in the chart of accounts and make sub accounts out of some, and still retain the financial info?

I do not see "Edit"

Thank you for joining this thread, @FBare.

Unexpected issues in QuickBooks Online (QBO) are sometimes affected by the large data in the cache. QBO uses browser cache and cookies to improve the background processes of your software. But there are times when cache and cookies cause small problems. To resolve this. let's perform some basic troubleshooting steps.

Here's how:

1. Sign in to your QBO account in a private browser. Then try to do the steps provided by JamesDuanT in editing your account.
2. If you can see the Edit option and successfully change the information in the account, go back to your regular browser and clear the cache.
3. However, if you still can't see the edit option after using a private browser, I suggest opening your QBO account on another supported browser.

I've also added a screenshots in editing the accounts for your reference:

For more details, please check out this article link: Troubleshooting browser problems.

Also, learn more about the latest product updates and enhancements of the software by visiting our QuickBooks Blog. This site also provides you helpful articles under Accountant Advice, QuickBooks Resource Center, etc.

Fill me in if you have other QuickBooks concerns.I'll be around to help you. Take care always.

I don't see the gear button in the first step

Thanks for joining this thread, worthkm.

I hope you're having a wonderful day. In QuickBooks Online, you can find the Gear icon located in the upper right-hand corner of the page. I've got some sample screenshots below:

After enabling the account number option, you can start editing the account numbers and names in the Chart of Accounts page. You can follow the screenshots provided by DivinaMercy_N.

Please let me know if you're able to edit the account. I'll be around to help you some more. Take care and stay safe.

Good day, 

Related question:  Can I change a GL account that is already in use, and QB will change all historical references?  Say I have been using 1234 and want to change to 4321 - Can I just make the change in the Chart of Accounts? Or, how could that be accomplished?

thanks in advance. 

Hi @TMN Treasurer,

I'll take care of this query for you.

What you can do is merge these accounts, which will consolidate the transactions of both accounts. Based on your example above, whatever transactions you have with account 1234 will merge with account 4321. 

Here's how:

1. Highlight the Accounting tab.
2. Select Chart of Accounts.
3. Locate the account you want to keep, then click the drop-down menu under the Action column.
4. Choose Edit. Take note of the name and detail type of the account.
5. Press Cancel to go back.
6. Now look for the account you wish to merge, then click the drop-down menu under the Action column.
7. Tap Edit. Enter the same account name as the one before.
8. Hit Save, then Yes to confirm.

Open this article for additional details for the merging process: How to merge accounts, customers, and vendors. You'll find steps on how to merge customers and vendors as well. 

Feel free to place a comment below if you have other concerns. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. 

Are you saying that the new account number should be created first, then merged with the existing account number? Thank you.

Yes, you're right, @JN33.

In QuickBooks, you can merge both accounts with the same credentials. This way, you'll be able to reconcile those accounts as one. Let me guide you through the steps.

Before we start, please know that if those accounts have reconciliation reports, they'll be deleted from the account that has been merged. However, the status of the reconciliation (R) will remain on the merged transactions.

To merge two accounts, here's how:

1. Click Accounting from the left menu.

2. Select the account you want to keep, then click Edit from the drop-down in the Action column.

3. Remember or take note of the Name and Detail Type of the account.

4. Close the window by clicking the Cancel button.

5. Go to the account you don't want to use, then select Edit from the drop-down in the Action column.

6. Change the Name and Detail Type.

7. Click Save, then Yes to confirm the merge of the two accounts.

To know more about what other information you can merge in QuickBooks Online, you can scan through this article: Merge duplicate accounts, customers, and vendors in QuickBooks Online. It provides details on how you can merge your customers as well as a link to consolidate multiple client lists for accountants' reference.

You can get more information about the chart of accounts in QuickBooks Online in the following write-up. Also, this link contains information on what are the default accounts that can't be deleted in QuickBooks: Manage default and special accounts in your chart of accounts.

You might also want to check out this article to know more about the reconciliation workflow: Learn the reconcile workflow in QuickBooks.

Please touch base with me here for all of your QuickBooks needs, I'm always happy to help.