Transactions that I categorized last year became uncategorized. Why would that happen?

Hi there, Ann.

Let's check the audit log to determine why your transactions became uncategorized. The audit log shows us when events happened, who was responsible, and which transactions were affected, which will help us understand why your transactions suddenly became uncategorized.

Here's how to access the audit log:
 

1. Click the Gear icon.
2. Under Tools, select Audit log.
3. Locate one of the credit card transactions. Then, press View.

From there, you can review what changes were made to the transactions and who made them. It could be another user who has access to the company transactions. If you want to categorize your transactions again, I'll outline the steps for you.

1. On the left navigation panel, click Transactions.
2. On the Bank transactions tab, select the tile for the account you want to review.
3. Go to the For review tab to begin your review.

From there, you can choose to add your transaction to a specific category in QuickBooks. You can also match them to transactions you've already recorded manually in QuickBooks.

You can refer to these articles to learn more about categorizing and matching your transactions:

• Categorize online bank transactions in QuickBooks Online
• Match online bank transactions in QuickBooks Online
   

For future use, here's an article on ensuring your accounts in QuickBooks correspond to your real-life accounts: Learn the reconcile workflow in QuickBooks.

If you have any other questions about your transactions in QuickBooks, please don't hesitate to leave a reply below. I'll be glad to assist you further. 

Hi AnneMariee,

Thanks for your reply - I've been out of town so it took a while for me to get back to you.

The transactions that became uncategorized don't show up in the Audit Log, so I'm not able to see what happened. I'm the only one who goes into my account except my accountant. 

It looks like I'll have to re-categorize and there are 100 of them so that will be annoying. I just wish I understood how it happened. 

Ann

Hi, Ann. We appreciate your update about the transactions that are not showing on your end. I'd be happy to show you how to use the Audit Log.

Here's how:

1. On the Gear icon, go to Audit Log.
2. Under the Date Changed, select Last Year.
3. Choose All events for you to see all the audits.

You'll then see the change history and how your transactions were uncategorized.

Also, check out this article for more information on how to keep track of your activities in your QBO account: Use the audit log in QuickBooks Online.

In addition, here's an article for you to check on how to automatically categorize transactions from your bank: Set up bank rules to categorize online banking transactions in QuickBooks Online.

Please don't hesitate to comment if you have further concerns about managing your transactions in QBO. We'll be glad to help.

Hi Anne,

What a useless answer they gave you. Same thing just happened to me. My account was up to date, now i have 50 or so random transactions from past 3 years sitting back in the 'categorized' field. All sorts of fun.

just wanted you to know i feel your pain., L

and no, they are not credit card transactions. That particular account is only debit / chequing.

If I recategorize them will it throw off reconciliations? 

If you recategorize them does it throw off your recollection?

I'm glad you've asked this question here, @Max148.

Let me answer how recategorizing your transactions affects reconciliation.

Please know that you can't change the categorization of a reconciled transaction. You'll need to undo the reconciliation first before you recategorize it.

Also, I suggest seeking guidance from an accountant if you wish to do this to avoid throwing off your book balance.

You may want to learn how to end this year by preventing changes to your past transactions: Close your books in QuickBooks Online.

Feel free to return here if you have additional questions about categorizing bank transactions. We'll be willing to assist you. Keep safe, and have a good day.