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AKS27
Level 1

How to write-off old partially paid invoices in Cash Accounting in QBO?

I want to understand the steps for writing-off old partially paid invoices. I am following 'Cash Accounting' method. Will it impact my P & L if I write-off old partially paid invoices? Thanks.

Solved
Best answer October 13, 2024

Best Answers
ArielI
QuickBooks Team

How to write-off old partially paid invoices in Cash Accounting in QBO?

Hello, @AKS27.

Writing off old partially paid invoices in QuickBooks Online (QBO) while using the Cash Accounting method involves a few straightforward steps. I'm here to help you how.

To begin with, @kabel1657 has a point and I appreciate you for sharing that information,

Moreover, you can write off those older partially paid invoices without affecting your profit and loss reports. Here's how:

 

  1. Go to the Gear icon and select Products & services.
  2. At the upper right, select New, and then Non-inventory.
  3. In the Name field, enter “Bad debts.”
  4. From the Income account dropdown, select Bad debts.
  5. Click the Save and Close.

 

Then, you can create a credit memo for the bad debt. Here's how:

 

  1. Click the + New.
  2. Select Credit memo.
  3. Choose the customer from the Customer ▼ dropdown.
  4. In the Product/Service section, select Bad debts.
  5. Enter the amount you want to write off in the Amount column,
  6. In the Message displayed on statement box, enter “Bad Debt.”
  7. Click the Save and Close.

 

Once done, you can start applying the credit memo to the invoice. Here's how:

 

  1. Click on + New.
  2. Under Customers, select Receive payment.
  3. From the Customer ▼ dropdown, select the appropriate customer.
  4. In the Outstanding Transactions section, select the Invoice.
  5. From the Credits section, select the Credit memo.
  6. Click Save and Close.

 

Furthermore, you can run report and customize your data in QuickBooks for better financial tracking.

 

If you have any further questions about managing your invoices in QBO, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you anytime.

View solution in original post

4 Comments 4
kabel1657
Level 3

How to write-off old partially paid invoices in Cash Accounting in QBO?

Hello @AKS27,

 

To write off old partially paid invoices in QuickBooks Online using the Cash Accounting method, create a credit memo for the remaining unpaid amount. Apply the credit memo to the invoice to close it out. Since you're on Cash Accounting, it won’t affect your Profit & Loss as unpaid invoices aren’t recognized as income until paid. This method ensures your books stay clean without impacting your P&L.

P.S.: I’m a QuickBooks ProAdvisor with 7+ years of experience. Need help with QuickBooks Bookkeeping?

 

Google my username to see my proven track record!

AKS27
Level 1

How to write-off old partially paid invoices in Cash Accounting in QBO?

Thanks...can the same approach be used for fully unpaid invoices?

ArielI
QuickBooks Team

How to write-off old partially paid invoices in Cash Accounting in QBO?

Hello, @AKS27.

Writing off old partially paid invoices in QuickBooks Online (QBO) while using the Cash Accounting method involves a few straightforward steps. I'm here to help you how.

To begin with, @kabel1657 has a point and I appreciate you for sharing that information,

Moreover, you can write off those older partially paid invoices without affecting your profit and loss reports. Here's how:

 

  1. Go to the Gear icon and select Products & services.
  2. At the upper right, select New, and then Non-inventory.
  3. In the Name field, enter “Bad debts.”
  4. From the Income account dropdown, select Bad debts.
  5. Click the Save and Close.

 

Then, you can create a credit memo for the bad debt. Here's how:

 

  1. Click the + New.
  2. Select Credit memo.
  3. Choose the customer from the Customer ▼ dropdown.
  4. In the Product/Service section, select Bad debts.
  5. Enter the amount you want to write off in the Amount column,
  6. In the Message displayed on statement box, enter “Bad Debt.”
  7. Click the Save and Close.

 

Once done, you can start applying the credit memo to the invoice. Here's how:

 

  1. Click on + New.
  2. Under Customers, select Receive payment.
  3. From the Customer ▼ dropdown, select the appropriate customer.
  4. In the Outstanding Transactions section, select the Invoice.
  5. From the Credits section, select the Credit memo.
  6. Click Save and Close.

 

Furthermore, you can run report and customize your data in QuickBooks for better financial tracking.

 

If you have any further questions about managing your invoices in QBO, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you anytime.

Rainflurry
Level 15

How to write-off old partially paid invoices in Cash Accounting in QBO?

@AKS27 

 

Be careful creating credit memos to clear unpaid invoices on cash basis.  Just creating a credit memo without knowing what product/service(s) to use can cause incorrect entries.  If you use a credit memo, make sure to use a product/service linked to the same income account(s) as the invoice.  If you don't, when you apply the credit memo to the invoice, your income will increase on cash basis which is incorrect.  Another option is to reduce the outstanding invoice amount to match the amount paid.      

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