Use account numbers in your chart of accounts

Assigning account numbers in QuickBooks Online helps you organize your chart of accounts and categorize financial transactions more effectively. This system allows you to group accounts by type (such as assets, liabilities, or expenses), making your financial records easier to navigate and reference.

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Step 1: Turn on account numbers

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By default, the account numbers feature is disabled. Follow these steps to enable it.

1. Go to Settings  and select Account and settings.
2. Select the Advanced tab.
3. Select Edit ✎ in the Chart of accounts section.
4. Turn on Enable account numbers.
5. (Optional) Select Show account numbers if you want account numbers to show in reports and transactions.
6. Select Save and then Done.

Step 2: Turn on account numbers

You can assign numbers to your accounts individually or in batches. While you can use any numbering system, following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is recommended for consistency.

Recommended Number Ranges (GAAP):

To assign numbers:

1. Go to Settings , then select Chart of accounts (Take me there).
2. Select ✎ Batch edit above the Action column.
3. In the Number column, add account numbers.
4. Once you’re done, select Save.

View your account numbers

Once assigned, verify your account numbers are displaying correctly.

1. Go to All apps, then Bookkeeping, then Chart of accounts (Take me there).
2. Review the Number column to see your assigned account numbers.

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