QuickBooksHelpIntuit

Set up a loan in QuickBooks Online

SOLVED•by QuickBooks•2049•Updated 2 weeks ago

Learn how to record a loan in QuickBooks Online.

Did you recently get a loan? In QuickBooks Online, you can set up a liability account to record the loan and its payments. This account tracks what you owe.

Here's how to set up your liability account to track the loan. We'll also show you one way to put that loan money into your bank account.

Step 1: Set up a liability account to record what you owe

First you need to create and set up a liability account so you can record the loan. Here’s how.

Go to Settings ⚙, then select Chart of accounts (Take me there).
Select New to create a new account.
From the Account Type ▼ dropdown, select Long Term Liabilities. Note: If you plan to pay off the loan by the end of the current fiscal year, select Other Current Liabilities instead.
From the Detail Type ▼ dropdown ▼ dropdown, select Notes Payable.
Give the account a relevant name, like "Loan for a car" or "Covid-19 relief loan."
Choose when you want to start tracking your finances. In the Balance field, enter the amount in the account, and determine the as of date. Enter today's date if you want to start tracking immediately.
Select Save and Close.

Step 2: Record the money you got from the loan

Now you have an account with the full loan amount. Each time you want to make a payment towards the loan, you can record it against this account.

Follow the relevant steps below:

If you plan to put the loan directly into your bank account

Follow these steps if you put all the loan money right into the bank:

Select + New.
Select Journal entry.
On the first line, select the liability account you just created from the Account dropdown. Enter the loan amount in the Credits column.
On the second line, select your bank account from the Account dropdown. Enter the same loan amount in the Debits column.
When you're done, select Save and close.

Important: If you put the money into an account that's connected to online banking, QuickBooks also downloads the transaction after you send the money to your bank. Match the downloaded transaction to this journal entry when you review your downloaded transactions.

If you plan to use your loan money in a different way

If you decide to use the money right away to make a purchase and not put it in a bank account, reach out to your accountant. This can get tricky and they know how to handle the next steps. Don't have an accountant? We can help you find one.

Note: To pay and amortize the debt of an intangible asset, see the Amortization schedule in QuickBooks Online.

Step 3: Record a loan repayment

When you're ready to pay back the loan, follow these steps to record each repayment.

Select + New.
Select Check. Or if you're in Business view, follow the steps to switch to Accountant view first. Then come back to these steps.
Add a check number if you plan to send an actual check. If you use direct withdrawal or an EFT, enter Debit or EFT in the Check no. field.

Then enter the following in the Category details section of the check:

On the first line, select the liability account for the loan from the Category dropdown. Then enter the payment amount.
On the second line, select the expense account for the interest from the Category dropdown. Then enter the interest amount.
On additional lines, add any additional fees. Select the appropriate accounts from the Category dropdown.
When you're done, select Save and close.

Was this helpful?

You must to vote, reply, or post

QuickBooks Online AdvancedQuickBooks Online EssentialsQuickBooks Online PlusQuickBooks Online Simple Start

Sign in for the best experience

Ask questions, get answers, and join our large community of QuickBooks users.