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AmyMM11
Level 1

Duplicate invoice numbers being generated

I have had several instances when I go to create a new invoice QBO is creating the invoice using an invoice number that has already been used. I just tried to create an invoice, just like I do every month, I completed the invoice and went to Save and CLose and I got an error message that this invoice number is already being used. QBO is generating the invoice numbers so how in the world is this happening?

I have tried copying a prior invoice - which I do all of the time for my other clients - and I have started with +New and it generates the same invoice number. 

How can I get around this when it happens but more importantly how can i prevent it from continuing to happen?

5 Comments 5
Rasa-LilaM
QuickBooks Team

Duplicate invoice numbers being generated

Thanks for visiting the Community today, AmyMM11.


I recognize the importance of having accurate invoice numbers. This lets you easily track the transactions in QuickBooks Online (QBO).


We’ll have to turn on the Custom transaction numbers feature and use a new number sequence. I’ll help and guide you through the step-by-step process.


Here’s how:

 

  1. Go to the Gear icon in the upper right and choose Account settings under Your Company.
  2. Navigate to the Sales menu on the left panel and click the Pencil icon for Sales form content.custom trans number.png
  3. In the Custom transaction numbers section, move the slider to the right to activate it.custom trans number.1.pngcustom trans number.png
  4. Click Save and Done to apply the changes.

 

Next, go to the Invoice page and enter your desired number sequence. QBO will follow the said numbering order set on the transaction. The number increments by one each time you create a new entry.

 

Check this article to learn more about setting your own numbering preference: How to change the invoice number on sales forms.


Additionally, the links below provide information about personalizing the look of your sales forms. These resources will also guide you on how to show the customer’s phone number and transaction numbers on invoices.

 

 

Feel free to click the Reply button if you still have questions about setting your invoice numbers. I’ll be right here to answer them for you. Have a good one.

OnlyHuman
Level 1

Duplicate invoice numbers being generated

I have the same issue. I use Self-Employed version and I can't follow your instructions from 'click on the gear' onwards. Intuit overwrote my November invoice with the December one. Pretty massive issue.

 

B

MaryLandT
Moderator

Duplicate invoice numbers being generated

Thank you for bringing this to our attention, OnlyHuman.

 

It could be just a glitch in the system and I want to prevent this from happening again. Let's fix this together by performing some troubleshooting steps.

 

You can start by using a private browser and create the invoice from there. If you aren't getting an error, go back to the regular browser and clear its cache and cookies.

 

Follow the steps to clear cache for your browser.

 

 

After clearing the cache, make sure to restart your browser for changes to take effect. To have the best and most secure experience with QuickBooks Online, use a supported, up-to-date browser.

 

If the duplicate still persists, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks Self-Employed Team. They can create a case to investigate and find a permanent fix.

 

I'm adding this link to help you invoice a customer and customize the sales form when needed: Learn how to add products and services to an invoice and send it to your customers.

 

Get back to me if there's anything else you need by commenting below. I'm always right here to help ensure you're able to create invoices with no issues.

dbstorage
Level 1

Duplicate invoice numbers being generated

Even with "Custom transaction numbers" not enabled QB online still duplicates invoice numbers for many of our customers already. Can you please investigate asap as we have only been with you for 3 months. Not happy.

MaryLandT
Moderator

Duplicate invoice numbers being generated

I want you to know that your voice matters and that you being able to use QuickBooks seamlessly is our top priority, dbstorage.

 

I'll be sending feedback based on this interaction to the Product Development Team for determining what we need to implement moving forward to provide you with the best QuickBooks experience.

 

You can also contact our QuickBooks Online Live Team and report this issue. By doing so, they'll be able to create a case under your company and send updates via email.

 

Here's how to get in touch with them.

 

  1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online company.
  2. Click Help (?).
  3. Select Contact Us and choose a way to connect with them:
    • Start a chat with a support expert.
    • Get a callback from the next available expert.

 

In the meantime, you can manually change the invoice number when creating the transaction. Here's how:

 

  1. Go to Get paid & pay and select Invoices.
  2. Select any invoice, then select Edit invoice.
  3.  Or click Create invoice to create a new one.
  4. In the Invoice no. field, enter the custom number or letter sequence you want to use for your forms. The sequence you set here applies to all sales forms.
  5. Select Save or Save and close.

You can turn custom transaction numbers on or off by following the steps provided in this article: Add custom transaction numbers to sales forms in QuickBooks Online.

 

Let me know the call goes or leave a comment below if you need anything else @dbstorage. I'll be right here to help manage your customer's transactions in QuickBooks.

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