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dreamerdad
Level 3

How to change the invoice # sequence

The current invoice #s in my Quickbooks Online account are 

1,2,3,4,5 all the way to 11

 

After that I have invoices that start at around 1500 and go up to 1620

 

The next time I create an invoice, I want the invoice # to be 1621 but QB automatically sets it to 1 above the lower #s, in this case 12.

 

I enabled custom transaction #s and the manually changed the invoice # 12 to 1621. I then created a new invoice and the new invoice # that gets created is #13 which I then need to manually change to 1622. I also tried changing the latest invoice # to 1622, saving it, turning off custom transaction #s and then copying that invoice and the next invoice # that gets created is 14 and not 1623.

 

I checked the community discussions and also deleted my browser cache, deleting cookies, tried 2 different browsers (Brave and Chrome) and nothing seems to work.

 

Is there any way to tell Quickbooks that I want all subsequent invoice #s to start with the number 1621 or 1622 or do I have to keep manually adjusting them? I've never had to do this before with Quickbooks. As a side note, I had this issue arise after creating an invoice in Quickbooks using a third party time tracking app. I always seem to have that issue when I create an invoice from a third party app such as proposal apps like proposify, harvest time tracking, etc... It always seems to mess up the invoice numbering such that it restarts the numbering from the bottom. I no longer use these apps to create invoices in Quickbooks because of this issue but just want to share the background.

 

I would really appreciate any guidance on how to resolve this.

 

Thanks!

5 Comments 5
dreamerdad
Level 3

How to change the invoice # sequence

Ok, I just figured out the solution. I was creating a new invoice by *copying* the invoice that I had changed and hoping QB would auto # the new invoice created from the copy with the higher # but it kept reverting to the old #s. When I tried creating a brand new invoice - rather than making a copy of the existing one with the invoice # I had to manually change - it worked. QB auto-generated an invoice # that was 1 higher than the last # (1623) that i manually entered. I hope this helps someone having this issue!

QueenC
Moderator

How to change the invoice # sequence

Good day, @dreamerdad.

 

Thanks for replying back here in the thread, and taking the time to share the workaround you've used. Your insight would be of great help to other users who might've experienced the same issue. Truly, we can fathom any circumstance if we will work as a team.

 

Please know that you're always welcome to post and share your knowledge anytime here in the Community. If there's anything I could help you with, please let me know and I'd be willing to help you out.

ron-baer
Level 1

How to change the invoice # sequence

My problem is that the number keeps reverting to an old sequence pluse next letter in the alphabet and I am not copying the invoice. This happens dispite my making a manual change on the previous invoice.

Maybelle_S
QuickBooks Team

How to change the invoice # sequence

Hello there, ron-baer.

 

The changes in the sequence on the invoice number happen when you manually enter digits. Since the QuickBooks numbering system automatically generates the number based on the old numeral entered on a form. 

 

To verify, I recommend checking the last invoice number used. We can utilize the magnifying glass to search the transactions you need. 

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Click the Magnifying glass icon in the upper right-hand 
  2. Select the Advanced Search link. 
  3. Type either memoamount, or reference number in the search field. 
  4. Set the date of the invoice transaction you're looking for. 
  5. Choose Apply.

 

From there, see the last invoice number and review why the sequence changes, then edit it to continue using the desired number.

 

Additionally, here are some links about personalizing your sales forms and recording invoice payments in QuickBooks:

 

 

Let me know if you have other concerns about managing invoices and sales transactions in QuickBooks. You can drop a comment below, and I'll gladly help.

samcurran59
Level 1

How to change the invoice # sequence

The invoice numbers in QuickBooks are typically assigned automatically based on the existing sequence. However, you can work around this limitation by following these steps:

Void or Delete Existing Invoices (Caution):

Voiding an invoice keeps a record of it but marks it as "voided," so it won't affect your financials.
Deleting an invoice removes it entirely, including from the records.
Adjust Invoice Numbers:

After voiding or deleting the invoices, you can create new ones with the desired invoice numbers. QuickBooks usually assigns the next available number in the sequence, but by voiding or deleting, you can "skip" numbers.
Customize Invoice Number Manually:

In your new invoices, you can manually input the desired invoice number. Keep in mind that this may require more effort on your part to ensure that you don't duplicate numbers or create confusion.
Set the Custom Invoice Number as Default:

You can set the custom invoice number as the default for future transactions. This can be done by going to the "Custom Form Styles" and editing the invoice template.
Contact QuickBooks Support:

If you are unable to achieve your desired result through the above steps, it's recommended to contact QuickBooks support for guidance. They may provide additional insights or potential workarounds.

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