How do I pay out the owner for the beginning equity that they put in the company?

Hello, Shawanna. Let me share some information about paying an owner's equity in QuickBooks Online.

Before you can pay an owner’s draw, you need to create an Owner’s Equity account first. This is to track the owner's equity changes over time and determine how profitable the business is. When you create your account, be sure to choose Equity or Owners Equity as the type of account.

Here's how:

1. Go to Transaction on the left panel, then select Chart of Accounts.
2. Click New.
   
   
3. Type an Account name.
4. From the Account Type drop-down menu, select Equity.
5. In the Detail Type drop-down menu, choose either Owner's Equity or Partner's Equity, depending on your situation.
6. Select Save.
   
   

When you're ready to pay the owner, create a regular check-in QuickBooks, not through payroll, and be sure to affect the Owners' Equity account you created. Here's how:

1. In the left menu, click the + New button.
2. Choose Expense or Check.
   
   
3. Select a bank account to use to reimburse for personal funds.
4. In the Category column, select Partner's equity or Owner's equity.
5. Enter the amount of the reimbursement.
6. Choose Save and close.

For more detailed information on this process, check out this article: Set up and pay an owner's draw.

Please know that you're not alone in this process, Shawanna. We're always here if you need further assistance about paying an owner's equity in QBO.