Can a discount be set up to automatically calculate based on set up...for example, 5% off of an estimate when applied

Good to see your post here, bbright.

You can set up a discount item and apply it to your estimate. This manually calculates the discount amount based on the percentage.

Here's how: 

1. Go to the Gear icon.
2. Select Products and Services.
3. At the top right, select New.
4. Choose Service for Products/Services type, then complete the information needed.
   • In the Name field, enter Discount. If you plan to create multiple discount percentages, you can enter the percentage and Discount for the name (Example: 5% Discount).
   • In the Sales price/rate field, enter the discount amount as a negative. (You can manually calculate the discount amount based on the percentage promo)
   • From the Income account drop-down, select Discounts given account.
   • In the Sales tax category section, it depends on your state if sales tax is calculated after discounts are applied then mark the discount line taxable.
5. Click Save and close.

Once done, you can now use the Discount item on an estimate.

Here's how:

1. Click the Plus (+) icon.
2. Select Estimate.
3. Choose the appropriate customer.
4. Add the product and services, then enter the total amount of the item.
5. Select the Discount item on the next line.
6. Click Save and close.

You can also visit this guide about adding discounts to invoices in QuickBooks Online (QBO): Add a discount to an invoice or sales receipt in QuickBooks Online.

To review the discounts made, you can run a report from the Chart of Accounts. I'll show you the steps below:

1. Go to Accounting, then Chart of Accounts.
2. Search for your Discount account, then click Run report under the Action column.
3. Change the Report period filter to Last Year.
4. Hit Run report.

Feel free to comment below if you have further questions. I would appreciate the opportunity to help you with your concerns.

I've tried what you recommended, but I can't seem to get the system to calculate the discounted based on set up.

As an example, if I have an estimate that is $100 and I have a 5% discount set up in quickbooks, I'd like to be able to select the 5% discount item and have the system calculate the $5 off amount so that it doesn't need to be done manually. 

Does quickbooks posses that capability?

I've tried what you recommended, but I can't seem to get the system to calculate the discounted based on set up.

As an example, if I have an estimate that is $100 and I have a 5% discount set up in quickbooks, I'd like to be able to select the 5% discount item and have the system calculate the $5 off amount so that it doesn't need to be done manually. 

Does quickbooks posses that capability?

Yes, QuickBooks has the capability to add a discount, @bbright. 

You can turn this feature on in the discount feature from your Account and Settings. Follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Gear icon ⚙ and then proceed to the Account and Settings.
2. Select the Sales tab on the menu.
3. In the Sales form content section, click the pencil ✏ icon to update it.
4. Toggle the Discount slider to turn it on.
5. Choose Save and then Done. 

This will add a discount field when creating estimates. From here, you can choose either to set a Discount percent or Discount value. Enter the percent or amount in the box next to it. Check the screenshot below: 

See this article for more information: Add a discount to an invoice or sales receipt in QuickBooks Online.

If you'd like to personalize the estimates that you'll be sending to your customers in the future, check this article for more information: Customize invoices, estimates, and sales receipts in QuickBooks Online.

You can always get back to this thread if you need further help adding this discount box. Take care and have a great rest of the day!

This does not work.

Hi there, @Jdelectric1. 

Thanks for taking the time to post in the Community. I'll be glad to share more info about discounts and how they're applied on estimates. As my colleague, ChariesM, mentioned above you'll need to manually add the discount percentage on the sales forms.

You can create a discount on the Product and Services page. Let me guide you on how.

1. Go to the Gear icon.
2. Select Products and Services.
3. Click New at the top right.
4. Select Non-inventory or Service for Products/Services type, then complete the information needed.
5. Name the item Discount. If you want to create multiple discount items, give them unique names so they're easy to tell apart. (Example: 5% Discount).
6. Enter the discount as a negative amount in the Sales price/rate field. This is a dollar amount and not a percentage.
7. Choose the Discount given account in the Income account drop-down menu. QuickBooks creates this account for you when you turn on the discount feature.
8. From the Tax drop-down menu, select Nontaxable.
9. Hit Save and close.

Once done, you can now use the discount field on your sales transaction by choosing the Discount percentage or value.

Please see the sample screenshot attached for reference:

I've also added this article if you need to apply a discount to the total amount of the invoice: Add a discount to an invoice or sales receipt in QuickBooks Online. This link provides detailed steps and instructions. 

I'm just a clicks away if you should have any questions about discounts. Thanks for coming, and have a great rest of your week.