Can I track actual expenses, per line item from an estimate, against the estimated expenses? Can I add a colum to my estimate next to amount?

Hi there, bridget4.

I'm happy to provide some information on actual vs. estimate expenses. Before I dive too far into it, are you referring to running budget vs. actual reports. If that's the case, follow along below:

You can pull up your Sales by Client Detail and Sales by Client Summary reports, then export them to MS Excel. From there, you can merge their data the way you want it to be presented.

Here's how to customize a report:

1. Go to Reports.
2. Under Sales and Customers, locate the reports mentioned above one at a time.
3. Click Customize.
4. Change the report period.
5. Select Run report.

Also, saving this customized report will allow you to pull it up easily in the future. To save it, just click on the Save customization button. Then, you can locate it on the Custom Reports tab when needed.

If you have any other questions, feel free to post below at anytime. Thank you and have a nice evening. 

You can also read this article to learn more about customizing a report: How to Customize Reports?

I'm trying to track actual vs estimated in either estimates or projects. If I bid a project for $100k and it has 20 different line items, I'd like to see if I'm over or under for each line item. 

Hello there, bridget4.

We have Estimates & Progress Invoicing Summary by Customer report. With this, you'll be able to see the estimates and how much per estimates were already invoiced. However, you'll need to open each estimate if you want to see the details.

Aside from that, the Project feature has reports that allows you to compare the details. You can browse these links for more information:

• How to Use Project Profitability Reports in QuickBooks (without QuickBooks Online Payroll)
• Track income, costs, and profitability by project

You can also send a request through the articles. The product development team might be able to put your idea into consideration for product updates.

1. Open any of the article mentioned above.
2. Scroll-down to the Was this helpful? section and select No.
3. Enter the details of your request and select Submit.

We'll be right here if you need anything else. Have a great day!

im looking for the EXACT SAME THING!!

I am looking for the same thing.  I need an App/Widget/Dashboard for each PROJECT.  The BUDGET should be allocated by CATEGORY - based on the line items on the approved estimate.  My Cost is the BUDGET to each line item, in its specific category.

The BUDGET should show me the total budget allocation for all these categories.

The EXPENSES, as they are uploaded (vis the receipt scanner in the app, or as they are added via bills) should then deduct their dollar amount from the BUDGET in their appropriate category, therefore showing me the reiming budget for each category.

Is this not an obvious need for ANY business owner to stay on budget?

Thank you for posting here in the Community, @ivy-orth-lunosol. 

I've checked that you've posted the same question twice and my colleague has already added an answer. If you haven't been notified of the new response, check this link. 
 

If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to leave a comment below. I'm always here to help.