How do I delete and change some accounts in the chart of accounts? The initial setup is a disaster. Using Quickbooks Online Essentials?

Hi there, @milehighxtractio.

Thank you for coming to the Community for help. I’m here to share a few details about managing the accounts in the Chart of Accounts.

Once you create a company, QBO automatically creates specific accounts by default. These are the accounts you won't be able to delete or edit. 

For more information about which accounts you can delete, edit and merged or linked to specific options or functions, you may refer to this article: How to manage default and special accounts in the Chart of Accounts.

To delete an account, follow the steps below:
1.    Click the Gear icon and select Chart of Accounts.
2.    Find the account you want to delete.
3.    In the Action column, choose Delete.
4.    Click Yes to confirm the action.

If you wish to edit an account, here's how:
1.    Click the Gear icon and select Chart of Accounts.
2.    Find the account you want to edit.
3.    In the Action column, choose Edit.
4.    Click Yes to confirm the action.

I've attached screenshots for reference.

Please be reminded that deleting an account will not remove its transactions. If you’d like to remove the transactions completely, you can delete them. You may check out this article for the steps: Delete transactions.

That should get you pointed in the right direction. Please let me know if you have questions. I’ll be here to help. Take care and have a great day!

I have a client using QBO Essentials and none of the accounts in the Chart of Accounts have an option to Delete.  The only options are Edit or Make Inactive - even accounts she created with no transactions in them.  Is there a setting somewhere to allow Deletes - I haven't been able to find anything.  Thanks!

Hi there, LynneOO.

The Delete option was from the old interface. We now have replaced it to Make Inactive so you'd be able to retrieve the account and make it active in the future.

Please know that there are also accounts that can't be removed. Here's an article for more information: How to manage default and special accounts in the Chart of Accounts.

If you have additional questions about QuickBooks account set up, please let us know. Thanks.