How do I record an expense that has a combination of chart of account categories? So I purchased materials for my cost of goods, as well as some tools that I needed

Hi there, @lizlautermail.

To clarify, are you trying to enter multiple purchase items? When entering expenses, you have the option to fill in the category or item details. If you need to itemize your purchases, you have the option to set them up and select their correct Chart of Accounts categories.

Here's how:

1. Go to the Gear icon and select Products and services.
2. Select New.
3. Choose the appropriate item type.
4. Add a name.
5. Enter all the necessary information. Select the inventory asset, income, and expense account.
6. Once done, click Save and close.

After that, you can record your purchases using the Expense feature.

1. Select + New. Then select Expense.
2. In the Payee field, select the vendor. 
3. In the Payment account field, select the credit card account you used to pay for the expense.
4. In the Payment date field, enter the date for the expense.
5. In the Payment method field, select how you paid for the expense.
6. If you want detailed tracking, enter a Ref no or Permit no. This is optional.
7. In the Tags field, enter the preferred label to categorize your money.
8. In the Category details section, enter the expense info. In the Category dropdown, select the expense account you use to track expense transactions. If you set up the items, enter them under the Item details section.
9. Enter the Amount and Tax.
10. When you're done, select Save and close.

For future reference, check out this article on how to manage your inventories: Set up and track your inventory.

I'm always around to help should you need more help with tracking your expenses. Have a good one.

I'm a newbie with Quickbooks and accounting, but am eager to understand!

To answer your first question, I'm not sure of the names and terms, but can say what I know: I purchased clay and some tools from my vendor. The clay is raw material for my products that I sell. The tools (small hand tools) are --tools that I use and don't consume. (By the way, are tools "assets" or "supplies"?)

So are you saying that a "category" is within a "chart of accounts" section? Or the same thing?

Is the set up in Products and Services sub categories of the Chart of Accounts?

I need to look at the program to see what you are describing.

Thank you for your prompt response, @lizlautermail. I'll be able to provide an answer to the queries you have about QuickBooks expenses.

Fixed assets are physical items of value that a company owns in accounting. Tools, computer equipment, and cars are examples of fixed assets. however, you can refer to your accountant to ensure the right accounts and expenses for the items.

Category details under the Expense tab are used to track expenses and they'll show in your Chart of Accounts. Although it's included in the steps provided, the said section is optional or you can just leave it blank.

You can go straight to the Item details and look for the product item you just set up once you've finished setting up them from the Product and Service section.

In addition, refer to this article if you want to learn how to create invoices.

Don’t hesitate to drop your concerns about the accounts and expenses in QuickBooks Online. We are here to provide answers. Enjoy your day!