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Playawest45
Level 4

How to pay down liability account.

My understanding is a liability account is place to record money that needs to be paid out. Ok, then how does one reduce that liability? 

If I look at Expense, then I can pay the equivalent of the amount of the liability but that does not reduce the amount in the liability account.

Solved
Best answer August 14, 2025

Best Answers
JamaicaA
QuickBooks Team

How to pay down liability account.

It’s nice to have you here, Playawest45.

 

Yes, a liability is the amount of money you currently owe to other people. You can pay it down by creating an expense, check, or bill.

 

I agree with Rainflurry that an Expense transaction affects the Liability account. That said, please double-check the entry or category being used to identify why it isn't decreasing the liability balance.

 

Take note that a Check or Expense is for immediate payments, while a Bill is for future payments. If you can elaborate on your concern, that would allow us to provide an appropriate resolution. A screenshot would be helpful, but kindly hide any personal information for security purposes.

 

You can also learn the difference between bills, checks, and expenses to ensure you use them correctly.

 

Since this involves accounts, I recommend consulting an accounting professional to guarantee accurate books. If you don't have one, speak with a QuickBooks Live Expert now for more personalized assistance.

 

If you have follow-up questions about the transactions you can use to settle the liability, let me know by leaving a comment below.

View solution in original post

3 Comments 3
Rainflurry
Level 15

How to pay down liability account.

@Playawest45 

 

If you use an Expense transaction and select the liability account under Category, it will reduce the liability account balance.  You can also reduce a liability by using it on a check or bill (on accrual basis).  

JamaicaA
QuickBooks Team

How to pay down liability account.

It’s nice to have you here, Playawest45.

 

Yes, a liability is the amount of money you currently owe to other people. You can pay it down by creating an expense, check, or bill.

 

I agree with Rainflurry that an Expense transaction affects the Liability account. That said, please double-check the entry or category being used to identify why it isn't decreasing the liability balance.

 

Take note that a Check or Expense is for immediate payments, while a Bill is for future payments. If you can elaborate on your concern, that would allow us to provide an appropriate resolution. A screenshot would be helpful, but kindly hide any personal information for security purposes.

 

You can also learn the difference between bills, checks, and expenses to ensure you use them correctly.

 

Since this involves accounts, I recommend consulting an accounting professional to guarantee accurate books. If you don't have one, speak with a QuickBooks Live Expert now for more personalized assistance.

 

If you have follow-up questions about the transactions you can use to settle the liability, let me know by leaving a comment below.

Playawest45
Level 4

How to pay down liability account.

I had figured this out after I posted the question. Thanks for the answers.

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