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kengruber
Level 1

Void old checks?

What is best way to void checks issued in a closed period. 

Does the adjustment to cash and the expense dated in the current period ?


I tried to do this and i got a warning about adjusting a closed period and need tohave the credit to expense occur in current period not in prior period

Solved
Best answer October 15, 2018

Best Answers
arienne
Level 1

Void old checks?

This is how I handle this problem. However I use QB's Enterprise, but it should work the same way.

Due to accrual accounting, you never want to change anything in the closed period if you can help it, as this will usually change totals on your month end figures. After discussing with our accountant I proceed as follows;

First I write down all the info from the check I want to void. Make sure to note the date, amount and number. Then clear the check in the current period, as if it was paid.

Next make a journal entry to reverse the payment in the current period using the current date. That will put the money back into the bank account without changing any of the previous accounts used to pay the invoice.

Now you are ready to re-issue the check. You are simply going to write a check out of the bank account. Do not try an re-enter any of the previous information. You should note the invoice number in the memo field, and also that this is replacing a voided check. This way the original transaction stays in place, and does not change you earlier records.

Once you have completed the paperwork side of this, make sure you actually place a stop on the original check number with your bank! 

I hope this work around is useful to you, and good luck!

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10 Comments 10
arienne
Level 1

Void old checks?

This is how I handle this problem. However I use QB's Enterprise, but it should work the same way.

Due to accrual accounting, you never want to change anything in the closed period if you can help it, as this will usually change totals on your month end figures. After discussing with our accountant I proceed as follows;

First I write down all the info from the check I want to void. Make sure to note the date, amount and number. Then clear the check in the current period, as if it was paid.

Next make a journal entry to reverse the payment in the current period using the current date. That will put the money back into the bank account without changing any of the previous accounts used to pay the invoice.

Now you are ready to re-issue the check. You are simply going to write a check out of the bank account. Do not try an re-enter any of the previous information. You should note the invoice number in the memo field, and also that this is replacing a voided check. This way the original transaction stays in place, and does not change you earlier records.

Once you have completed the paperwork side of this, make sure you actually place a stop on the original check number with your bank! 

I hope this work around is useful to you, and good luck!

Bookkeeping49
Level 3

Void old checks?

This is helpful.  Question what if the check is not being re-issued.  How would I record sales tax paid?
arienne
Level 1

Void old checks?

If you are not going to re-issue the check/payment you will need to reverse the transaction in the current period with a Journal Entry. Make sure you enter the correct accounts to match the original check. The difference is you are going to be reversing the transaction so that the money is put back into your bank account, and deducted from the accounts the check affected. This includes the sales tax account. Your sales tax paid will be corrected by the adjustment in the current period. So when you pay the current period sales tax, that adjustment will be there.

Hope this helps.
Libbpatt
Level 2

Void old checks?

What do you do if the voucher was booked to the wrong vendor?  I not only have to reissue the check, but void a voucher and reenter it to a different company.  

Mark_R
QuickBooks Team

Void old checks?

Hello there, @Libbpatt.

 

Let me walk you through on how to void a check in QuickBooks Online.

 

  1. From the left menu, click Expenses.
  2. Select the Expenses tab.
  3. Find the check transaction.
  4. Click the View/Edit under the Action column.
  5. Select More, then choose Void.
  6. Hit Yes to confirm voiding the transaction.

Once done, you can now re-enter the check.

 

Here's an article for your reference: How to Void or Delete Transactions.

 

You might also want to read this article to learn how to undo voided transaction: How to Undo a Voided Transaction.

 

That's it! Let me know in the comment section below if you have any other questions about QuickBooks transaction. It'll be always my pleasure to lend a hand.

rsturgis
Level 2

Void old checks?

How can you "clear" the check in the current period if it hasn't cleared the bank. Your recon won't tie. QB Desktop used to automatically create the reversing entry in the prior period to keep all past reconciliations up to date. Why does QB Online not have this feature?

MaryLandT
Moderator

Void old checks?

I'm here to provide some insights about voiding checks in QuickBooks Online, rsturgis.

 

You need to wait for the bank to clear the check before voiding it in QuickBooks. Once cleared, here's how to void it in the system .

 

I also suggest consulting your account if this will affect the prior period. If you don't have one, we can help you find a ProAdvisor.

 

On the other hand, QuickBooks Desktop has more accounting needs and requires customization features. That's why some features aren't available on the Online version.

 

Let me know if you need more assistance with this. I'll be right here to provide the information you need.

rsturgis
Level 2

Void old checks?

Thank you for the response, but I am the accountant. Regarding the check, you cannot "wait" for an outdated stale check that has been sitting in uncleared to suddenly clear the bank. The whole idea is that these checks won't be cashed, and keeping them on the books as outstanding is understating cash on the financial statements and leads to misstated cash. 

bevr
Level 1

Void old checks?

I need to void a check in 2004 version of QB.  Check never cleared the bank...any suggestions??

JamaicaA
QuickBooks Team

Void old checks?

Welcome, @bevr. I've got ways on how you can void a check in QuickBooks, and I'll show you how.

 

If you're referring to QuickBooks Desktop 2004, this version is already unsupported. This is because Windows 10 or later is no longer one of the supported Operating Systems. With this, you'll be unable to get the best Desktop experience.

 

In line with this, you will no longer have access to the software's Payroll Services, Payment Processing, Live Support, Online Backup, Online Banking, Technical Support, and other services. You can read about QuickBooks Desktop service discontinuation policy and upgrade information to learn more.

 

However, if you're not using any of the add-on services, you can still continue working in the program. This means we can void any transactions from your bank register. Please know that this might affect your past financial records.

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Go to the Banking menu, then select Use Register.
  2. Select which account you saved the check.
  3. Locate the check and double click.
  4. On the check window, press the Delete dropdown and tap Void.

 

I've added some screenshots below for your reference:

image.png

 

image.png

 

Feel free to scan through this guide about checks: Create, modify, and print checks.

 

If you'd like to upgrade your company file, it should be in 3 years gap version at a time. For instance, you'll upgrade your file to 2007, 2010, 2013, and so on. This ensures that the software is compatible with your computer to get the best experience in using the program.

 

You might be interested in visiting these resources to take a look at the features and functions of QuickBooks Desktop's latest version:

 

 

Lastly, I've got you these helpful article for ideas about how you can manage your account and transactions: Reports and Accounting for QuickBooks Desktop.

Keep me posted on how this goes. I want to ensure you'll be able to add deposit transactions in QBO smoothly. Have a great week ahead and take care.

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