Negative numbers where they don't belong.

Hello Barb56!

Thanks for reaching out to us. Allow me to assist you with the figures in running reports.

QuickBooks Desktop doesn't have a WIP feature. We always suggest setting up an asset account and naming it as WIP or Work in Progress/Process.

When you double-click the amount on the WIP account when running the balance sheet report, the transaction reports that pops-up has Debit and Credit columns. You'll only see a negative amount under the Balance column. 

You'll want to check the transaction that causes the negative balance. Make sure that we enter them correctly to prevent discrepancies. As long as the balance sheet is accurate, then it should not cause issues.

Please check these articles to understand more how to fix issues when running a balance sheet report:

• Fix a Balance Sheet that's out of balance
• Resolve AR and AP balances on the cash basis Balance Sheet

We're always here if you need more help with financial reports. QuickBooks Community is available 24/7.

That doesn't address the problem.  I've been using QuickBooks since it first came on the scene.  I know how to do the usual and typical.  THIS IS NOT TYPICAL!!  My WIP account has a Debit balance on the Balance Sheet, but EVERY LINE on the resulting report, when I double click the account, has a CREDIT balance (negative numbers).  It's never done that before.  I also printed a check recently, to a vendor through "Pay Vendors", and the amount paid was $100 more than the total of the bills paid.  The numbers didn't foot.  THAT IS NOT TYPICAL either.  I don't want "how to do normal stuff" answers.  I want how to fit an error.  I ran a data check, and it came back that the data file was fine.  This doesn't seem fine to me.  So NO, your answer didn't resolve the issue.  

Thanks for keeping us updated, Barb56.

If you're seeing any discrepancy or unusual behavior on a report, it might be a possible data damage. I'll share a solution to help you fix this. Let's do the Verify and Rebuild Data. This tool helps identify any issues within your company file and automatically fixes them.

To Rebuild Data, here's how:

1. Go to Window > Close All.
2. Verify Data. Choose File then Utilities. Select Verify Data. If you see:
   • "QuickBooks detected no problems with your data," no further action is needed.
   • A specific error message, there may already be an article for it. Try searching for it in our QuickBooks Desktop support site for specific instructions.
   • "Your data has lost integrity," indicates there is data damage in the file.  Continue to the steps below to Rebuild Data to correct the problem.

   Note: Assisted Payroll customers should consult an Assisted Payroll agent before running Rebuild Data.

To Rebuild Data, you can follow these steps: 

1. Go to File > Utilities > Rebuild Data.
2. You will receive a warning message to backup your company file, click OK. A rebuild requires a company file backup beforehand because in rare cases the process may need to delete transactions or list entries to fix the file.  A backup of your company file will ensure you have a secured copy of your company file before any changes are made to it.
3. Select where you want to save your backup, then select OK at the bottom of the QuickBooks Desktop Backup window.
   1. If the backup fails, select Cancel at the Rebuild prompt and contact Payroll Support for additional assistance.
   2. If a message asks if you want to replace another backup file, select NO. Enter a new name in the File name field and click Save. 
4. The Rebuild Data utility starts as soon as the backup is finished.
5. Click OK when you get the message "Rebuild has completed".

Once done, run the Balance Sheet report and check to see if your WIP account has a credit balance. If so, you can follow the other solutions shared in this article: Fix data damage on your QuickBooks Desktop company file

In addition, you can read these articles to learn more about the reports and how you can customize them in QuickBooks Desktop:

• Understand reports
• Customize reports in QuickBooks Desktop

Please let us know how it goes after trying out the steps. We're always around to help you out again. Take care and stay safe.