Bills and expenses Question

It looks like you're using QuickBooks Online Simple Start, Realtomatoes.

This version is unable to manage bills. Creating this type of transaction is available to QuickBooks Online Essentials and Plus only. 

You can check the comparison of our Online plans: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/pricing/.

If you have more questions, just drop a comment below. 

Hello there again, Realtomatoes.

QuickBooks Online doesn't require you to be an accounting person nor an IT expert. You don't have to worry, we're here to make sure all your questions and concerns are taken care of. 

Going back to your concern, you can still enter your expenses. You will either create checks or expense transactions. Since you're not able to create any bills in the Simple Start version, you may want to create the checks or expenses once you've paid your vendor already. 

Here's how to create a check or expense:

1. Click the Plus sign (+) icon.
2. Choose Check or Expense.
3. Fill in the necessary fields.
4. Click Save and close or Save and new. 

We're here if you need something else. Just leave a comment below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. 

Sorry to be late to the party but if Simple Start cannot handle unpaid bills, why is there the option for standard accounting for VAT? Many thanks.

Hi there, @PJD007.

Allow me to join the thread and provide some insights when using QuickBooks Online (QBO).

QBO offers unique features based on the plan you're currently using. You're right that QBO Simple Start doesn't have the billable expense feature but has the categories "Income and Expense" or "Invoicing or Payments". That's why it has standard accounting for VAT. 

To understand more about Intuit pricing and plans, see the below articles:

• Pricing and subscription levels for QuickBooks Online
• How to understand your subscription rates and charges
• QuickBooks Plan and pricing

For future reference, I'm adding a link to our online tutorials. These videos can help you run your business using QuickBooks: Video tutorials for QuickBooks Online.

If there's anything else you need help with concerning QuickBooks, let me know by commenting below. I'll be more than happy to help. Take care and have a great day.

Hi Abegail

Thanks for your response.

I cannot see where I can enter the transaction date (required for standard accounting).

In a different reply I was advised to 'create a regular invoice' but how do I do this in Simple Start?

Many thanks.

Hi there, @PJD007.

You require the creation of a bill in your QuickBooks Online Account. Since entering a billing statement is unavailable in Simple Start, I'll show you how to add them to the plan.

QuickBooks Online Simple Start is straightforward accounting software for small businesses. So, on this plan, we can only enter the bill as an expense or create a check. 

Here's how to record Expenses:

1. Go to the Create (+) Menu, and under Suppliers, choose Expense.
2. If it's a new payee, type their name and click Add.
3. You can click Details to add more information or Save and do it later.
4. Choose the account for the money for this purchase. 
5. Enter the date you made this purchase.
6. Enter Payment Method, Description, and hit Save.

Next, Follow these steps on how to add a check:

1. Select + New.
2. Select Check.
3. Choose the Payee from the dropdown.
4. From the Bank account dropdown, select the account the check withdraws money.
5. Complete the check fields you need.
6. Select the Print check option to open the check queue to print now. Or select the Print checkbox if you want to print the check later.
7. Select Save and close to close the check window.

We can also track them in the Journal Entry instead of a Check or Expense. This time, I recommend asking for guidance from our accounting professionals for the correct accounts to use.

For additional information on navigating your QuickBooks account, you can freely view this video tutorial guide in this article: Get started in QuickBooks Online: a quick tour & what to do next.

You can still hop in this thread if you need anything else. You are always welcome here. Have a peaceful day.

Hi Christine

Many thanks for your response.

This query started as I did not understand why QuickBooks Simple Start gave the option for standard accounting VAT when I could not enter unpaid purchase invoices (in order to record the transaction date NOT the payment date).

A suggested answer was that I created a 'regular invoice' so I then asked how to do that and received your kind reply.

Unfortunately, I am no further forward as I do understand the expense and cheque options, but do not understand how I can operate standard accounting VAT.

Thanks if you can offer a solution (without entering all the invoices via journal).

Regards