Can't make sub account for parent account.

wdholt · ‎October 15, 2018

I cannot make a sub-account for an entry on the Chart of Accounts. When I try to add it, I get the error message: "Something’s not quite right. The account cannot be a sub account of itself."

I am trying to set up separate accounting for a short-term rental property as part of a boutique store LLC.

I don't see what the error is. The sub-account name has not be used and the parent account is shown on the CoA. I don't understand how what I am trying to do is a sub-account of itself.

lyndaartesani · ‎October 15, 2018

Create the acct you want as a sub acct. save and close --make sure it is the same type & detail. Reopen it and edit it. Add the parent name.

View solution in original post

lyndaartesani · ‎October 15, 2018

Create the acct you want as a sub acct. save and close --make sure it is the same type & detail. Reopen it and edit it. Add the parent name.

wdholt · ‎October 15, 2018

Thanks for your fast and helpful response, Lynda!

monnvonn2 · ‎October 15, 2018

Did not work for me- I have tried EVERYTHING! Must be a bug?

ashley3 · ‎October 15, 2018

I am having the same issue. Any advice?

realfriedman · ‎October 15, 2018

same here

realfriedman · ‎October 15, 2018

Found that you need to create the sub account W/O setting the sub flag. Then edit it. Thanks!!!

patricioalfaro-m · ‎October 15, 2018

Tried all suggestions without luck in creating a sub-account to an equity account. At the end, the solution was to LOG-OUT from QBO, LOG-IN again, and start "fresh" the NEW equity account as SUB-ACCOUNT as per normal creating procedure. This time it worked fine. (It seems that QBO is not clearing its own data tables after a sub-account is created.)

gandjproperties · ‎October 15, 2018

Hi Lynda...maybe you can help me too. I tried setting up account and then closing out and coming back in to edit. Screen still had grayed out sub account area so I couldn't check box. I am trying to make a subaccount under Other Current Liabilities for security deposits that I hold. I have about 40 or 50 of them, so I use and set up often in past, but now all of a sudden QB won't let me set up a new one. Help! I don't want to change my whole system of accounting for security deposits....That would be a nightmare!

lyndaartesani · ‎October 15, 2018

It may be an issue with QBO today. The system is having problems. You may want to try again later. Here is what I heard from support:

There is currently a problem with the system. You can report your issue here: quickbooks.intuit.com/commerce/common/fragments/feedback.jsp

According to support:

"Yes, this is currently an emerging issue we are aware of and our engineering team is working on to correct. Clearing the cache and switching browser has worked for some people. If you try that or already have tried that and still have issues, I would suggest clearing the cache again in an hour or so."

lyndaartesani · ‎October 15, 2018

@monvonn2: Are you sure they are the exact same type/detail? That is important. What acct. are you trying to add to?

monnvonn2 · ‎October 15, 2018

Exact same. Expense account, detail type bank charges. Account name bank charges. I am trying to add a subaccount to the bank charges account called wire transfer fees. When I check off the box next to sub account, the drop-down menu is blank.

Edith DeCourcy · ‎November 13, 2018

I had the same issue after I imported the COA. I tried everything to no avail. When all else failed, I simply logged out, closed the browser, reopened a new browser, logged back in, and now it works. Hope this helps!

Bryte · ‎February 09, 2019

THANK YOU! Never would have thought logging out and back in would change anything but it solved the problem and I could sub-account create to my hearts content.

twong1 · ‎May 09, 2019

I am having the same issue. Must create sub account..how do you clear the cache? I have logged out and back in with no help.

RaymondJayO · ‎May 09, 2019

Thanks for joining this thread, @twong1.

I'll help ensure you're able to create a sub-account in the program.

Clearing the cache or cookies is a best way to get a clean slate for your browser. Before performing it, you'll first open a private browser to help isolate the issue. At times, the stored data can cause some problems in your browser's web pages.

You can press the following keyboard shortcuts to open a private browser:

Ctrl+ Shift + N (Google Chrome)
Ctrl + Shift + P (Mozilla Firefox)
Ctrl + Shift + P (Internet Explorer)
Command + Shift + N (Safari)

If the private browser works, you can clear the cache depending on which browser you're using through this helpful article: Delete Temporary Internet Files. If the private browser doesn't work, I'd suggest using another compatible browser.

Once done, you'll need to sign back into your QuickBooks Online account. With these steps, you'll be able to create a sub-account for your parent account.

This will get you going, @twong1.

Don't hesitate to add a comment below if you need further assistance. Have a great day.

Bzltyr · ‎February 22, 2022

I logged out of Microsoft Edge then back in to Google Chrome and I can now create subaccounts in Expense when I could not before.

Jeff523 · ‎February 07, 2024

I am using the desktop version and am trying to simply create a sub expense account. I have tried all the suggestions listing in these posts, and the sub account checkbox and window continues to be grayed out and inoperable.

Clrmead · ‎March 06, 2024

I am having the same issues and have tried literally everything and it is NOT working for me either

Nannerg · ‎August 29, 2024

I'm having the same issue on the desktop version. I see no extra drop-downs, checkboxes or anything in a right click or drag and drop so I can make one Expense account a sub account of another Expense account.

ZackE · ‎August 29, 2024

Thanks for getting involved with this thread, Jeff523.

The steps mentioned in this thread are for QuickBooks Online. In QuickBooks Desktop, you can create subaccounts while adding a new account in your Chart of Accounts.

Here's how:

In the top menu bar, go to Lists, then Chart of Accounts.
Use your Account ▼ drop-down and choose New.
Specify an account type, then click Continue. You'll want to be aware that the parent and subaccount must be the same type.
Enter your account details.
Tick the Subaccount of checkbox and use your Subaccount of ▼ drop-down list to pick a parent account.
Select Save & Close.

If a box is greyed out while performing the steps above, you'll want to try troubleshooting with your Verify Data utility and QuickBooks Tool Hub.

I'll be here to help if there's any additional questions. Have a great Thursday!

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Can't make sub account for parent account.