Hi, is there is a way to have invoice Service Dates sequence automatically, so that you don't have to enter each date in a series separately, eg: 3/1/2020-3/15/2020?

I can see how good your suggestion is, Aitch66.

We'll need to manually do a few clicks to select the appropriate date for the invoice service. At this time, there isn't an option to automatically set for the service dates.

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Has this been fixed yet?  It seems incomprehensible to me that anyone would have set up automatic invoicing without having the service date change automatically as well.

It's a pleasure to see you here, @just me too. 

In QuickBooks Online, recurring transaction templates don't auto-populate the service date field on transactions. It only changes the transaction date. You'll need to find each transaction and manually enter the correct service date.

To find transactions recently created by a recurring template:

1. Select Reports.
2. Search for and run the Recent Automatic Transactions report.
   
3. Set the report dates.
4. Click Run report.
5. Select the individual transaction to display it.
6. Manually update the Service Date field to the date the service was actually performed.
7. Select Save.

You can find these instructions from our guide on editing a recurring template.

Should you wish to turn off the service date, the steps below will ensure your success:

1. Navigate to the Gear icon.
2. Under Your Company, select Accounts and Settings.
3. Select on Sales.
4. Refer to the Sales form content section and turn off the Service date switch button.
   
5. Select Save and Done.

For future reference, you can check out our guide on creating recurring transactions. It includes additional resources in editing and troubleshooting templates.

Please keep in touch with me here should you need additional assistance. I'm always up to talk QuickBooks.

I followed the directions to turn off the service date in the sales template.  So if I do that how does QuickBooks decide what accounting period the work was done in?  Does it use the invoice date?

If so that solves my problem.  If it does nothing then does the revenue never get recognized?

Revenue is supposed to be recognized when the work is done.  I thought that was what having the service date was for.  Is that inaccurate?  Is the service date there only to notify the customer the period for which they are being billed with no implications as to which accounting period the revenue is to be recognized in QuickBooks.

Hey there, @just me too. 

Thanks for following up with us. I'm happy to provide some insight into the revenue. 

To clarify, do you mean once the work is done, the amounts get entered on the books? If so, it will depend if you're in accrual or cash. If you're in accrual, then yes, it's the invoice date. However, if you run in cash, it's the date you enter the payment.

Please let me know if you have further questions or concerns. I'll be here every step of the way. You can reach out to the Community at any time. Take care and enjoy your weekend!