Redesigning our numbered chart of accounts

Thanks for dropping by the Community, foggyethan.

I can see how beneficial for your business to modify the number linked to the accounts in your register. This allows you to quickly determine your financial health and better organize your records. Let me help and route you in the right direction on how to redesign your chart of account.

When editing the account number, you’ll have to manually perform the task one at a time. If you wish to inactivate some of the accounts, use the Batch actions feature to remove them in bulk.

Here’s how: 

1. In QuickBooks Online (QBO), press the Accounting menu on the left panel and choose Chart of accounts.
2. From the list, tick the boxes for the accounts you’re working on.
3. Click the Batch actions menu to select Make inactive.
4. In the Make accounts inactive window, tap the Yes, make inactive button to confirm the action.

Click on this link to learn more on how to manage your accounts in the chart of accounts. It provides information on when to disconnect or delete an account.

In addition, the following article will guide you on how to utilize account numbers in your register: Use account numbers in your chart of accounts. This resource outlines the complete steps on how to Enable account numbers feature as well as ideas about the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) number ranges.

Stay in touch if you still need assistance with managing your chart of accounts. I’ll be glad to lend a helping hand. Have a great rest of your day.

I also am wondering if it is good practice to remove the account number upon inactivating an account. Will this cause any harm when reviewing historical activity? It seems like this keeps the way clear for adding new numbers, and renumbering existing accounts, without stepping on the account numbers of inactive accounts and creating confusion.

@foggyethan 

I would recommend to open a new blank QBO account and start from scratch to create your CoA.

https://quickbooks.grsm.io/US

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Utilize a migration tool to speed up the process

https://transactionpro.grsm.io/qbo

And consider to utilize a backup restore app to undo your migration process if required.

https://rewindio.grsm.io/quickbooks

I want to take care of this so you're able to create a new account in Chart of Accounts, foggyethan.

Once you inactivate an account in the Chart of Accounts, your existing transactions don't disappear and will stay on your financial reports. If you wish to remove the account numbers, it can affect tracing transitions from your report. Otherwise, you'll want to consult an accountant on better ways to handle this concern.

Here are some resources for more information about managing the Chart of Accounts in QBO: 

• Learn about detail types in chart of accounts 

• Create a new account in your chart of accounts in QuickBooks Online 

I've also added our page about reports and accounting that I'm sure you'll find helpful. It contains related articles related to the accounting process and reports.

I'm just a post away if you have other questions or concerns. We're always here to lend a hand. Thanks for posting and I wish you have a lovely day ahead.