Report credits in Trial balance as negative numbers

I'll share more insights on how the Trial Balance report works in QuickBooks Online (QBO), Monica Brislawn.

The brackets/parentheses around the figures will only show if there are negative numbers/values when running the report. If none, then it will only show the positive amounts in the Credit side. See the screenshot for your reference:

Also, a trial balance is a financial report that shows the closing balances of all general ledger accounts, as well as totals all debits and credits. If you need to show the opening balance, I suggest going to the Chart of Accounts page and clicking each account so you'll be routed to the Bank register page. Then, you can view the net activity and opening balance from there. Here's how:

1. Go to the Accounting menu on the left panel.
2. Choose the Chart of accounts and choose a specific account.
3. Click the Account history link under the Action column.
4. Locate the opening balance.

I'm adding this article if you need help printing, emailing, and exporting different reports in QuickBooks: Run reports in QuickBooks Online.

If you need further assistance or have additional questions about your Trial balance, add a comment below. I'm always here to help. 

Hello RCV, 

you are very kind to reply so promptly.  In your explanation you indicate the negative numbers will only appear if there are negative numbers in the period for which the report was run. You then reference your screen shot. But I do not see the brackets in the screen shot?  

And yes, I do understand the Trial balance are for the ending amounts; are you indicating if one selects opening balances that somehow the figures with credit balances will then show up in brackets?

So glad to have this dialogue with you. Thank you in advance for more you can teach myself and the community. thank you. Cheers!

Hi there, Monica. Thanks for coming back. I'm here to clarify things for you.

The Trial Balance report on the screenshot provided by my colleague RCV shows the total of all debit-value balances equals the total of all credit-amount balances. Therefore, there wouldn't be any negative numbers displayed on it. I'll share another sample report that shows your desired information:

Moving forward, make sure to personalize your reports for them to reflect the brackets/parenthesis around the figures. Here's how:

1. Run the report you want to edit from the Reports menu.
2. Click on the Customize button.                                                                                                         
3. From the General section, go to Negative numbers.
4. Select (100) from the drop-down.
5. Once done, click on Run report.

If you're all set, read this guide to learn more about how to fix any discrepancies with your account balances: Reconcile an account in QuickBooks Online.

Don't hesitate to reply if you have other questions about reports or need help in managing your QuickBooks company. I'll be around to back you and your business. Have a good one!

Dear Mich_S and RCV,

hey, thank you for writing so promptly again. i really appreciate it.  hey you know what? i do have that (100) selected and still I am not receiving a trial balance showing credit balances in parentheses.  here is a screen shot if helpful:

Hi not sure if this is a repeat - i do have the (100) selected... i just sent a screenshot to you but unable to tell if it went through or not.... maybe this is it... is the (100) only indicating if there are GL accounts whose balances are not in their natural position...so if you had an A/P balance that was a DEBIT amount...then you would have brackets....? is this what the (100) means?  I am trying to run a TB that would show ANY account with a CREDIT balance to have brackets around it...   thoughts?  thank you. monica

MichS, 3rd time trying to write you back... i do have the (100) selected... and i am not getting brackets around my GL balances in the credit position.  does this mean the (100) really means something different...that if, the GL balance only shows up negative if an account has a balance that is not in it's natural position? for example an accrued liability account with a debit balance will be in a minus position.... thoughts? thank you very much!

thank you JamaicaA. I do believe I understand your explanation. Since the figures on the Trial balance appear under a caption/title called "Credit" there is no need to also make the account balances have brackets.  Thank you for taking the time to you and the your teammates. take care. Kindly, monica

Hi there, Monica.

I'm glad that my colleague @JamaicaA  was able to help you achieve your goal. Rest assured we'll continue to provide the best customer service you'll ever experience.

Let me know if you have additional questions by replying to this thread. I'll be happy to assist you. Keep safe, and have a great day!