The estimated cost shown in my estimate page on the upper right hand corner is wrong. It is showing a negative profit.

Without seeing it, if you have already started progress invoicing, you may have receipts attached to that job.  You can do a report in QuickBooks and filter to specific job and see what expenses are on it. 

Unfortunately, this showed up before I started the job, before I created any progress invoices. I will have to look at the audit history of the estimate to see when this happened. It wasn't in the first version, but came about when I was editing. I have completed the job and the three progress invoices added up correctly, so this negative profit is just showing in the estimate. I remember clicking the "Update Layout" at some point. Maybe this had something to do with it. As an aside, what does the "Update Layout" do? I have clicked on it doing other estimates and it appears to do nothing.

You may have modified the estimate, but the changes didn't reflect on your progress invoices, which is why it's showing a negative profit on your end, @TMoore. Let me provide you with some information regarding this.

I recommend checking the audit history of the estimate to see if any changes were made after the initial version, as you mentioned that the changes only appeared while you were editing. To better understand your concern, could you provide a screenshot of the current situation and any additional information. This will help us grasp your experience more clearly and find the appropriate solution.

Regarding the updated layout, QuickBooks made changes based on your feedback to better suit your business needs. Once the update is implemented, it should automatically appear on your end. In your case, you may already have the latest update, which is why clicking on the option shows nothing.

Additionally, to compare your income and expenses for different periods and gain a comprehensive business overview, you can learn how to generate a Profit and Loss Comparison Report in QBO.

I understand your desire to be handled about this concern. Providing further information will help us determine your experience and will aid you with this. Feel free to reply below, @TMoore.

@TMoore, it seems that although you modified the estimate, those changes haven't reflected in your progress invoices, leading to the negative profit you're seeing. Let me clarify a few points for you.

I recommend reviewing the audit history of the estimate to confirm if any changes were made after the original version. As you mentioned, the adjustments only appeared during editing, so a screenshot of the current situation would be helpful. This, along with any additional context, will allow us to better understand your issue and assist with a resolution. Direct2HR

Regarding the layout update, QuickBooks has incorporated changes based on user feedback to better meet your business needs. If you're already on the latest version, this could explain why clicking the update option doesn't show any changes.

To help you get a clearer view of your income and expenses over different periods, you might want to explore how to generate a Profit and Loss Comparison Report in QBO.

We understand that you're eager to resolve this, so any extra details you can provide will guide us in assisting you further. Please feel free to reach out if you need more support or have additional questions!

No, the mistake only shows up in the present estimate view only. And an audit doesn't help.  It assume expenses that are not even there.  The project invoice report is correct. I added up expenses and income the old fashion way. I don't want to spend any more time on this. If I can figure out how to take a screen shot of the whole estimate, I will post it and let someone else figure it out. The whole thing does not fit on my screen, though.

Anyway, the estimated profit seems to be only a planning tool for when you are entering items, to see what your average markup is.  I hope it doesn't affect anything else. It is just this one estimate that did this.