Retained Earnings Account Name and GL Account Number Not Displaying in Reports

Let me share details on how the Balance Sheet report displays the Retained Earnings account in QuickBooks Online (QBO), @apmessner.

The Retained Earnings account is one of the default ones that QBO automatically sets up when you create your company file. There can be only one account of detail type Retained Earnings.

When you pull up the Balance Sheet report, it'll display the default Retained Earnings account name. However, if you've edited or given it another name in the chart of accounts, it should display the current one (given name).

Once the said report isn't displaying the Retained Earnings account's given name, you can perform some troubleshooting steps to isolate this matter. This reporting error can sometimes be caused by the browser's overtime collection of data from frequent page visits.

You can start by pulling up your QuickBooks Online (QBO) account using a private browser (incognito). Here's how:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Google Chrome)
• Ctrl + Shift + P (Firefox)
• Control + Option + P (Safari)

Once signed in, go to the Reports menu and pull up the Balance Sheet report. If you're able to do so, return to your default browser and clear its cache. This will refresh the system and remove older data that causes viewing and performances issue. However, if this matter continues, I'd recommend using other supported browsers.

Also, to learn more about the default accounts in the chart of accounts and how you can build a custom report in QBO Advanced, I'd recommend checking out these articles: 

• Learn about the chart of accounts in QuickBooks

• Create custom reports in QuickBooks Online Advanced

Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have other reporting concerns and questions about the accounts on your chart of accounts in QBO. You can drop a comment below, and I'll gladly help. Take care, and I wish you continued success, @apmessner.

Thanks! The only two browsers I have access to on my work computer are Chrome and Edge, and the problem occurs in both of them. I have tried in Incognito mode and cleared the cache with no luck. Do you have any other suggestions?

Is it possible that this warrants an escalation to the development team? I understand it's basically a cosmetic issue, but it's frustrating when you want your report to look a certain way, so you follow all the directions to make it look that way, and you still can't accomplish what you want. I would appreciate it if you could open a ticket with the development team to have a programmer take a look at this. Thanks!

Thanks for your input, @apmessner.

I want to make sure this unusual reporting behavior is taken care off immediately. For this, we need to contact our support team to help you out further with this.

They can report this to our engineers who can help with program bugs and other technical concerns.

1. Go to the Help menu in QuickBooks, then choose the Search tab.
2. At the bottom click on Contact us.
   
3. Enter the keyword Account Management and Billing in the What can we help you with? box.
4. On the next screen, scroll down to How would you like to connect with us section.
5. Choose Chat with us to initiate a discussion with a live agent.
6. Enter you account contact information then press Get a chat.
7. When using this option, make sure to enable pop-up windows. The chat box will appear at the bottom right section of your monitor, and an agent will be with you shortly after. See this:

This thread is always open for additional questions and updates about this reporting concern. Mention me anytime to notify me. I'm always right here to help.

I have a related question. Can you edit the default (QB auto-generated) Retained Earnings account NUMBER? 

Furthermore, we are in the process of transitioning to a new Chart of Accounts, and are wondering if its possible to combine/merge the Retained Earnings account we generated with the default one?

Hi there!

Thank you for getting help with merging your accounts. I'll be happy to answer your question.

If both your retained earnings account and the default one have the same Type and Detail Type, you will be able to merge them. So the first thing you'll want to do is check this information in the Chart of Accounts.

After checking, merge them by renaming the account you created (not the other one) exactly the same as the default one. Here's an article for your reference: Merge duplicate accounts, customers, and suppliers in QuickBooks Online. Go to the Merge duplicate accounts section.

You can always go back to this thread if you have other concerns with your accounts. Have a good one!

Can I edit the Retained Earnings account NUMBER? (the default one)

Thanks for reaching out back to us, @questions_123123.

Yes, you can definitely edit the  account numbers for your Chart of Accounts registers. I'll walk you through the steps on how you can do it in your QuickBooks Online account.

Follow these steps below:

1. Go to Accounting menu and select Chart of Accounts.
2. Find the Retained Earnings account.
3. Click the drop-down arrow beside Run report, choose Edit.
   
4. Update the account number set up for that account.
   

If you can't find the option to edit it, make sure to check the company settings if the account numbers are enabled. These steps will help you verify and update the Chart of Accounts preferences:

1. Tap the Settings ⚙ menu and select Accounts and settings.
2. Go to the Advanced tab, and click the Chart of accounts section.
3. Click the slider beside Enable account numbers.
4. Mark the Show account numbers checkbox.
   
5. Don't forget to press Save, then Done.

Check out the following links about navigating QuickBooks Online and handling your Chart of Accounts:

• QBO USA Tutorials
• Add an account to your chart of accounts in QuickBooks Online
• Learn about the chart of accounts in QuickBooks Online
   

For other questions or concerns about editing or managing your Chart of Accounts, mention me anytime. I'll do my best to be of help.

The account name can be edited on the Balance Sheet report by clicking on Edit titles above your company name.