Timesheet Export Errors - Service Items & Error 2500

Carrie-Chan · ‎February 05, 2026

Hi QuickBooks Time Community, Timesheet exports to QuickBooks fail after approval with 2 errors: 1. NOTICE (service items created in QBT, not synced from QB - hours export without items) 2. Error 2500 ("Something deleted on QB side... Invalid Reference Id"). Tried: re-sync, recreated QB items, cleared queue. No fix. Should I: A) Create service items first in QuickBooks, then sync to QBT? B) Use generic service items as workaround? C) Contact QB support to restore deleted item references? Which is correct workflow? Thanks!

ChristineJoieR

Hello there, Carrie. Let me provide a possible solution to the data sync issue in QuickBooks Time.

Error 2500 during item syncing indicates an issue on the timesheet that prevents QuickBooks Time from capturing the necessary data, resulting in a failure and triggering the Invalid Reference ID error.

To resolve the specific error related to a deletion in QuickBooks Online, review the items linked to the affected timesheet in QuickBooks Time. Next, cross-check these items in QuickBooks Online. Once you have confirmed their status, we can reactivate them and repeat the syncing process.

If you haven't created any items yet, we can first create service items in QuickBooks and then sync them to QuickBooks Time. Please ensure you tick the box for Service Items in the Preferences before exporting to guarantee QuickBooks Time captures and includes the raw data related to service items from QBO.

Additionally, we also recommend clicking Import each time you need to sync QuickBooks Online (QBO) to QuickBooks Time to streamline and enhance the accuracy of time tracking.

I'll be around if you need further help with managing your data, Carrie.