I need to run a transaction report that includes the detail from the transaction - any help?

Hello there Hannah,

Let me help you generate a transaction report that shows the description of the transaction.

You may pull up the Transaction Detail by Account report and filter it to include the Memo/ Description column.

Let me show you how:

1. Go to Reports.
2. Search for the Transaction Detail by Account report in the search box.
3. Click on the Customize button.
4. Click on the Filter drop-down and select Memo
5. Click on the Run report button.

Let me know how it goes. I'll be here to help.

I am only able to run reports with "Memo/Description".  Is there a way to display both on a report?

Pauline

Hi there, @Pauline2.

Currently, there isn't an option to separate the Memo/Description column on a report. But I've got a workaround for you that you may consider.

You can run and export the Transaction Detail by Account to Excel so you can separate the Memo and Description from there. However, you'll have to enter each memo and description of the transactions manually. 

Here's how to export the report:

1. Click Reports.
2. Search for Transaction Detail by Account.
3. In the Report period section, select the date range of the report to want to view.
4. Click the Export icon.
5. Select Export to Excel.
6. From the Excel, insert a column and enter Memo.
7. In the Memo column, enter each memo of the transactions manually.

I've attached a screenshot for your visual reference.

Also, in case you might want to memorize reports, you can read this article for your future reference: Memorise Reports. 

Just hit the Reply button of you have any other questions. I'll keep an eye on your response.

Actually I figured out I can run the Transaction List with Splits report.  Memo and Description are in 2 separate fields.

Hi 

I've just run the transaction list with splits and it hasnt worked. Not sure why. 

Thank you anyway. 

Hannah 

Hi there, Hannah.

The option to split the Memo and the Description column is unavailable in QuickBooks Online. As a workaround, you can export the Transaction List with Splits report to Excel so you can separate it from there. You can follow the steps provided by my colleague above.

For additional resources, here's an article about customizing your reports in QuickBooks Online.

You can also memorize your report to save its current customization settings.

I'm just a few clicks away if you need further help with managing your reports.

Hi, Can you tell me what you did?  I can get the description/memo information up until July but then from August on that column is blank? 

Thanks for joining this conversation, @SIL1.

Are you using the Transaction List with Splits as well? If so, verify if the August transactions have a memo/description.

If they have, let's try logging into your QuickBooks Online (QBO) account using a private browser (incognito). There are times that the browser is full of frequently accessed page resources, causing some unusual responses.

Here's how:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Google Chrome).
• Ctrl + Shift + P (Firefox or Internet Explorer).
• Control + Option + P (Safari).

Once signed in, pull up the report again to double-check.

If it works, return to your default browser and perform a clear cache. Every so often the cache becomes overwhelmed with older data which can potentially cause viewing and performance issues. Clearing it will refresh the system, and you'll be able to work with a clean slate. However, if the issue persists, try using other supported browsers.

Just in case, I'll add this article for future reference: Customise your reports in QuickBooks Online.

Please reach out to me if you have any other issues or concerns, and I'll get back to you. I'm always here to help. Have a good one!

Hi @Mark_R do we need to pay extra to get this report because it seems that version of my QBO does not have this report.

Hi, kathypoh.

The Transaction Detail by Account report is available in the Essentials and the Plus version.

You can check the report comparison article to know what reports are available on the version that you use. You'll want to upgrade your subscription by following these steps:

1. Click on the Gear icon.
2. Choose Accounts and Settings.
3. Click on Billing & Subscription.
4. Click the Upgrade plan option. The next page will show you the features of each plan.

To give you more information on what, please check this article for reference: Run Reports.

Let us know if you need anything else. I'll always be right here to help.

Dear Quickbooks:

When I run the Transaction List by Account, a Bill would show both Description and Memo fields (in 2 separate lines) but an Expense (which is usually an import of e.g. credit card charges would only show Description.  

When I run the Transaction List with Splits, for some reason can only run this report for Balance Sheet accounts.  Why not P&L accounts?? Both Transaction Type Bill and Expense can show both Description and Memo.

Can Quickbooks please do whatever you do at the back end and make it consistent?  

Hello there, pchiu,

When you export the Transaction List by Account report, you'll get separate columns for Description and Memo.

As for the Transaction List with Splits report, it should show all transactions. Let's try basic troubleshooting to check if this is a browser-related error.

Let's start accessing your account via a private browser or incognito. Here's how:

• Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Internet Explorer: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Safari: Command + Shift + N

Go back to the reports page to check if all transactions are now showing on the report.. Then, we need to clear your browser's cache to optimized your browser performance. You can also use a different supported browser.

Check these articles for reference: 

• Customise your reports in QuickBooks Online
• Memorise Reports
• How to export reports to Excel

Let me know if you need anything else.

Hanna is right. This is a serious shortcoming in QBO. The memo/description field is ... not. The field heading is a lie. It is not both the memo and the description; the description is simply omitted. Also, there is no report available as you describe. The transaction reports are either Transaction by Supplier or Transaction by Date and neither provide the descriptions. Even selecting "splits" only enters the word "split" and does not include the split information in the report. 

We don't want you to feel this way, @soolbeat.

Please do know that the Transaction Detail by Account report is available in the Essential and Plus version of QuickBooks Online (QBO).

To check your QBO version, you'll want to go to the Billing & Subscription page and verify it from there. Let me show how:

1. Go to the Gear icon.
2. Select Account and Settings.
3. Then simply click the Billing & Subscription section.

You can also check our report comparison to know the types of reports available in each QBO version.

Let me also add this articles that serves as guide in personalizing your report: Customise reports in QuickBooks Online. This way, you'll learn how to generate reports that show the data you need the most.

Tag me in if you have other concerns in mind. I'll be sure to answer them. Take care!

I have Quickbooks Advance (Online) and I need to be able to run reports that have the description and memo separated. This should be very basic. Or just a way to run the report with descriptions. I don't care about the memo field. Is there a way to do this?

Hi @kiva,

Thank you for joining the thread. I'm here to handle your question about reports in QuickBooks Online (QBO) Advanced. 

The situation is the same with QBO Advanced. What you can do is follow the steps shared by my colleague @Mark_R above. The steps are detailed and accurate, and it even includes a screenshot for your reference. 

I suggest you give this page a visit each month: The QuickBooks Blog. It lists updates and enhancements released per month, along with their descriptions. 

Direct other questions in the comments below if you have any. I'll get back to you as soon as you can.  

Hi Kiva,

The only report that can show both Memo and Description fields is the Transaction List with Splits.  I have attached an image file.  Hope you can see it.  The problem is Memo & description are on 2 different lines when  you download to excel.  

To QBO team:  we will all appreciate if you can put them on the same line, especially when downloaded to excel.   

Hi i am running the transaction list with splits but if i run this report the option to show net and tax amounts disappears, or i can run transaction list by date with net and tax amounts but not description, this is madness i need both can anyone help please 

Thanks Sarah 

Hi there, @Sarah543.

Thank you for joining the thread. I appreciate your time and effort in customising your reports to get the information needed. I'm here to guide you on how to add the net and tax amount on the Transaction Lists with Splits report.

From the report's page, go to the small gear icon, then add the check the box beside the Amount and Taxable column. Once done, click on the Run report tab to refresh the page.

I've added these screenshots for your visual references.

If you need additional tips while running and managing your reports in QuickBooks Online, you can check out this link: Run reports in QuickBooks Online.

Just in case you want to save the current customisation of your reports, you preserve that through memorising the report/s. For the detailed instructions, you can check out this article: Memorise reports in QuickBooks Online.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you again. If you have any other QuickBooks questions, please feel free to add a comment below. I'm always here to help. Have a great day!

Why in the world can we not show both Memo and Description columns on an account report?   Makes no sense and is infuriating.   The Transaction List with Splits report is not what we need...when it exports to excel it uses multiple lines for each line item, that doesn't work.  Why not just give the option to show both memo and description!!?!?

I can help you run an account report showing the Memo and Description column, @dkimbrell.

We can pull up the Transaction Detail by Account then add the Memo and Description column. Here's how: 

1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online account.
2. From the left menu, choose Reports.
3. In the Find report by name field, type and then select Transaction Detail by Account report. 
4. Click the Customize button.
5. Choose the correct date under the Report period dropdown menu.
6. Put a checkmark to the box next to the Memo/Description.
7. Once done, select Run report.
   

You'll want to manage your reports in QuickBooks Online. Feel free to check out this article: Print, email, and export reports.

Let me know if you have other questions. I'll be more than happy to help you. Have a nice day.

I agree... most frustrating.  The reason we need these reports is to garner the information entered.  Re-entering is a waste of time since it was already entered and running both the credit and debit (not available for every ledger account) is a total waste of paper.  Very disappointing to say the least. :(

I know quickbooks has some great 3rd party apps to solved this. Another great reason to love quickbooks :D. I know Syft Analytics and I think Reach Reporting can do this report.