How to Void a Check in QuickBooks

  • Quickbooks

The instructions for how to void a check in QuickBooks depend on whether you’re using QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop.

How to Void a Check in QuickBooks Online

  1. Click on Bookkeeping, then Transactions, and then choose Expenses.
  2. Click on Filter, and then select Check in the Type field.
  3. Select the appropriate date range to find the check and click Apply.
  4. Choose the check you wish to void in the Expense Transactions list.
  5. Click on More, and choose Void from the options listed.
  6. Select Yes to void the check.

How to Void a Check in QuickBooks Desktop

In QuickBooks Desktop, you can either void or delete a check. Voiding a check changes its amount to $0 and prints VOID in the memo. The check is void, but the information stays recorded in the system. Deleting a check removes it entirely.

To void a check, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Banking menu and select Use Register.
  2. Choose the account associated with the check from the dropdown list.
  3. Select the appropriate check from the Bank Register.

Void vs Delete a Check in QuickBooks

Voiding a check keeps a record of it with a $0 amount, so your check numbers stay in sequence and there is an audit trail showing what happened. Deleting a check removes the transaction completely, as if it was never written.

Void a check that was printed or sent but will not be cashed, such as a lost check or one written for the wrong amount. Only delete a check that was entered by mistake and never issued. Avoid both for checks in a period you have already reconciled or closed, because either change will alter those balances.

For more step-by-step guides, see our full QuickBooks FAQs.