How to Add, Edit and Delete An Assets in QuickBooks Desktop & Online?

Lily Hazel
7 min readJul 16, 2024

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Add, Edit and Delete An Assets in QuickBooks

Managing assets effectively is crucial for any business, ensuring accurate financial records and aiding in informed decision-making. QuickBooks, available in both Desktop and Online versions, offers robust tools for asset management. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps to add, edit, and delete assets in Qui.ckBooks, along with best practices and tips to optimize assets management.

What Are Assets in QuickBooks?

Assets in QuickBooks include tangible items like equipment, machinery, and vehicles, and intangible assets such as patents and trademarks. They determine a company’s financial health and value. Proper management and tracking of these assets in QuickBooks ensure accurate financial reporting and decision-making, helping businesses assess ownership and control over valuable resources.

QuickBooks Desktop vs. QuickBooks Online

Key Differences

QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online are both powerful accounting tools, but they have distinct differences. QuickBooks Desktop is a locally installed software that offers extensive features and customisation options, while QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based solution that provides accessibility from anywhere with internet access.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Each

QuickBooks Desktop:

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive feature set
  • Customizable reporting
  • One-time purchase model

Drawbacks:

  • Limited accessibility
  • Requires manual updates

QuickBooks Online:

Benefits:

  • Access from any device
  • Automatic updates and backups
  • Scalable with different subscription plans

Drawbacks:

  • Subscription-based pricing
  • Some advanced features are limited compared to the Desktop version

Setting Up QuickBooks for Asset Management

Initial Setup

To manage assets in QuickBooks effectively, start by setting up the software correctly. This includes creating an appropriate chart of accounts, setting up asset categories, and configuring necessary preferences.

Configuring Asset Accounts

In QuickBooks, assets are typically categorized under fixed assets, current assets, or other asset accounts. Configure these accounts based on your business needs to ensure accurate tracking and reporting.

How to Add an Asset in QuickBooks?

Adding an asset in QuickBooks involves recording its acquisition and details, enabling accurate tracking and management of the asset’s value and depreciation over time.

Add an Asset in QuickBooks

Adding Assets in QuickBooks Desktop

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop and navigate to the “Lists” menu.
  2. Select “Fixed Asset Item List.”
  3. Click on the “Item” button and choose “New.”
  4. Fill in the necessary details such as asset name, purchase date, cost, and asset account.
  5. Save the new asset entry.

Important Fields to Fill Out

Ensure you accurately fill out fields like asset name, purchase date, purchase cost, and asset account. These details are crucial for tracking and depreciation purposes.

See read also: Add, Edit or Delete An Account in QuickBooks

Adding Assets in QuickBooks Online

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Log in to QuickBooks Online and go to the “Gear” icon.
  2. Select “Chart of Accounts.”
  3. Click on “New” to create a new asset account.
  4. Choose the appropriate account type and detail type.
  5. Enter the asset details, including name, purchase date, and cost.
  6. Save the new asset.

Important Fields to Fill Out

Just like in QuickBooks Desktop, ensure all essential fields such as asset name, purchase date, purchase cost, and asset account are accurately filled out.

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How to Edit an Asset in QuickBooks?

Edit an asset in QuickBooks, go to the Chart of Accounts, locate the asset, select Edit, and update the necessary details such as value or depreciation settings for accurate tracking and financial reporting.

Edit an Asset in QuickBooks

Editing Assets in QuickBooks Desktop

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop and go to the “Lists” menu.
  2. Select “Fixed Asset Item List.”
  3. Find the asset you want to edit and double-click on it.
  4. Make the necessary changes.
  5. Save the updated asset details.

Common Scenarios for Editing

Editing assets is often required for updating information such as purchase cost, asset condition, or reclassification.

Editing Assets in QuickBooks Online

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Log in to QuickBooks Online and navigate to the “Gear” icon.
  2. Select “Chart of Accounts.”
  3. Find the asset account you want to edit.
  4. Click on the asset and make the necessary changes.
  5. Save the updated asset details.

Common Scenarios for Editing

Common scenarios for editing assets in QuickBooks Online include updating purchase details, correcting entry errors, or changing asset classifications.

How to Delete an Asset in QuickBooks?

Delete an asset in QuickBooks, go to the Chart of Accounts, find the asset, select Delete, and confirm the deletion. This will remove the asset from your accounting records and financial reports.

Delete an Asset in QuickBooks

Deleting Assets in QuickBooks Desktop

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop and go to the “Lists” menu.
  2. Select “Fixed Asset Item List.”
  3. Find the asset you want to delete and right-click on it.
  4. Choose “Delete Asset.”
  5. Confirm the deletion.

Considerations Before Deleting

Before deleting an asset, ensure it is not linked to any transactions. Consider inactivating the asset instead of deleting it to retain historical data.

Deleting Assets in QuickBooks Online

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Log in to QuickBooks Online and go to the “Gear” icon.
  2. Select “Chart of Accounts.”
  3. Find the asset account you want to delete.
  4. Click on the asset and select “Delete.”
  5. Confirm the deletion.

Considerations Before Deleting

Ensure that deleting the asset does not affect your financial reports. As an alternative, consider making the asset account inactive.

Generating Asset Reports in QuickBooks Desktop

Types of Reports Available

QuickBooks Desktop offers various asset-related reports, such as asset lists, depreciation schedules, and asset value reports.

Customizing Reports

You can customize these reports to fit your business needs by filtering data, changing report formats, and adding specific details.

Generating Asset Reports in QuickBooks Online

Types of Reports Available

In QuickBooks Online, you can generate reports such as asset lists, depreciation schedules, and asset value summaries.

Customizing Reports

Customize reports by adjusting filters, modifying columns, and adding or removing data as needed.

Best Practices for Asset Management

Regular Audits

Conduct regular audits to verify the accuracy of your asset records. This helps in identifying discrepancies and ensuring data integrity.

Keeping Detailed Records

Maintain detailed records of all assets, including purchase details, maintenance records, and depreciation schedules. This aids in effective asset management and reporting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Asset Discrepancies

If you encounter discrepancies in your asset records, review recent transactions, check for data entry errors, and reconcile asset accounts regularly.

Report Inaccuracies

Inaccurate reports can result from incorrect data entries or configuration errors. Double-check your data and report settings to ensure accuracy.

Expert Tips for Efficient Asset Management

Tips from QuickBooks Experts

Experts recommend regularly updating asset records, setting up automated depreciation schedules, and utilising custom reports for better asset management.

Real-World Examples

Real-world examples include businesses that have improved their asset management processes by integrating third-party tools, conducting regular audits, and maintaining detailed records.

Visit here: How to Add, Edit or Delete An Invoice in QuickBooks Desktop & Online

FAQs!

How Do I Add an Asset in QuickBooks Online?

To add an asset in QuickBooks Online, go to the Gear icon, select Chart of Accounts, click on New, fill in the asset details, and save.

What is the Best Way to Manage Asset Depreciation in QuickBooks Desktop?

The best way to manage asset depreciation in QuickBooks Desktop is by setting up automated depreciation schedules and ensuring accurate initial asset entries.

Can I Delete an Asset without affecting my Financial Reports?

Yes, you can delete an asset, but it’s recommended to inactivate it instead to retain historical data without affecting financial reports.

How to Add a Fixed Asset in QuickBooks?

To add a fixed asset in QuickBooks, create a permanent record with its initial cost, set depreciation criteria, and categorize it within the accounting system for accurate financial management and reporting.

Conclusion

Effective asset management in QuickBooks, whether Desktop or Online, involves accurate data entry, regular audits, and leveraging available tools and features. By following the steps and best practices outlined in this guide, you can ensure your business maintains accurate and reliable asset records. Get instant help for qb chat with experts.

Author!

Lily Hazel is an accounting software content writer for our leading accounting firm. He has over 5 years of experience in QuickBooks and Xero. He has also worked with Sage 50, Sage Intacct, FreshBooks, and many other software platforms. Lily’s passion for clarity, p recision and innovation is evident in her writing. He is well-versed in simplifying complex technical concepts and turning them into easy-to-understand content for our readers.

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Lily Hazel
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Lily Hazel is an accounting software content writer for our leading accounting firm. He has over 5 years of experience in QuickBooks and Xero.