Journal entries, accounts and the books lock

Your chart of accounts, journal entries for adjustments, and locking past periods once they're final.

Most businesses never need these. Invoices, bills, expenses and payments post to the right accounts for you. Your accountant may use them for adjustments.

Chart of accounts

Go to Accounting › Chart of Accounts to see every account in your books with its balance. You can add accounts, such as a loan account or a new expense head.

Journal entries

Go to Accounting › Journal Entries to record an adjustment, for example capital the owner put in, or depreciation.

1. Click + New Journal.
2. Enter the Date and a Narration, for example Depreciation for the year.
3. Add the lines: the Account, and a Debit or Credit amount for each. Click Add Line for more. The debits and credits must be equal.
4. Click Save.

Lock your books

Once a period is final, for example after you file a tax return or close the year, lock it:

1. Go to Settings › Business Settings › Books.
2. Set Lock books till to the last day of the period.
3. Click Save Settings.

Entries dated on or before that day can't be added, changed, cancelled or deleted. Leave it blank for no lock.

Books start date

The Books start date on the same tab is the day your opening balances are dated. Set it when you start, and avoid changing it afterwards.