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March 15, 2021
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How should I represent my PayPal transactions in my bank account?

  • March 15, 2021
  • 1 reply
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I have both my regular bank account (both savings and checking) along with a PayPal "bank" in QuickBooks Online. I just created the QBO account today and imported transactions since 1/1/2020. Then I categorized all of the PayPal transactions. Whenever I receive funds via PayPal, I transfer them to my checking account. And I always pay for goods via PayPal using my checking account. How should I categorize the transfer of funds from my bank account to PayPal when I buy items? Should I record these as transfers? Or categorize them as payments to the PayPal bank?
Best answer by MirriamM

I added a post rather than replying by mistake. Please see my latest.


Hello, johnsl. Thanks for getting back and providing additional information. 

 

The Transfer button on the Banking page means you make a transfer from one bank account to another bank account (or credit card account). It’s not for entering an income or expense account into the transaction. For example, the money is transferred from your checking account to a savings account. It can also be used when you pay a credit card from your checking account, as long as the accounts are both on your company chart of accounts. It’s basically a transfer of funds between accounts.

 

So if you'd want to record the transactions to a different account, you can select the appropriate bank account from the drop-down, then click Record transfer. Please keep in mind that the system doesn’t do an actual transfer of funds, you make the actual bank transfer and record it in the QuickBooks register.

 

For more insights about transferring funds between two accounts, see this article: Transfer funds between accounts

 

Additionally, to learn extra about downloaded banking transactions and reconciling, see the below links for a guide:

Stay in touch if you have questions while working in QuickBooks. I'm here ready to help you. Wishing you the best.

1 reply

JessT
March 15, 2021

Hi john@socha.com,

 

To avoid doubling your income, you can exclude your PayPal transactions since they are reflected in your bank account that is connected to QuickBooks. Just manage the downloaded transactions.

 

Feel free to always go back to this thread if you have other questions in mind. Take care!

johnslAuthor
March 15, 2021

The main thing I'm asking about is for purchases I made with PayPal. The PayPal Bank accounts have all the details that make it easy to categorize my purchases. Same for the income. So I like being able to do the categorization there. The transfer of funds from PayPal to the bank showed up as a transfer, which makes sense. So I'm wondering if I mark the "deposit" into the PayPal Bank account as a transfer from Savings, and then in my savings, mark the "payment" to PayPal as a transfer to the PayPal Bank, if that will result in the correct totals everywhere, and correct accounting.

Candice C
March 15, 2021

Good afternoon, @johnsl

 

Thanks for reaching back out to the Community. I'm so glad you gave us some additional information about your question. 

 

With the questions you're asking, an accounting professional would be the best person to consult with about this subject. An accountant will be able to give you advice that's helpful for your business. If you don't have one, no worries. Here's a link so you can find one near you: Find ProAdvisor

 

Since this was your first post/thread in the Community, cruise on over to our tutorials page to see more details about your QuickBooks Online account that will help you in the future. 

 

I hope this helps. Let me know what your accountant says. Should you need any further assistance, feel free to ask. I'm only a post away if you need me. Wishing you and your business continued success.