Voiding checks from prior periods

Thanks for checking in with us, gonzalez21.

To void a check from a prior period, we can enter a deposit with the current date for the total amount and post it to the Other Current Liability account. Then enter the description in the Check Number field that you are voiding. This puts the amount back in the checking account. Once done, create a replacement check to pay out the liability. The deposit should clear against the uncashed transaction to zero out reconciliation. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Banking menu and select Make Deposits.
2. Hit OK on the Payments to Deposit window.
3. Choose the account to where you want the money deposited.
4. Enter Date.
5. On the Received From column, select the vendor.
6. Select Other Current Liability under the From Account column.
7. Fill in the Chk No and Amount fields.
8. Press Save & Close.

Once done, reissue the check by following the steps below:

1. Go to the Banking menu and select Write Checks.
2. Enter other necessary information.
3. Under the Expenses tab, select Other Current Liability on the Account column, then the Amount.
4. Press Save, then Print.

When you reconcile the bank account check the checks being voided and the deposit as being cleared.  Also, you can create a Journal Entry to zero out the voided check as an alternative. Check out the following articles for more information: 

• Record Deposits/make Deposits.
• Create, modify, and print checks.

Let me know how everything turns out, or if you have any issues after following those steps. Just leave a comment below and I'll get back to you. Have a great day. 

@rgonzalez21 

RE: Do I make a journal entry into the liability for the total amount after I've cleared all the old checks?

When you void a check, every detail line on the check is changed to a 0.00 amount and posted, and so the impact of the change is just as if you'd deleted it.  There isn't anything else to do to update the accounting.

However, be careful if you're dealing with paychecks or payroll tax payments, as changing or voiding the checks will also undo the payroll. If the payroll or the payments actually happened, it is usually wrong to void the checks. There are other options.

Dear Friends,

I found my error, as I had already made the deposit for the prior year check that needed to be voided.  I simply voided the duplicate deposit, and I could then reconcile the account.