How to Find Deleted Transactions in QuickBooks Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Deleted transactions can still be traced in QuickBooks, which is especially useful during tax season or an audit. This guide covers how to access the audit log and filter through it to find transactions that were removed.
01Access the audit log
Open the audit log feature in QuickBooks, which records changes made to your company file, including deletions.
02Filter deleted transactions
Use the available filters to narrow the log down specifically to deleted entries within your desired date range.
03Review the details
Examine each deleted transaction's details, including who made the change and when, to understand the context.
04Restore or reference the data
Use the information found to manually re-enter a transaction if needed, or simply reference it for compliance purposes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I restore a deleted transaction automatically?
The audit log shows what was deleted, but you'll typically need to manually re-enter the transaction rather than restoring it with one click.
How far back does the audit log go?
The audit log generally retains a history of changes going back through your company file's full history, though retention specifics can vary.
Why is tracking deleted transactions important?
It helps ensure financial accuracy, supports compliance during audits, and helps catch errors or unauthorized changes.
Can automation help prevent accidental deletions?
While automation can't fully prevent human error, permission settings can restrict who is able to delete transactions in the first place.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.



