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QuickBooks

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.

FAQ

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.