Easy Tech TutsHow to Make an Account Active or Inactive in QuickBooks Online Easily 2026
By Impran M N
As your business changes, some accounts in your chart of accounts stop being useful — but deleting them outright can break historical reports. This guide shows how to make an account active or inactive in QuickBooks Online instead, keeping your books tidy while preserving past data. It's useful for bookkeepers and business owners cleaning up their chart of accounts.
01Access account settings
Go to the chart of accounts within QuickBooks Online to view the full list of active and inactive accounts.
02Locate the account to update
Find the specific account you want to make active or inactive from the list.
03Make the account inactive
Select the option to deactivate the account, which hides it from regular use without deleting its historical transactions.
04Reactivate an account if needed
If you need to use an account again later, locate it among inactive accounts and reactivate it in a few clicks.
05Review your chart of accounts periodically
Regularly clean up unused accounts to keep reports and dropdowns easier to navigate as your business evolves.
Frequently asked questions
Does making an account inactive delete its history?
No, historical transactions remain intact — the account is just hidden from active use going forward.
Can I reactivate an account after making it inactive?
Yes, inactive accounts can be reactivated at any time from the chart of accounts list.
Why would a business need to deactivate accounts?
Businesses often deactivate accounts that are no longer used, seasonal, or duplicated to keep their chart of accounts cleaner.
Will deactivating an account affect past financial reports?
No, past reports will still reflect the account's historical activity even after it's marked inactive.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
