Common QuickBooks Reconciliation Errors and How to Fix Them
You’ve finished reconciling in QuickBooks-but something doesn’t add up.
Maybe the difference won’t hit zero, your bank balance doesn’t match, or transactions have mysteriously vanished. Don’t worry-it happens to nearly every QuickBooks user at some point.
The good news? Most reconciliation errors are easy to identify and fix once you know where to look.
Here are the most common QuickBooks reconciliation errors-and exactly how to resolve them.
Our QuickBooks Reconciliation Services fix out-of-balance accounts and deliver CPA-reviewed accuracy.
Duplicate Transactions
Problem: Transactions downloaded more than once through your bank feed or entered manually.
Fix:
- Check your register for duplicate entries with the same date and amount.
- Delete or exclude duplicates before re-running the reconciliation.
- Reconcile again to confirm the correct balance.
Duplicate imports are the #1 cause of reconciliation mismatches.
Missing or Deleted Transactions
Problem: Transactions in your bank statement don’t exist in QuickBooks.
Fix:
- Use “Find Match” under the reconciliation screen to locate missing entries.
- Restore deleted items from your QuickBooks audit log if available.
- Add any missing deposits or checks manually and re-reconcile.
Reconciliation depends on one-to-one matches-missing even one record throws it off.
Incorrect Starting or Ending Balances
Problem: The beginning balance doesn’t match the previous reconciliation.
Fix:
- Confirm your last reconciliation was finalized and not changed.
- Review adjustments or voided transactions since the last period.
- Update the starting balance manually if necessary.
QuickBooks uses each month’s ending balance as the next starting point-get that wrong, and every future month will be off.
Bank Fees or Interest Not Recorded
Problem: Bank statements include service fees or interest not entered in QuickBooks.
Fix:
- Add service fees and interest income directly during reconciliation.
- Verify they’re categorized under the correct expense or income account.
A few missing cents in bank fees can create hours of reconciliation headaches later.
Learn why reconciliation is key in QuickBooks in our QuickBooks reconciliation guide.
Unreconciled Prior Period Adjustments
Problem: Transactions from prior reconciled months were edited or deleted.
Fix:
- Open your reconciliation report to identify changed transactions.
- Re-enter or restore those items from the audit log.
- Lock previous periods to prevent future accidental changes.
This is why monthly CPA oversight is so valuable-it catches edits before they cascade.
Incorrectly Cleared Checks or Deposits
Problem: A check or deposit was marked “cleared” by mistake.
Fix:
- Open your bank register and uncheck the cleared box.
- Reconcile again to reclassify it properly.
- Add a note explaining the adjustment for your CPA.
Mis-clicks happen, but they’re easy to fix when tracked.
Data Import or Sync Errors
Problem: Broken bank feeds or duplicate imports from integrations.
Fix:
- Disconnect and reconnect the bank feed.
- Delete duplicate batches imported twice.
- Verify totals by manually comparing statement PDFs.
Automation saves time-but it still needs review.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried everything and QuickBooks still won’t reconcile, the problem could be structural (chart of accounts issues, retained earnings misposts, or corrupted data).
That’s where CPA-reviewed reconciliation comes in-our experts find and fix errors that most users can’t.
See why your bank and QuickBooks balances don’t match in our guide to mismatched QuickBooks balances.
How RemoteBooksOnline Fixes Reconciliation Errors
- Certified QuickBooks specialists identify and correct root causes.
- CPA reviewers audit and approve every reconciliation.
- Variance reports show before-and-after results.
- Flat-rate pricing, fast turnaround, and transparent communication.
We fix the errors, balance your books, and prevent the same issues from coming back.
FAQs
What’s the most common QuickBooks reconciliation error?
Duplicate or missing transactions-they’re responsible for over 60% of balance mismatches.
Can I fix reconciliation errors myself?
Yes-for small issues. But if several months are off, professional help is faster and safer.
Will reconciling fix my reports automatically?
Yes. Once accounts are reconciled, your reports reflect true, verified balances.
How long does a professional reconciliation take?
RemoteBooksOnline typically resolves reconciliation issues within 5-10 business days.
Still seeing mismatched balances in QuickBooks?
Get professional help with RemoteBooksOnline’s QuickBooks Reconciliation Services – fast, accurate, and CPA-reviewed.
If your books are months behind, combine this with our Catch-Up Bookkeeping services for full restoration.
Need enterprise-level oversight? Try our Outsourced Bookkeeping for scalable accuracy.
