Questions & Answers
Answers to questions business owners ask about bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, and managing the financial side of their business.
How do I track retainage in QuickBooks for construction projects?
QuickBooks Online doesn't have a built-in retainage feature. You need to create a Retainage Receivable account and a Retainage Payable account, then use line items and journal entries at each billing cycle to track what's being withheld.
Read answerWhat is the difference between overbilling and underbilling on a WIP schedule?
Overbilling means you've billed more than the work you've completed, and it shows as a liability. Underbilling means you've done more work than you've billed for, and it shows as an asset. Both are tracked per project on a WIP schedule.
Read answerHow do I set up job costing in QuickBooks Online for a general contractor?
Use sub-customers for each job, classes for cost categories like labor and materials, and enable the Projects feature for tracking. The chart of accounts needs to be structured for construction or the reports won't tell you anything useful.
Read answerShould my construction company use cash or accrual accounting for tax purposes?
Most construction companies under $29 million in average annual gross receipts can use the cash method, which defers taxes. But cash basis hides true job profitability, so many contractors benefit from accrual-style reporting internally even if they file taxes on a cash basis.
Read answerHow do I account for subcontractor payments and ensure 1099 compliance on construction jobs?
Set up each subcontractor as a 1099-eligible vendor in QBO before you pay them, and code every payment to the correct project. Collect W-9s upfront, track retainage as a separate liability, and file 1099-NECs by January 31 for any sub paid $600 or more.
Read answerWhat is AIA billing and how do I record G702/G703 pay applications in my books?
AIA billing is the standard progress billing format used in construction, built around the G702 Application for Payment and G703 continuation sheet. Record the full application amount as revenue, track retainage as a separate receivable, and keep change orders as distinct line items so your financials reflect your true position on each project.
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