Print Checks

Printing Checks

Printing checks eliminates duplicate work created by hand writing checks and then entering the information in to QuickBooks.  In addition, printing checks adds professionalism and speed to the process of sending payments to vendors.  The information needs to be entered into QuickBooks either way, so why not do it once and let the computer complete the task of printing the checks? 

QBRA-2003: File > Print Forms > Print Checks

This procedure is the same for checks, bill payments, and tax liability checks. The preprinted check stock can be purchased from Intuit or most office supply stores.

There are three check formats that QuickBooks recognizes:

·         Standard - this format has three checks to a page.  The challenge with this type of check is printing less than increments of three combined with the fact that there is not a remittance stub to return to the vendor that details what was paid and there is not a remittance stub for the business for fast and easy filing with the bills.

·         Wallet - not usually used for business purposes because it is smaller in size than the standard window envelopes and there is not a remittance stub for the vendor with this alternative.  This option is better than the standard because of the small stub to the left for filing with the bills.  It can be more challenging, however, since the checks are smaller and do not fit in the standard double window envelopes without sliding.

·         Voucher - this is the preferable format. The check is on the top with a voucher in the middle (which will stay with the check and go to the vendor) to detail the bills that are being paid. The third section is a duplicate voucher to be kept, usually stapled to the bills being paid. The voucher shows the check number, payee, bills and amounts paid.

TRICK: The voucher will permit listing 13 bills. If the number of bills exceeds the space available on the voucher portion of the check there are two alternatives: print the stub by choosing File > Print Forms > Bill Payment Stubs or a supplemental report can be created to send with the check by executing the following procedure:

• 1.        List > Chart of Accounts > double click on the bank account
• 2.        Find the bill payment and choose edit
• 3.        Choose Edit (from the menu bar) > Transaction History
• 4.        Click on Print to generate the report to send to the vendor with the check

QBRA-2003: File > Print Forms > Print Checks > OK

TIP: Double window envelopes help improve efficiency by eliminating the need to address envelopes when paying bills.

TRICK: There are also add-ons to permit printing checks on blank stock.

More information on this topic

Checks

Cash Basis Entry