Hello Simon

The description section in the expenses page is still in QuickBooks Online when you add an expense.

Can we just ask is it in the app you are not seeing this option or in the browser on a computer? Does this happen on the expense itself or when you are viewing a print preview of an  expense?

Thanks

Emma

Both the app and the browser. I used to be able to go to the Expenses page, to attach pdf receipts to the expense, the description showed me name of the company I purchased the item/service from and the expense to attach the pdf file to, now there is no description thus I cannot find without opening the individual expense to find out the name.

Hi Simon,

Could you please post a screenshot to your next reply?

There is a Cog-Wheel on the right hand side of the screen, underneath the New Transaction button - You can add or remove columns there. Please try re-adding the columns required in that mini-settings section.

I have attached a screenshot of the page, where I used to find the description coloum, then I would attach at file under the action column 

The description column is not in the cog anymore, it used to be. 

What happens when you click on the little cog wheel just above the "Action" writing in bold as my last message?

You should be able to cllick "Show More" and add the column back into that section.

I have clicked show more, the description heading is not there I am afraid anymore, as I say it did used to be, I have tried both the app and browser.

When you add the "memo" tab - does that give you the information required?

How are these being added, from "Banking?"

I can also see you have the Payee's down as "Train Travel" - Rather than the name of the supplier that you actually made the purchase from which you'd normally be expected to include it as - I know if you were to put the correct Payee in, that would resolve the issue for you, as it's not necessarily the description you're trying to access, but the payee on the description.

Yes, these are added from Banking,  I could not possibly use payee, as these are transactions from many different sources, it is using receipts for HMRC VAT. I have been using QuickBooks this way for a few years, and since I have changed from my accountant's subscription to my own direct with QuickBook the column called description has gone, nothing else would fulfil my requirements to sort my VAT. 

Ok thanks, Emma, I have done that and it has worked great. Thank you, James, for your help as well good job.

I've now added this so new transactions will carry the description into the memo section. But for the past year I haven't had that selected, is there a way to get that info for all the past expenses that I didn't have that selected for? 

Hello there, Emily33.

Glad you've found this thread and be able to follow the recommendation by my colleagues above.

For the past expenses, you can only get the information once you undo all the matched transaction (expenses). Then, categorize them back so the details will carry in the Memo section. Let's just make sure to select the Copy bank detail to memo from the Banking page.

Here's how to undo matched transactions:

1. Go to Banking on the left panel.
2. Select the Categorised tab.
3. Locate the expenses and click Undo under the Action column.
   

Here are some articles that you can check for additional information:

• Unmatch or move bank transactions after reviewing them.
• Categorise and match online bank transactions. 

Let me know if you have other questions. I'll be around to assist you further. Take care always and have a good one!

How does one do this retroactively? 
E.g., I have years of expenses that I'd like to be able to filter by description/memo (or at least sort by!)

Why isn't 'Description' just one of the fields you can see on the Expenses page?

Seems like this would solve a lot of problems.

Is that only available on more expensive versions of Quickbooks?

I understand the importance of adding the Description field as one of the columns on the Expenses page, david.

As of now, this feature is unavailable in all QuickBooks Online versions. The functionality is a great way to filter your transactions easily. As a workaround, you want to consider using the Memo column. Beforehand, move or copy the description in your expenses to the Memo field.

Then, you can sort the expenses using the Memo column. For visual reference, I've added a screenshot below.

I also recommend sending a feature request directly to our Product Development team. Doing so helps us improve your experience and the features of the program. Here's how:

1. Go to the Gear menu and then select Feedback.
2. Type in your feature request in the description box.
3. Once done, click on Next.
   

Additionally, I've added an article that'll help you ensure all your expense transactions match your real-life bank and credit card account: Reconcile an Account in QuickBooks Online.

You can get back on this thread to stay informed if there are any updates regarding the availability of the option. If you have any other questions about the program's features or managing your supplier transactions, please don't hesitate to keep us posted.