It's nice to see you here in the Community, @Just Me11.

I'm here to share some insights on how to match your existing check to accounts Accounts Payable in QuickBooks Desktop.

Since you have duplicated expenses from previous years, you'll want to change the check to Accounts Payable. Then go to the Pay Bills menu and link the check to the bill.

Here's how:

1. Open the check you created. 
2. Change the Expense account to Accounts Payable.
3. From the Customer: Job dropdown, select the vendor name. 
4. Click Save & Close.

Then, you can now link the check and the bill. Let me show you how:

1. From the Vendors menu, then select Pay Bills.
2. Choose the bill connected to the check.
3. Tick Set Credits, then go to the Credits tab.
4. Put a check on the credit. Change the amount as needed.
5. Click Done. Then select Pay Selected Bills.

For complete details, see this article: Bill shows as unpaid after writing a check in QuickBooks Desktop.

Also, I highly recommend reaching out to your accountant for further guidance about the best process to prevent messing up your books. 

Additionally, I've added these articles that will guide you with Accounts Payable workflow to track the money you owe to your vendors:

• Accounts Payable workflows in QuickBooks Desktop
• Void or delete a bill or bill payment check

Keep me posted if you have any other questions. I'm always here to help. Stay safe.