Thanks for the immediate response, ametz1201! I truly appreciate the additional information you've provided. Let me guide you through the best way to handle customer refunds without credit balances to ensure your financial data is accurate.

Based on the details you've added, I won't recommend deleting the check to prevent messing up your books. It appears the check transaction has influenced the Accounts Receivable (A/R) category, particularly since there is an outstanding balance for the same amount. To resolve this, you should delete the refund receipt and replace it with a credit memo, ensuring the date and all other relevant details are accurately recorded. This adjustment will allow you to properly link the check refund and clear the outstanding balance.

In the future, you'll have to enter a Credit Memo entry and make sure to select the item from the original invoice. This settles both the refund and links it to the money-out transaction which is the refund check.

To enter a credit memo, follow these steps:

1. Go to + New and select Credit memo.
2. In the Customer field, choose the appropriate customer.
3. Enter the Credit Memo Date, Amount, Tax, and Product/Service (This is the category, product, or service you’re getting a credit for). Note: If you choose an inventory item, QuickBooks will put it back into inventory. If the item is defective or if you don’t want it added back to inventory, you can make an inventory adjustment.
4. Click Save and close. 

Right after, process a Receive payment entry to link the credit memo and the existing check. Here are the steps to complete the process:

1. Go back to the + New button and hit Receive payment. 
2. Add the Customer and pick the Payment method and Deposit to.
3. The balance should be 0 as they will cancel each other out.
4. Hit  Save and close.

For more insight about the procedure above, please see the Customer refund if invoice has been paid section in this article: Record a customer refund in QuickBooks Online.

Once everything is all set, I recommend pulling up and customize the Transaction List by Customer report. This enables you to effectively track and analyze your transactions, including both income and expenses, organized by customer and manage your financial activities more efficiently.

I am dedicated to offering tailored solutions to your customer refund issue in QuickBooks. Your concerns truly matter to us, ametz1201, so don’t hesitate to reach out whenever you need assistance. Wishing you a fantastic day ahead!