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Elizabeth P
Community Manager
May 11, 2026
Question

How do you handle retention in your QBO books — found a method that works?

  • May 11, 2026
  • 0 replies
  • 0 views

 

Retention (holding back 5–10% until the job is signed off) is standard practice in construction contracts, but QBO doesn't have a built-in retention feature. That means most of us have had to figure out our own workaround.

We'd love to hear how you manage it:
- Do you use a separate 'Retention Receivable/Payable' account?
- Do you adjust invoices or use credit notes?
- How do you make sure the retention shows clearly on your balance sheet?

If you've cracked it, please share your setup — it would help a lot of people in the same boat!