How to Delete a Customer in QuickBooks Desktop

Deleting a customer in QuickBooks Desktop helps you manage your customer list and maintain accurate records. To delete a customer in QuickBooks Desktop, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Launch QuickBooks Desktop

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop on your computer by double-clicking the QuickBooks icon.

2. Log in to your QuickBooks account using your credentials.

Step 2: Access the Customer Center

1. From the menu bar at the top of the screen, click on "Customers" and select "Customer Center" from the drop-down menu.

2. The Customer Center window will open, displaying a list of your customers.

Step 3: Select the Customer to Delete

1. Scroll through the customer list or use the search bar to locate the customer you want to delete.

2. Click on the customer's name to select them.

Step 4: Delete the Customer

1. With the customer selected, click on the "Edit" menu at the top of the screen.

2. From the drop-down menu, select "Delete Customer:Job."

3. QuickBooks will display a warning message informing you that deleting a customer will permanently remove them and their transactions. Review the message to ensure you are deleting the correct customer.

4. Click "OK" to confirm and proceed with the deletion.

Step 5: Handle Related Transactions

1. After deleting the customer, QuickBooks Desktop will ask you to handle any related transactions.

2. Choose the appropriate option based on your requirements:

   • "Make Inactive": Select this option if you want to retain the customer's transaction history but make them inactive. This allows you to preserve the data while removing the customer from active lists.

   • "Delete": Select this option if you want to delete all transactions associated with the customer. This is the recommended choice if you no longer need the transaction history.

Step 6: Confirm Deletion

1. QuickBooks Desktop will ask for confirmation before deleting the customer.

2. Review the information to ensure accuracy.

3. Click "Yes" to confirm the deletion