Intro: QuickBooks doesn't give account numbers to your accounts unless you say "Please!" That doesn't mean you have to give up using your account numbers. Accounts numbers can be turned on or off whenever you like.

Step 1: Open the Preferences Window
Open the Edit menu (or the File menu if you are using QuickBooks 99 or an earlier version) and choose Preferences. When the Preferences window appears, you will see a column of icons down the left side of the window.

Step 2: Find the Accounting Preferences
Click on the Accounting icon and choose the Company Preferences tab. The Accounting Preferences options will appear.

Step 3: Turn on the Account Numbering Feature
Check the box to Use account numbers. Then click OK to close this window. Account numbers will now appear next to your account names in your Chart of Accounts listing and on your reports. You can see the account numbers by pressing Ctrl+a to open your Chart of Accounts.

Step 4: Open the Edit Account Window
To assign an account number or change an account number, click on the name of the account you want to change, then click the Account button in the Chart of Accounts window. Choose Edit.

Step 5: Assign or Change an Account Number
There will now be an Account number field in the Edit window for each account. You can enter a new account number here or change an existing account number. Click OK to save your change.

Step 6: Turn off the Account Numbering Feature
If you decide you don't want to use account numbers any more, or if you want to print some reports that don't show account numbers, return to the Preferences window and uncheck the Use account numbers box. You can turn account numbers on and off as often as you want.