How to Void a Check in Sage 50 Online

There are several good reasons why someone might void a check they’ve written. If you make an error while writing the check, such as writing the wrong amount, misspelling the payee’s name, or dating it incorrectly, voiding it ensures that the incorrect check cannot be cashed. It’s much safer than trying to alter the information.  If you initially intended to make a payment but then changed your mind before giving the check to the recipient, voiding it prevents accidental payment.  If you realize a check you’ve written has been lost or stolen, voiding it immediately can help prevent someone else from fraudulently cashing it. You should also notify your bank as soon as possible in such situations.  If you wrote the check out to the wrong person or entity, voiding it allows you to write a new, correct check. Some payees may refuse to accept checks that are too old. In such cases, you might void the old check and issue a new one with a current date.

Here is an article on how to void checks in Sage Accounting (Sage Business Cloud Accounting / Sage Online). Note that Sage Online is different from Sage 50 (Desktop), and check handling is more integrated with bank and payment modules.

Before You Start

Make sure:

• You’re logged into the correct company file.
• You have administrator or accounting access.
• You know the transaction/check number or payee name.

Option 1: Void a Check from the Banking Module

This method is used when the check is tied to a bank transaction or payment.

Step 1: Log In and Access Banking

1. Go to https://accounting.sage.com and log in.
2. In the main navigation menu, click on Banking.

Step 2: Select the Bank Account

1. Click on the bank account from which the check was issued.
2. This will open the bank account activity or transactions list.

Step 3: Locate the Check

1. Use the search bar or filter by “Money Out” or date range.
2. Find the transaction/check you want to void.
3. Click on the check entry to open its details.

Step 4: Delete or Reverse the Transaction

Depending on how the check was entered:

• If it was a Bank Payment:
  • Click the “Delete” button (if available) to remove the transaction.
  • Or, click “Edit”, change the amount to $0.00, and add a memo “Voided.”
• If it was a Supplier Payment:
  • Click “More” or three dots (•••) and choose “Void” or “Credit Note” (if the option exists).
  • Confirm you want to void the check.
• If you can’t delete it (e.g., reconciled or posted):
  • Create a reversing journal entry (see Option 2 below).

Step 5: Save or Post

1. Click Save or Post to update the records.
2. The check will now appear as voided or removed from your list of outstanding payments.

Option 2: Manually Void via Journal Entry (Advanced or Reconciled Transactions)

If the check was already reconciled or doesn’t allow editing:

Step 1: Go to Journals

1. In the navigation menu, click on “More” > Journals > New Journal Entry.

Step 2: Create Reversing Entry

1. Debit: The bank account (to return the funds).
2. Credit: The original expense or payable account.
3. Add Description: “Void check #XXXX – [reason]”.

Step 3: Post the Entry

1. Click Save or Post.
2. This reverses the financial impact of the original check.

Notes

• Sage Online does not have a “Void Check” button like Sage 50 Desktop — voiding is done by editing or reversing.
• Always check whether the transaction is reconciled. If reconciled, you may need to undo reconciliation before voiding.
• Keep proper audit notes or add descriptions for every voided transaction.