How to Change the Date Format in QuickBooks

QuickBooks is one of the most widely used accounting software platforms for small to mid-sized businesses. It helps users manage their finances, track expenses, generate invoices, run reports, and more. One seemingly minor but important customization many users look for is the ability to change the date format.

Whether you’re adjusting the format for regional preferences, tax reporting needs, or consistency across documents, QuickBooks allows for date format changes but the method depends on whether you’re using QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to change the date format in QuickBooks, explain why it matters, and address some common issues you may encounter during the process.

Why Change the Date Format in QuickBooks?

Date formats can vary greatly depending on the region. For example:

• MM/DD/YYYY – Common in the United States (e.g., 10/09/2025)
• DD/MM/YYYY – Used in much of Europe and parts of Asia (e.g., 09/10/2025)
• YYYY-MM-DD – International standard (ISO 8601) often used in corporate or technical environments

Changing the date format in QuickBooks helps:

• Prevent confusion on invoices and reports
• Ensure compliance with local accounting standards
• Match internal company documentation styles
• Improve clarity for clients, vendors, and employees

Changing the Date Format in QuickBooks Online

In QuickBooks Online (QBO), the date format is controlled by the browser and regional settings tied to your Intuit account. Here’s how you can change it:

Step 1: Sign In

1. Go to https://quickbooks.intuit.com/
2. Log in to your QuickBooks Online account with your username and password.

Step 2: Access Account Settings

1. Click the gear icon ⚙️ in the upper-right corner.
2. Under Your Company, select Account and Settings.

Step 3: Go to Advanced Settings

1. In the left-side menu, click on Advanced.
2. Scroll down to the Other preferences section.
3. Look for the Date format option.

Step 4: Change the Date Format

You’ll typically see a dropdown menu with options like:

• MM/DD/YYYY
• DD/MM/YYYY
• YYYY-MM-DD

Select the one you prefer.

Step 5: Save Changes

1. Click Save after selecting the new format.
2. Click Done to exit the settings screen.

The changes should take effect immediately across invoices, reports, and other parts of the software.

If you don’t see the option to change the date format directly in QBO, it may be tied to your browser language and region. Adjust your browser’s region or language settings (e.g., Chrome or Edge), then log back into QuickBooks Online.

Changing the Date Format in QuickBooks Desktop

In QuickBooks Desktop, the date format is controlled by your Windows system settings. That means you’ll need to update your regional settings in Windows, not just within the QuickBooks application.

Step 1: Close QuickBooks Desktop

Before changing system settings, close QuickBooks completely to avoid any conflicts.

Step 2: Open Windows Regional Settings

1. Click the Start Menu.
2. Search for Control Panel and open it.
3. Click on Clock and Region.
4. Select Region or Region and Language, depending on your version of Windows.

Step 3: Change Date Format

1. In the Formats tab, locate the section for Date and Time formats.
2. Modify the Short date and Long date fields. Examples:
   • For U.S. format: MM/dd/yyyy
   • For U.K. format: dd/MM/yyyy
   • For ISO format: yyyy-MM-dd
3. Click Apply and then OK.

Step 4: Reopen QuickBooks

Launch QuickBooks Desktop again. The date format throughout the software,  including invoices, transaction windows, and reports,should now reflect the updated Windows settings.

Confirming the Date Format Has Been Updated

After changing the date format in either version of QuickBooks, verify it has taken effect:

• Open an invoice or bill to check how the date appears.
• Run a report like Profit and Loss or Transaction List by Date.
• Review dates in the Banking or Sales modules.

If the format didn’t get updated, try clearing your browser cache (for QBO) or restarting your computer (for Desktop).

Changing the date format in QuickBooks—whether you use the Online or Desktop version—is a relatively simple process, but it can make a big difference in how your financial information is understood and communicated.  In QuickBooks Online, date formatting is controlled via the Account and Settings > Advanced > Other preferences section.  In QuickBooks Desktop, it’s linked to your Windows regional settings.

Making sure the correct date format is used helps avoid miscommunication, aligns with legal requirements, and keeps your business running smoothly.  Now that you know how to adjust it, take a moment to ensure your settings match your preferences or regional standards. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your workflow.