How to void a check

Previously in Centerbase, checks would void as of the date of the check (even if it was within a closed accounting period) and the balance would zero out, making it difficult to track and report on. We have heard your feedback and are happy to announce our new Check Voiding enhancements, outlined below.

For clarity, we will refer to the negative transaction as the “void check”.

Voiding an Operating Account Check

Voiding a check first requires you to find the check that needs to be voided and click into the record. There you will see a Void button at the top: 

When you void a check, you will now be presented with a dialog box that explains the action you are taking and allows the user to input a date for the void:

The void check will be labeled with a “Void of Check Dated ____” label and the original check will be marked “VOIDED”. Both the original check and the void check will have the same check number.

You will not be able to void a check for a date prior to the check date.

Note that not only will an equal and opposite check be created, but any unbilled transactions associated with that check will also be reversed. The outcome of voiding each type of check is outlined below.

Unbilled Expenses on Matters

If a check with client expenses is voided, the entries that have not yet been billed will have their status changed to “Non-Billable” and “Hidden” so that they do not go onto a bill.

If you delete the void check, you will need to uncheck “Non-Billable” if you would like to include it on the next bill.

Billed Expenses on Matters

If you void a check and it includes expenses that have already been billed to your client, a negative expense will be created and will be available to apply to your next bill. This is true whether the bill has a pre-bill or billed status.

If you delete the void check, the negative billing entry will be removed from the matter.

Checks that Pay Vendor Bills

When you void a check that has paid a Vendor Bill, the linked bill payment will be reversed.

If you delete the void check, the bill payment will be restored.

Voiding a Trust Check

Voiding trust checks occurs in the same manner as operating account checks. The way voiding a trust check affects the associated transaction are detailed below.

Voiding a Trust Refund Check

You can void a trust check refund by clicking the void button on the check and choosing the date of the void. Once voided, a negative counterbalancing check and refund are created.

If the void check is deleted, the refund reversal will also be deleted.

 Voiding a Trust Bank Transfer Check

Similar to the above, you void this type of check the same as any other check. When the check is voided, the Trust Bank Transfer is also reversed.

When you need to rewrite the new trust bank transfer check, you will find the payments listed in the New Trust Bank Transfer dialog, available for a transfer.