What is a trial balance report in QuickBooks Online?

A trial balance report in QuickBooks Online is a fundamental financial report that summarizes all accounts and their balances at a specific point in time. This report is crucial for ensuring that the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) is in balance, which is essential for accurate bookkeeping and financial reporting. By listing all account totals, it helps users identify any discrepancies or errors in the bookkeeping process before the preparation of more formal financial statements.

The trial balance is typically used as a preliminary step in the closing process of an accounting period, serving as a tool for accountants to review the integrity of the ledgers and ensure that all entries are accurately recorded before moving on to the income statement and balance sheet preparation. It helps in verifying that the debits equal the credits, which is a fundamental principle of double-entry accounting.