Tracking Retainage (Holdbacks) in QuickBooks Online

Retainage or holdbacks is the sum withheld by the customer on progress payments and is later released to the contractor per the terms of the contract. In regards to Sage Construction Management, retainage is applicable on both Prime Invoice (A/R) and Sub Invoice (A/P) features.

When exporting progress invoices to QuickBooks Online, the Sync Wizard can either include retainage or not depending on the Sync Preferences. If it will be tracked in QuickBooks Online, please follow the setup guidelines below.


Type of Record Name Type
Chart of Account Retentions Payable Non Tax Related | Other Current Liability
Chart of Account Retentions Receivable Non Tax Related | Other Current Asset
Service Item Retention or Holdbacks AP Chart of Account = Retentions Payable

AR Chart of Account = Retentions Receivable


Retainage Example

The example below shows how Retainage (i.e. Holdbacks) is handled depending on Sync Preferences.

Sage Construction Management Invoice Example - 10% Retainage (Applies to Prime Invoices or Sub Invoices)

Item Description Inv. Total Retainage Total Less Retainage Job Cost Code
Concrete $50,000 $5,000 $45,000 03000
Masonry $40,000 $4,000 $36,000 04000
Total $90,000 $9,000 $81,000

Invoice Exported To QuickBooks Online WITHOUT Retainage Shown

Item Description Inv. Total Service Item Reference
Concrete $45,000 03000
Masonry $36,000 04000
Total $81,000

Invoice Exported To QuickBooks Online WITH Retainage Shown

Item Description Inv. Total Service Item Reference
Concrete $50,000 03000
Masonry $40,000 04000
Retention -$9,000 Retention
Total $81,000