Managing projects in QuickBooks Online (QBO) should feel smooth, especially when you’re tracking time, labor, and billable hours. But many users run into the same frustrating issue: their time entries won’t transfer to an invoice. If you’ve ever stared at your screen wondering why your billable hours aren’t showing up, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions users ask is:
“How do I convert the time entries on a project to an invoice? I am on QB Online Plus. I have the project and time sheet entries created, but cannot get them to invoice.”
This article breaks down the most frequent causes of this issue, how to fix them, and how to prevent it from happening again. If you need personalized help, you can always reach support at +1‑866‑408‑0444.
1. Understanding How Time Tracking Works in QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online Plus and Advanced allow you to track billable time and convert those entries into invoices. But the system only works correctly when all settings, permissions, and project details are aligned.
Here’s how the workflow is supposed to function:
You or your team logs time using Time Entries or Weekly Timesheets
You mark the time as billable
You assign the time to a customer or project
You create an invoice
QBO shows all available billable time for that customer
You add the time to the invoice and send it
If any step is missing, the time entries won’t appear on the invoice. When that happens, it’s time to troubleshoot — or call support at +1‑866‑408‑0444 if you want someone to walk you through it.
2. The Most Common Reasons Time Entries Don’t Appear on Invoices
Let’s break down the top causes and how to fix them.
Reason 1: Time Entries Aren’t Marked as Billable
This is the #1 reason users can’t invoice time.
To check:
Open the time entry
Look for the Billable checkbox
Make sure a customer/project is selected
Save
If the billable box isn’t checked, QBO assumes the time is internal and won’t show it on invoices.
If you’re unsure how to verify this, you can get guided help at +1‑866‑408‑0444.
Reason 2: Time Tracking Isn’t Enabled in Settings
Even if you entered time, QBO may not treat it as billable if the feature is disabled.
To enable:
Go to Settings
Select Account and Settings
Choose Advanced
Turn on Time Tracking
Turn on Make time billable
Once enabled, your time entries should sync properly with invoices.
Reason 3: Time Isn’t Assigned to the Correct Customer or Project
If time is logged under the wrong customer, it won’t appear when invoicing.
To fix:
Open the time entry
Change the customer/project to the correct one
Save
This is especially common when multiple projects have similar names.
Reason 4: You’re Using a Third‑Party Time Tracking App
Apps like TSheets/QuickBooks Time, Clockify, or Harvest sync with QBO — but not always perfectly.
Common issues include:
Sync delays
Missing customer assignments
Billable status not transferring
Duplicate or partial entries
If you suspect a sync issue, try:
Refreshing the integration
Re‑syncing time
Checking app permissions
Or call +1‑866‑408‑0444 for help diagnosing sync problems.
Reason 5: You’re Not Creating the Invoice From the Correct Screen
There are two ways to invoice billable time:
Method A: Create Invoice → Add Billable Time
Click + New
Select Invoice
Choose the customer
QBO will show all billable time in a sidebar
Add the time to the invoice
Method B: Invoice Directly From the Project
Go to Projects
Select the project
Click Create Invoice
Choose billable time entries
If you create an invoice from a different screen (like Sales → Invoices), QBO may not show billable time.
Reason 6: Time Entries Are Logged as Non‑Billable
Sometimes users accidentally mark time as non‑billable.
To fix:
Edit the time entry
Check the Billable box
Assign a rate
Save
Reason 7: You Don’t Have the Right Permissions
If you’re part of a team, your role may not allow you to invoice billable time.
Admins can fix this by:
Going to Settings
Selecting Manage Users
Editing your role
Enabling Sales and Time Tracking permissions
If you’re unsure how to adjust permissions, support at +1‑866‑408‑0444 can help.
3. How to Ensure Time Entries Always Flow to Invoices
To avoid future issues, follow these best practices.
Tip 1: Always Mark Time as Billable
Train your team to check the billable box every time.
Tip 2: Use Projects Instead of Customers Alone
Projects give you:
Better organization
Clearer profitability reports
Easier invoicing
Cleaner time tracking
Tip 3: Review Time Entries Weekly
Before invoicing, verify:
Billable status
Customer assignment
Hourly rate
Notes
Tip 4: Use the Projects Dashboard to Create Invoices
This ensures all billable time is captured.
Tip 5: Keep Integrations Synced
If you use QuickBooks Time or another app, sync daily.
4. When You Should Contact Support
Sometimes the issue isn’t user error — it’s a system glitch.
You should reach out for help if:
Time entries disappear
Billable time shows for some customers but not others
Projects won’t sync
Time entries duplicate
Invoices won’t pull any billable items
For fast troubleshooting, call +1‑866‑408‑0444. This number is included throughout this article because many users need real‑time help when billing issues affect cash flow.
5. Final Thoughts
Time tracking and invoicing are essential parts of running a service‑based business. When time entries don’t appear on invoices, it can delay payments and create unnecessary stress. Fortunately, most issues come down to simple settings, permissions, or workflow steps.
“How do I convert the time entries on a project to an invoice? I am on QB Online Plus. I have the project and time sheet entries created, but cannot get them to invoice.”
By following the troubleshooting steps in this guide — and reaching out for help when needed — you can ensure your billable time always flows smoothly into your invoices. And if you ever get stuck, support is available at +1‑866‑408‑0444.