Categories List
Categories organise inventory into logical groups and carry default accounts. Because each category links to specific ledger accounts for sales, inventory and cost, every item inside it posts consistently — which is what keeps financial reporting reliable without setting accounts item by item.
Where to find it
Go to Inventory > Categories.
Filters Section
| Filter | What it does |
|---|---|
| Parent Category | Show all categories, or the sub-categories of one parent. |
| Select Tax Type | Show categories on a given tax rate. |
| Item Type | Filter by whether the category holds stock items, services or fixed assets. |
| Search | Find a category by name. |
Add New Category
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Category Name | The group name shown throughout the system. |
| Parent Category | Where this sits in the hierarchy, for sub-grouping. |
| Item Type | The default type for items created in this category. |
| Tax Type | The default tax applied to items in the category. |
| GL accounts | Sales, inventory, COGS and adjustment accounts inherited by items in this category. |
Categories sit between the system defaults and the individual item. An item with no account override inherits the category's; the category with none inherits System and GL Setup. Setting accounts at category level is usually the right altitude — specific enough to be useful, general enough to maintain.
Category Table
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Category Name | The group name. |
| Parent | The category above it, where nested. |
| Item Type | Stock, service or fixed asset. |
| Tax Type | The default tax rate. |
| GL Accounts | The posting accounts items inherit. |
Action Buttons & Bulk Management
Edit changes a category; the Inactive toggle retires one without losing history. A category already used by items cannot be deleted — deactivate it instead.
Related pages
- New Item or Service — where categories are applied
- Inventory List — filtering by category
- System and GL Setup — the defaults above categories