--- title: "Create and complete a return" slug: "create-and-complete-a-return" updated: 2026-10-15T00:45:15Z published: 2026-10-15T00:45:15Z canonical: "help.servicetitan.com/create-and-complete-a-return" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.servicetitan.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Create and complete a return ## Overview Create a return when you want to return an item to a vendor. After creating a return, you can see who made the transaction to help track the creator for reconciliation or discrepancies. --- ### [Create a return Video](https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/a57p3a34dj?web_component=true&seo=true&videoFoam=false) #### Who uses this feature - Managers - Applies to all business types #### Feature configuration - Account configuration is required to use this feature. Please contact [Technical Support](http://go.servicetitan.com/ask) for details. ## Things to know - If you want to create a return but have not yet created a bill to confirm the receipt of the purchase order (PO), you will not be able to select any items for return. It is essential to create the bill first to link the items to your account before selecting them for return. - If you have an accounting integration, you can also view the Batch number and export status on the return. > [!NOTE] > **Note:** This only applies if you are not using the ServiceTitan **Payables** feature. - You can create a return for received items without waiting for the bill to be created. - You can return items to the warehouse even after the job has been exported. > [!NOTE] > **Note:** If you select Warehouse for a Return Type, the system automatically creates an Inventory Adjustment. For more, see the **Adjustments** section under the Inventory module. - You can upload, view, and download attachments on a return. Attachments cannot be deleted from a return. - Line items support values up to nearly $10 trillion, which allows you to process large transactions. - If you only have the *Purchasing* module enabled, the *Inventory* section in the navigation bar is renamed *Purchasing*. - If you created a return and your invoice balance is not updating, make sure the return was created through the associated invoice and not through the Inventory module. ## Create a return > [!NOTE] > **Note:** Only received items from a specific purchase order can be selected for returns. There are two ways to create a return: from the *Purchasing* / *Inventory* screen or from the *Invoice* screen. From the *Purchasing / Inventory* screen: 1. Go to the navigation bar and click **Inventory** or **Purchasing![](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-imhgxhoq.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D)**. 2. In the side menu, select **Returns**. 3. On the *Returns* screen that opens, click **Create**.![A cursor clicking Create on the Return screen.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-8gxpn2bc.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) From the *Invoice* screen: 1. Go to the top toolbar and click **Search** ![](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-y934umfi.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D). 2. From the **Search** dropdown, select **Invoice** and click **Search**. 3. Select the invoice record you want. 4. On the invoice record screen that opens, from the side menu, click **Add a return**.![A cursor clicking Add a return on the invoice record screen.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-bmvj9vgr.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) 5. On the *Create Return* screen that opens, enter the return details: ![Form for creating a return with fields for item details and totals.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-return-final-1920x1080.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) 1. **Job #:** Select the job number the item was initially procured for. 2. **Purchase Order #:** Select the purchase order (PO) number when the item was procured. > [!NOTE] > **Note:** When completing a return, you can add the PO number but it isn't required. If you add a PO number to the return, then you will only be able to return items that are on that purchase order. 3. **Type:** Select the return type. 4. **Business Unit:** Select a business unit to return. > [!NOTE] > **Note:** If this PO is related to a job then the business unit (BU) will be the same as the job BU. 5. **Vendor:** Select the vendor you want to return the item to. 6. **Reference Number:** Enter the unique reference number for the return. 7. **Inventory Location:** Select the inventory location where the item is being returned from. > [!NOTE] > **Note:** The **Inventory Location** field will not be required if the **Job #** field is completed. 8. **Project Labels:** Select the project label to align return costs with budgets. > [!NOTE] > **Note:** You can automatically use the pricebook label if no specific label is set. Also, project labels can be added at both document and item levels. > [!TIP] > **Tip:** Click **Clear** to delete the project label. 9. **Return Date:** Select the date you want to make the return. 10. **Files Attached:** Click **Upload File** to attach a file related to the return. Attach supporting documents to a return so approvers and warehouse staff can validate and reconcile the return without searching email or a shared drive. For example, you can attach the vendor's return authorization, a packing slip, or a photo of the returned item. > [!TIP] > **Tip:** Once the attachment is added the **Attachments** list shows the file name, who uploaded the file, and when it was uploaded. To download an attachment, select it from the list. > [!NOTE] > **Note:** You cannot delete an attachment from a return. Make sure you are uploading the correct file before you attach it. 11. **Memo:** You can enter a note, which is not visible to the vendor. 6. Go to the *Item List* section. 7. From the **Select an item** dropdown, select the item you want to add. > [!TIP] > **Tip:** Search for an item by its name, code, description, or part number. > [!NOTE] > **Note:** If you add a serialized item to your return, use the serial number flyout to ensure you're selecting the correct serial number, you can now see a tag on serial numbers defining the status of the serial number. Serial numbers are released for reuse upon return, and unused invoice items are automatically associated with job adjustments. For more, see [Serialized Inventory](/construction/docs/get-started-with-serialized-inventory). ![Image showing how to search for serialized number.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-amavoedj.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) 8. In the **Quantity** field, select the quantity you want to return. > [!NOTE] > **Note:** To add multiple items on one return, click the **Plus ![](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-lnwm2rmg.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D)** icon and then use the item code, description, or vendor part to find the item you want to be on the return. To remove the item from a return, click the **Delete![](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-sshspacx.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D)**icon. 9. When you have entered the return details and added all items, click **Save**. The return is created. You can leave a comment on a return record by clicking the **Comment![](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-uevby39d.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D)**icon. ## Complete a return > [!NOTE] > **Note:** The system automatically creates a Return to Vendor adjustment when returning items from jobs and ensures adjustments reflect accurate inventory and financial impacts. It also directly impacts the COGs account assigned to the items when the items are exported. For more, see [Adjustments overview](/v1/docs/adjustments-overview). After you create a return, the status is set to *Pending*. 1. Click the **Actions** dropdown and select **Mark as Sent**.![A cursor clicking Mark as Sent to complete a return.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-tb9ly6yi.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) > [!NOTE] > **Note:** You can mark a return as Sent when it is in the Pending status. After you mark a return as *Sent*, the return can be resent as a PDF file if necessary and the status will be updated based on the new sending activity. When you return the item to the vendor, open the return record. 2. Click the **Actions** dropdown and select **Mark as Returned**. The return status is set to *Returned*.![Image showing Mark as Returned status.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-v9dm2esj.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) When the vendor refunds you, open the return record. 3. Click the **Actions** dropdown and select **Mark as Credit Received**. The return status is set to *Credit Received* and the export status is set to *Pending*.![Image showing Mark as Credit Received status.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-sf8xuip0.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) > [!NOTE] > **Note:** If the return has not been exported yet, it is possible to revert the status of the return from Returned and Credit Received to Pending. To complete the return process: 1. Go to the navigation bar and click **Accounting![](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-tcgcg47e.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D)**. 2. Go to the **Vendor Credits** section and open the corresponding credit. > [!TIP] > **Tip:** To ensure you opened the right credit linked to your return, click the attached document to see the return number. ![Image showing the credit on the Accounting screen.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-hnhbir0t.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) 3. Go back to the **Accounting** screen. 4. Go to the *Vendor Credits* section, select the credit you want, and click **Batch**.![Cursor clicking Batch in the Vendor Credits section.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-jq4xxkn7.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) 5. Click the **Batched** tab, and verify that the credit you batched is under the *Vendor Credits* section.![Image showing that the credit you batched is under the Vendor Credits section.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-7uyaj1bn.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) 6. Click the **Credit Batch** dropdown and select **Post the selected batch**.![A cursor clicking Credit Batch dropdown and selecting Post the selected Batch.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-xnq4e7rk.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D)The status of the credit is set to *Posted*.![Image showing Posted status of the Credit.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-363h8adf.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) 7. Click the **Credit Batch** dropdown and select the accounting integration you use. Returned items are accurately recorded with Audit Trails, serial numbers, and correct Job Costing. Returns automatically link to related invoices, prevent duplicate entries, and let you add extra items if needed.![A cursor selecting account integration from the dropdown list.](https://cdn.document360.io/961862ab-d0f2-4d91-bb62-a62ee8184eff/Images/Documentation/create-and-complete-a-return-image-0d0hz51q.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T00%3A41%3A42Z&se=2026-10-31T01%3A41%3A42Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=qdvbon6ZdkBg1VzZO9GZJgrbszNNNaAx4Do1KKflrHE%3D) > [!NOTE] > **Note:** If you use the QuickBooks Online (QBO) accounting integration and want to use payables, you can do it in ServiceTitan. ServiceTitan can't export bills, credits, or vendor payments to QBO. The return is exported. To see the return record you exported, go to **Inventory > Returns > Credit Received**. > [!WARNING] > **Caution:** The return is currently in Pending status, and although the option to cancel or mark it as Pending, Returned, or Credit Received is available in the **Actions** dropdown, it can't be performed since the related credit is already posted or exported. ## FAQ --- ### #### Can I return an exported purchase order? If the purchase order has already been exported, you can do the following: 1. [Create a return](/construction/docs/create-a-return). 2. On the *Create Return* screen, add the associated job number and return details. > [!NOTE] > **Note:** Select *Auto Receive Vendor* on the **Type** dropdown if you want to keep the return as a credit to the vendor. 3. On the **Purchase Order #** dropdown, select or enter the purchase order number. 4. The *Item List* section populates with items listed in the purchase order. Remove the items you don't want to return and keep the item you do want to return. 5. When finished, click **Save**. #### Can I edit exported purchase orders? You cannot directly edit exported purchase orders. However, you can [create a return](/construction/docs/create-a-return) on the purchase order and re-create the purchase order with your updated information. #### How can I return an item to my vendor? [Create a return](/construction/docs/create-a-return) that is a document for your vendor when you return an item and enable the **Create return** permission in **Settings > Permissions**. For more information on how to enable the permission, see [Set permissions for an employee or technician role](/construction/docs/set-permissions-for-an-employee-or-technician-role). #### Why is my return showing as uncategorized in the project's Budget vs Actual table? If your returns are appearing as *Uncategorized* in the Budgeted vs Actuals table even when the correct project label is applied it is because your returns are not linked to a Purchase Order (PO). To include returns when you're tracking costing for a project, make sure to associate a PO on a return within the project dashboard. The PO's project label is taken into account when calculating costing and your return will not be considered *Uncategorized.* ## Want to learn more? - See [Returns overview](/construction/docs/returns-overview) - See [Edit, copy, and cancel a return](/construction/docs/edit-copy-and-cancel-a-return) A batch, or invoice batch, is a set of invoices that have been audited and are ready to post. You will use the Invoice screen in ServiceTitan to create invoice batches. On the Invoice screen, you'll have access to unbatched and batched invoices. [Learn more →](https://help.servicetitan.com/docs/servicetitan-glossary) · [See the full glossary →](https://help.servicetitan.com/docs/glossary-overview) A downloadable log of who changed what record and when. **What it does:** Provides change history for accountability, error investigation, and compliance across teams. **Also called:** Change history **Tags:** Core [See the full glossary →](https://help.servicetitan.com/docs/glossary-overview) The calculation of actual costs (labor, materials, overhead) against revenue for each job to determine true profitability. **What it does:** Shows which job types, technicians, or BUs are truly profitable after accounting for all costs, not just top-line revenue. **Also called:** Job profitability, Cost tracking **Tags:** Core [See the full glossary →](https://help.servicetitan.com/docs/glossary-overview)