/visma-net-erp/help/general-ledger/set-up-a-financial-year/shift-the-first-year-one-year-earlier section When you start to use Visma Net, if you realise that some financial data (such as beginning balances for general ledger accounts) should be posted before the start date, you may need to shift the first financial year earlier. 2026-02-19T17:09:06+01:00 # Shift the first year one year earlier When you start to use Visma Net, if you realise that some financial data (such as beginning balances for general ledger accounts) should be posted before the start date, you may need to shift the first financial year earlier. You can shift the first year by using the [Financial year (GL101000)](/visma-net-erp/help/general-ledger/general-ledger-windows/financial-year-gl101000/) window. ## Shift the first year 1. Go to the [Financial year (GL101000)](/visma-net-erp/help/general-ledger/general-ledger-windows/financial-year-gl101000/) window. Review the information about the first financial year configured in the system. 1. Click **Shift the first year**. This brings up a message that warns you about the consequences of such an action. CAUTION: Shifting the first year to an earlier date can affect statistics and data on reports. 1. Click **Yes** to shift the first year and close the message window. 1. On the window toolbar, click ****. ## Generate periods for the first year 1. Go to the [Financial periods (GL201000)](/visma-net-erp/help/general-ledger/general-ledger-windows/financial-periods-gl201000/) window. 1. Click **Add year before the first**. This brings up a message that warns you about the consequences of such an action. 1. Click **Yes** to add the first year and close the message window. 1. Click ****. 1. Click **Generate periods**. 1. On the list of periods, select the **Active** check box only for the period or periods for which you will enter the data. Now you can enter the required transactions to the active periods of the new first year. To be able to close any of the later periods, you should close the periods of the first year first.