> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.zerabooks.com/help/llms.txt).
# Reopened months and removing a sign-off
A finalized month reopens on its own when its checked numbers change. Here is how to see what changed, remove a sign-off, and finalize again.
## Why a month reopens
When you finalize a month, ZeraBooks records what was checked: the balances, the matches with earlier items and the statements covering the month. If any of those change afterwards, the sign-off no longer describes your books, so the month reopens automatically.
Common causes:
- A statement for the month was fixed, replaced or removed.
- A row was added, removed or edited, so the ledger balance moved.
- A manual entry or journal changed the account's balance for that month.
- A match with an earlier item changed.
Changing a category doesn't reopen a month, because categories don't change the account's balance.
## Spot a reopened month
On the **Reconciliations** timeline, a reopened month shows a check with an orange ↺ ring. Its card reads **Reopened — review…**, and it's counted under the **Exceptions** stat card and in "N months need a look →".
## Review and finalize again
1. Click **Reopened — review…** on the account's card, or click the dot. The month opens.
2. Click **Reopened — review** at the top. The dialog says what drifted since sign-off, for example "its statements changed; the ledger balance moved from $12,400.00 to $12,275.00".
3. Click **Remove sign-off**. The message "Sign-off removed — July 2026 is open again." confirms it.
4. If the month still ties, its card now offers **Finalize…**. Check the numbers and [finalize it again](https://www.zerabooks.com/help/reconciliations/finalize-a-month). If it doesn't tie, follow [Fix a month that doesn't tie](https://www.zerabooks.com/help/reconciliations/fix-a-month-that-doesnt-tie) first.
## Remove a sign-off yourself
You can also take back a sign-off on a month that hasn't changed, for example to correct something in it.
1. Open the finalized month: click **View** on the account's card, or click the solid purple check.
2. Click **Finalized** at the top.
3. The dialog "Remove the sign-off for April 2026?" shows when the month was finalized. Click **Remove sign-off**.
The month goes back into the open queue. Nothing else in your books changes.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Removing a sign-off doesn't unlock a closed period. If the month is on or before the date the books are closed through, [reopen the books](https://www.zerabooks.com/help/reconciliations/close-and-reopen-the-books) before changing anything in it.
{% endhint %}
## Frequently Asked Questions
Why did a finalized month change to Reopened?
Its checked numbers changed after sign-off: a statement, the ledger balance, statement coverage or a match with an earlier item. Open it and click **Reopened — review** to see what drifted.
Does recategorizing a transaction reopen a month?
No. Categories don't change the account's balance, so the sign-off stays.
How do I undo a sign-off?
Open the month, click **Finalized**, then **Remove sign-off**. If Autopilot signed it off, you can also click **Undo** on **Signed off a reconciled month** in **Done by AI**.
Can I finalize a reopened month again without removing the sign-off?
No. Remove the sign-off first, then finalize the month again once it ties.
Does removing a sign-off delete anything?
No. It only takes back the sign-off. Transactions, statements and balances are unchanged.
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