diff --git a/src/filters.cc b/src/filters.cc
index 8c5d099e..811067fc 100644
--- a/src/filters.cc
+++ b/src/filters.cc
@@ -710,7 +710,7 @@ void transfer_details::operator()(post_t& post)
 
   switch (which_element) {
   case SET_DATE:
-    xact.set_date(substitute.to_date());
+    temp.xdata().date = substitute.to_date();
     break;
 
   case SET_ACCOUNT: {
diff --git a/src/item.h b/src/item.h
index 13332f0b..84385eb7 100644
--- a/src/item.h
+++ b/src/item.h
@@ -172,12 +172,6 @@ public:
   virtual optional<date_t> effective_date() const {
     return _date_eff;
   }
-  virtual void set_date(const date_t& date) {
-    if (use_effective_date)
-      _date_eff = date;
-    else
-      _date = date;
-  }
 
   void set_state(state_t new_state) {
     _state = new_state;