Home

  • Recently Active
  • Top Discussions
  • Best Content

By Industry

  • Investment Banking
  • Private Equity
  • Hedge Funds
  • Real Estate
  • Venture Capital
  • Asset Management
  • Equity Research
  • Investing, Markets Forum
  • Business School
  • Fashion Advice
  • Technical Skills
  • Accounting Articles

Notes Receivable

  • Notes receivable are written commitments without conditions in which an individual or business pledges to pay a specified amount at a predetermined date or upon request.

Rani Thakur

Before deciding to pursue his  MBA , Andy previously spent two years at Credit Suisse in Investment Banking, primarily working on  M&A  and  IPO  transactions. Prior to joining Credit Suisse, Andy was a Business Analyst Intern for  Capital One  and worked as an associate for Cambridge Realty Capital Companies.

Andy graduated from University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Statistics and is currently an  MBA  candidate at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business with a concentration in Analytical Finance.

What are Notes Receivables?

Understanding notes receivables, components of notes receivable, example of notes receivable, notes receivable vs notes payable, advantages of notes receivables, disadvantages of notes receivables, accounts receivable vs notes receivable, notes receivables faqs.

Notes receivable represent assets associated with a written promissory note outlining the payment terms for a transaction between the "payee" (often a company, also known as a creditor) and the "maker" of the note (typically a customer or employee, also known a debtor).

Notes receivable can arise in various business relationships involving interactions with other businesses, financial institutions , or individuals. Typically, these situations occur when a buyer requires an extended period beyond the usual billing terms to settle payment for a purchase.

These notes find representation on the balance sheet , reflecting the monetary value of promissory notes owed to a business, anticipating future payments.

They grant the holder the entitlement to receive the specified amount stipulated in the contractual agreement. These notes essentially serve as written assurances of the debtor to remit cash to another party by a designated future date.

If a note receivable is expected to be collected within one year, it is classified as a current asset on the balance sheet. Otherwise, if the collection extends beyond one year, it is categorized as a non-current asset.

Frequently, businesses permit customers to transform overdue accounts ( accounts receivable ) into notes receivable, providing debtors with the advantage of an extended payment period.

Key Takeaways

  • A note receivable is also called a promissory note or simply a note.
  • The interest earned on it shows up on the income statement. So, when a payment is received on a note, it affects both the balance sheet and the income statement.
  • Unlike accounts receivable, notes receivable involve a formal written agreement or promissory note. This document includes essential details such as principal amount, interest rate, repayment terms, maturity date, and collateral.

Notes receivables constitute a written agreement where a borrower commits to repay a specific amount of money, including interest, to the lender on a set date in the future. Therefore, notes are considered negotiable instruments, like cheques and bank drafts.

Notes receivable may originate from various sources, such as loans granted to individuals or businesses, advances provided to employees, or customers with higher credit risk who require an extended payment period for outstanding accounts.

Notes can also find application in the context of property, plant, and equipment sales or the exchange of long-term assets.

In instances where notes stem from loans, they may specify collateral in the form of the borrower's assets, which the lender can take possession of if the note remains unpaid by the maturity date.

From the perspective of the note issuer, the document is referred to as notes payable, indicating the obligation to repay a designated amount on a predetermined future date to the holder of the notes receivable.

The note presents all terms and conditions transparently to remove any possible misunderstandings between the parties in the future.

Additionally, it explicitly specifies both the principal amount, equivalent to the face value of the notes, and the accompanying interest that must be paid.

Businesses worldwide commonly engage in buying and selling on credit. A formal commitment to make payment on a designated future date is generated when a supplier sells goods on credit.

These formal commitments, often referred to as promissory notes, are considered notes receivable upon acceptance.

The following are the key components of notes receivable:

  • Principal Amount: The principal amount, also known as the face value or principal sum, is the initial sum of money the borrower agrees to repay the lender. It forms the basis for interest calculations and represents the primary amount lent or borrowed.
  • Interest Rate: The interest rate is the percentage applied to the initial amount for a designated duration, influencing the expense of borrowing or the earnings on an investment for the lender.
  • Maturity Date: The maturity date signifies the deadline by which the borrower must repay the principal amount and any accumulated interest to the lender. It establishes the repayment schedule, differentiating between short-term and long-term notes.
  • Terms of Repayment: The terms of repayment encompass the schedule and method by which the borrower will make payments. It includes details such as the frequency of payments (monthly, quarterly, annually) and whether payments are in equal installments or structured differently. Clearly defined repayment terms ensure both parties are aware of their obligations and help in financial planning.
  • Interest Accrual Method: The interest accrual method determines how interest is calculated and accrued over time. Common methods include simple interest or compound interest. The chosen method affects the total interest amount and the financial implications for both the borrower and the lender.
  • Collateral (if any): Collateral is an asset pledged by the borrower to secure the note. It serves as a form of security for the lender in case of default.
  • Default and Remedies: The terms outline what constitutes a default (failure to fulfill obligations) and the remedies available to the lender in case of default. Clearly defined default provisions help protect the lender's interests and provide a legal framework for addressing default situations.
  • Negotiability and Transferability: Notes may be negotiable or non-negotiable, and the terms of the note may restrict their transferability. This impacts the ease with which the note can be transferred to another party, potentially influencing liquidity.

The following hypothetical example illustrates how notes receivable work:

Company XYZ sells machinery to Company ABC for $50,000; payment is initially expected within 60 days. However, Company B failed to make the payment within the given days. Both parties agree on a promissory note to settle the debt as per the following terms:

  • Maker: Company ABC
  • Principal: $50,000
  • Time frame: 6 months due at maturity
  • Interest rate: 6% per year

Example of Journal Entries for Notes Receivable

The accounting journal entries for the note receivable from Company XYZ can be summarized as follows:

Example of journal entries
Entry 1 Debit Credit
Notes Receivable: Current – Company ABC $50,000  
Accounts Receivable – Company ABC   $50,000

Company XYZ's financial records no longer include the accounts receivable from 

Company ABC for the initial invoice. Instead, a new note receivable has been created, with a maturity date set for six months from now.

Example of journal entries
  Debit Credit
Entry 2    
Cash $51,504  
Notes Receivable: Current – Company ABC   $50,000
Interest Income – Company ABC   1,504

This record represents the complete settlement with cash upon maturity. It removes the notes receivable from Company ABC for the original amount and documents interest earnings based on the duration the note remained outstanding.

It is calculated as ($50,000 x 6%) multiplied by the ratio of days outstanding to 365 (183/365).

Let's comprehensively compare the differences between Notes Receivable and Notes Payable:

Notes Receivable vs Notes Payable
Aspect Notes Receivable Notes Payable
Definition A written commitment to receive a certain sum of money, often with interest, from another party. A written commitment to repay a specified amount of money, often with interest, to another party.
Issued By The creditor or lender issues a note to the debtor or borrower. The debtor or borrower issues a note to the creditor or lender.
Listed By Listed as an asset in the creditor's balance sheet. Listed as a liability on the balance sheet of the debtor.
Purpose Represents money owed to the entity. Typically arises from sales of goods or services, loans, or other credit transactions. Represents the entity's obligation to pay a specified amount in the future, often related to borrowing funds or purchasing goods on credit.
Entry on Issuance Debit: Notes Receivable
Credit: Revenue or Cash
Debit: Notes Payable
Credit: Cash or Goods/Services Received
Entry on Repayment Debit: Cash
Credit: Notes Receivable & Interest Revenue
Debit: Notes Payable & Interest Expense
Credit: Cash
Interest Calculation Interest may accrue on the outstanding principal, and the interest calculation depends on the terms of the note. Interest may accrue on the outstanding principal, and the interest calculation depends on the terms of the note.
Position on Balance Sheet Asset side (current or non-current assets) Liability side (current or non-current liabilities)
Risk Perspective Represents expected future cash inflow and is accompanied by the risk of non-payment by the debtor. Represents a commitment to repay a specified amount in the future, with the associated risk of default by the entity.
Example Scenario A company provides a loan to another and, in exchange, obtains a promissory note. A company borrows funds from a financial institution and issues a promissory note in return.
Impact on Cash Flow Positive impact when payments are received. Negative impact when payments are made.

The following are the advantages of a notes receivable account:

  • Formal Agreement:  These notes establish a formal, written agreement between the creditor and debtor, clearly outlining essential terms such as the principal amount, interest rate, and repayment schedule.
  • Legal Protection:  It can function as a legally recognized record, offering proof of the debtor's commitment to settle the owed sum. This documentation is significant in situations involving disputes or when legal proceedings are necessary.
  • Interest Income:  If interest is charged on the note, the creditor can earn additional income beyond the principal amount. This interest can contribute to the overall profitability of the transaction.
  • Flexibility:  They offer flexibility in negotiating terms. Creditors and debtors can adjust the repayment schedule, interest rates, and other terms based on their mutual agreement.
  • Financial Planning:  The company can improve its cash flow planning by keeping notes receivables, indicating when they will receive payment.

The following are the disadvantages of a notes receivable account:

  • Default Risk:  Failure by the borrower to fulfill the responsibilities specified in the promissory note, such as delayed payments or non-repayment of the entire agreed-upon sum, can expose the lender to potential financial liabilities.
  • Liquidity Concerns:  Unlike cash, promissory notes are not as liquid. It may take time to convert the promissory note into cash, especially if the debtor faces financial difficulties.
  • Interest Rate Risk:  Creditors face a potential risk when interest rates change. With a fixed-interest rate loan, the creditor may lose the chance to capitalize on higher returns if the prevailing market rates increase.
  • Administrative Burden:  Managing and tracking promissory notes can be administratively burdensome. This includes monitoring payment schedules, ensuring compliance with terms, and potentially dealing with late payments.
  • Dependence on Debtor's Financial Health:  The effectiveness of promissory notes depends on the financial stability of the debtor. The debtor's financial challenges could impact their ability to fulfill the repayment obligations.

Let's understand the differences between Accounts Receivable and Notes Receivable:

Accounts Receivable vs Notes Receivable
Aspect Accounts Receivable Notes Receivable
Nature Short-term obligations arising from credit sales. Formal written promises to pay a specific sum of money, usually with interest, over a specified period.
Formation Generated from the sale of goods or services on credit. Typically, it results from a formal written agreement or promissory note.
Formal Agreement Often informal, with no formal written agreement. A formal written agreement or promissory note outlines terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules.
Maturity Period Usually short-term, it is due within a few months. It can be short-term or long-term.
Interest Generally, it doesn't carry interest. It may carry interest, providing a potential additional source of revenue for the holder.
Security Unsecured, relying on the customer's creditworthiness. It may be secured, with specific assets pledged as collateral to mitigate risk.
Risk Generally considered a higher risk due to the informal nature and shorter terms. Risk can vary depending on the terms and creditworthiness of the debtor. Secured notes may have a lower risk.
Accounting Treatment Recorded as a current asset on the balance sheet. Recorded as a current or non-current asset, depending on the expected timing of collection.
Usage Common in everyday business transactions. Often used in more formal or larger transactions where a written agreement is necessary.
Flexibility Less formal, allowing for more flexibility in payment terms. More formal, with terms and conditions explicitly stated, providing less flexibility.
Legal Recourse Legal action may be considered in case of non-payment. Legal action is typically more straightforward due to the formal written agreement.
Examples Invoices issued to customers for goods or services delivered on credit. Promissory notes are issued for loans, real estate transactions, or large purchases on credit.

Notes receivable are written commitments made by individuals or businesses to pay a specific amount of money at a predetermined date or upon request.

A promissory note contains information such as the initial borrowed amount, any applicable interest rate , the repayment conditions, the designated maturity date, and specifics regarding collateral or security interests if they exist.

It can be involved in various transactions, including loans, real estate transactions, large credit purchases, and other situations where a formal written agreement is needed.

To log a note receivable, simply debit the notes receivable account and credit the cash account.

Interest on a Note Receivable is calculated based on the agreed-upon interest rate and the outstanding principal amount. Common methods include simple interest or compound interest .

Accounting Foundations Course

Everything You Need To Build Your Accounting Skills

To Help You Thrive in the Most Flexible Job in the World.

Authored and researched by Rani Thakur  ⎮ LinkedIn

Free Resources

To continue learning and advancing your career, check out these additional helpful  WSO  resources:

  • Accounting Equation
  • Accounting Policies
  • Capitalized Cost
  • Contribution Margin

presentation of notes receivable

Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.

or Want to Sign up with your social account?

What are Notes Receivable?

Key components of notes receivable.

  • Example of Notes Receivable
  • Example of Journal Entries for Notes Receivable

Notes Receivable vs Notes Payable

Additional resources, notes receivable.

Written promissory notes that give the holder the right to receive the amount outlined in an agreement

Notes receivable are a balance sheet item that records the value of promissory notes that a business is owed and should receive payment for. A written promissory note gives the holder, or bearer, the right to receive the amount outlined in the legal agreement. Promissory notes are a written promise to pay cash to another party on or before a specified future date.

If the note receivable is due within a year, then it is treated as a current asset on the balance sheet. If it is not due until a date that is more than one year in the future, then it is treated as a non-current asset on the balance sheet.

Often, a business will allow customers to convert their overdue accounts (the business’ accounts receivable) into notes receivable. By doing so, the debtor typically benefits by having more time to pay.

Notes Receivable - Sample

  • A note receivable is also known as a promissory note.
  • When the note is due within less than a year, it is considered a current asset on the balance sheet of the company the note is owed to. If its due date is more than a year in the future, it is considered a non-current asset.
  • The interest income on notes receivable is recognized on the income statement. Therefore, when payment is made on a note receivable, both the balance sheet and the income statement are affected.

Here are the key components of notes receivable:

  • Principal value: The face value of the note
  • Maker: The person who makes the note and therefore promises to pay the note’s holder. To a maker, the note is classified as a note payable.
  • Payee : The person who holds the note and therefore is due to receive payment from the maker. To a payee, the note is classified as a note receivable
  • Stated interest: A note receivable generally includes a predetermined interest rate; the maker of the note is obligated to pay the interest amount due, in addition to the principal amount, at the same time that they pay the principal amount.
  • Timeframe: The length of time during which the note is to be repaid. Notes receivable are not usually subject to prepayment penalties, so the maker of the note is free to pay off the note on or before the note’s stated due, or maturity, date.

Example of Notes Receivable

Company A sells machinery to Company B for $300,000, with payment due within 30 days. After 45 days of nonpayment by Company B, both parties agree that Company B will issue a note payable for the principal amount of $300,000, at an interest rate of 10%, and with a payment of $100,000 plus interest due at the end of each month for the next three months. Alternatively, the note may state that the total amount of interest due is to be paid along with the third and final principal payment of $100,000.

In this example, Company A records a notes receivable entry on its balance sheet, while Company B records a notes payable entry on its balance sheet. The principal value is $300,000, $100,000 of which is to be paid monthly. In addition, the agreed upon interest rate on the note is 10%.

Example of Journal Entries for Notes Receivable

Still using the example delineated above, with companies A and B:

A note receivable of $300,000, due in the next 3 months, with payments of $100,000 at the end of each month, and an interest rate of 10%, is recorded for Company A.

The proper journal entries for Company A are as follows:

Journal Entry - Example 1

At the end of the first month, Company B pays $100,000 as well as an interest payment = $2,465.75 (calculated as $300,000 x 10% x 30 / 365 days = $2,465.75).

 Journal Entry - Example 2

At the end of the second month, Company B pays $100,000, along with interest of $200,000 x 10% x 30 / 365 days = $1,643.84. Note that the amount of interest is lower because the outstanding principal amount is now only $200,000 ($300,000 – $100,000), having been reduced by the previous month’s payment.

 Journal Entry - Example 3

At the end of the third and final month, Company B pays the remaining principal of $100,000, as well as the interest of $100,000 x 10% x 30 / 365 days = $821.92

 Journal Entry - Example 4

At the end of the three months, the note, with interest, is completely paid off.

It is not unusual for a company to have both a Notes Receivable and a Notes Payable account on their statement of financial position . Notes Payable is a liability as it records the value a business owes in promissory notes. Notes Receivable are an asset as they record the value that a business is owed in promissory notes. A closely related topic is that of accounts receivable vs. accounts payable.

Thank you for reading our guide to Notes Receivable. To continue learning and advancing your career in corporate finance, you may find the additional free CFI resources below helpful:

  • Sales and Collection Cycle
  • Accounts Payable
  • Accounts Payable Template
  • Projecting Balance Sheet Items
  • Three Financial Statements
  • See all accounting resources
  • Share this article

Excel Fundamentals - Formulas for Finance

Create a free account to unlock this Template

Access and download collection of free Templates to help power your productivity and performance.

Already have an account? Log in

Supercharge your skills with Premium Templates

Take your learning and productivity to the next level with our Premium Templates.

Upgrading to a paid membership gives you access to our extensive collection of plug-and-play Templates designed to power your performance—as well as CFI's full course catalog and accredited Certification Programs.

Already have a Self-Study or Full-Immersion membership? Log in

Access Exclusive Templates

Gain unlimited access to more than 250 productivity Templates, CFI's full course catalog and accredited Certification Programs, hundreds of resources, expert reviews and support, the chance to work with real-world finance and research tools, and more.

Already have a Full-Immersion membership? Log in

CPASolved Logo

Notes Receivable Calculations and Journal Entries

Updated: Sep 2, 2019

In our last article (found here ), we reviewed how Notes Receivable are measured. In this article we dive into an example of how to do a Notes Receivable calculation, using both IFRS and ASPE methods.

Recap from our last article

Initially: Notes Receivable are recorded at Fair Value, where Fair Value is the present value of the future cash flows, discounted using the market interest rate.

Subsequently: Notes Receivable are measured at their amortized cost.

When the stated rate is not the same as the market rate, or the note is non-interest bearing, the note is recorded at either a premium or a discount.

Vocabulary Reminder: If a Notes Receivable is issued at a premium, this means that the note is issued by the entity at more than the what the debtor will pay us back in the future (the Face Value). In other words - we lend the debtor more money than they will pay us back in the future, usually in return for a higher interest rate payment throughout the term. If a Notes Receivable is issued at a discount, then the note is issued at a lower value than the Face Value, meaning that we lend the debtor less upfront, than they owe us at the end of the term. This is usually balanced by lower interest rate payments throughout the term.

IFRS: Requires premium or discount to be amortized into income using the effective interest method

ASPE: Premium or discount can be amortized into income using either effective interest method or straight-line method.

Your company receives a $10,000, 4 year, 2% annual interest note, paid semi-annually. The market rate of interest is 8%.

Vocabulary: “Company receives” or “customer enters into” means that someone has taken a loan from the company, and the company earns interest. The company literally “receives” a Notes Receivable, which means it is going to lend money and eventually be owed that money back.

Step 1: Applicable to both IFRS and ASPE

Determine the Present Value (PV) of Future Cash Flows, to record the Note Receivable at its Fair Value. Use a financial calculator to compute the Present Value of the note.

If PV = Face Value, the note is equal to Market Rate

If PV > Face Value, the note is at a premium

If PV < Face Value, the note is at a discount

Since PV < Face Value, the note is at a discount.

Initial Journal Entry to record the Notes Receivable:

Step 2 : Effective Interest Method, required by IFRS

Note that IFRS requires that entities use this method.

Create an amortization schedule. If it is at a premium, then the opening balance > closing balance in the amortization schedule, and the Note will eventually decrease to the Face Value. If it is at a discount, then the opening balance < closing balance in the amortization schedule, and the Note value will eventually increase to the Face Value.

* Remember that because this is paid semi-annually, we are looking at the interest rate per payment period

**Rounding difference

Journal Entries for the Remaining Periods:

End of Payment Period 1:

End of Payment Period 2:

End of Payment Period 8:

When the Note is fully repaid (should be repaid at the end of Period 8):

Step 2 : Straight-Line Method, allowed by ASPE

Note that IFRS does not allow entities to use this method. This method can, however, be used by entities reporting under ASPE.

The straight-line method is a simplified version, where we amortize the discount on a straight-line schedule throughout the term.

Discount Calculation:

Discount = FV - PV = $10,000 - $7,980 = $2,020

Amortization amount per period: divide by total period: $2,020/ 8 = $252.5/period

FV and PMT are always the same sign on the financial calculator. PV is always opposite sign as FV and PMT.

Regardless of the amortization schedule, PV is always the cash given to the debtor now. FV is the “face value” of the note and is the amount eventually paid back at the end of the period.

Help improve this article

If you have feedback or questions, please leave a comment in the section below.

Click our Sign Up button (top of page) to receive updates, additional exam prep information and to connect with our community.

Up Next: Inventory ->

Recent Posts

Analyzing Financial Issues

When analyzing financial case studies, always break them down into smaller issues, which can then be addressed individually. If you are...

Statement of Financial Position / Balance Sheet Elements

The Statement of Financial Position (a.k.a Balance Sheet using Canadian ASPE accounting standards) presents the company's total assets,...

Statement of Profit or Loss / Income Statement Elements

The Statement of Profit or Loss (a.k.a. Income Statement using Canadian ASPE) shows the company's earnings and expenses. Different...

ACTG 3110 - Notes

Financial Statement Presentation of Receivables

Hi, I'm Dominique Broadway, financial planner and personal finance coach. I'm going to discuss financial statement presentation of receivables. Receivables are the expected payments from other firms, individuals, governmental agencies or investors that are due to your company. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, also known as GAAP require a company to show illustrating these assets on the balance sheet because they are a corporation's resources. Any amount that is due withing 12 months is a short term receivable. When the maturity exceeds a year, those are called long term receivables. Essentially, receivables are short term loans to a trade partner, such as a customer or long term monetary assistance to a subsidiary. By offering credit terms to customers, a company may be able to sell more goods or services. As customers typically do not pay for goods on delivery. For example, a company may give a 90 day credit term to a customer. Meaning that the can receive goods immediately by agreeing to pay within 90 days. The various types of receivables include customer accounts receivables, notes receivable and other receivables. The amounts that a customer owes is called Customer Account Receivables, which is better known as Accounts Receivable. Notes receivable maybe loans that a company made to another firm. Other receivables may include income tax refunds, salary advances or loans made to top management. Accounts receivables are typically shown as current assets on the balance sheet. Accountant usually record net amounts by deducting bad debt from gross accounts receivables. Bad debts represents amounts that a company believes it may not collect form customers due to temporary monetary problems or bankruptcy. Notes receivable are owed to a corporation through transactions with business partners. Which could be suppliers, customers, or other organizations. Depending on time to maturity, these receivables may be short term or long term and are shown on the balance sheet accordingly. For instance, a company lends 10 million to a supplier experiencing temporary cash shortages. The accountants record it as short term note receivable, if the loan is due in less than a year. Other receivables are the payments a company expects to receive. For example, a firm that expects a refund check from the Internal Revenue Service in fur months, may indicate this amount on the balance sheet as a short term "other receivable." One common misconception, is that customer accounts receivable typically are short term assets because companies may not have sufficient funds to grant long term credit to customers. However there may be cases where customer accounts receivables are shown as long term assets. For example, an airline manufacturer that sells 10 billion worth of aircraft to a country and expects payment over a ten year period. I'm Dominique Broadway, and I've just discussed financial statement presentation of receivables.

More For You

[receivable vs] | accounts receivable vs. accrued receivable, [average gross receivables turnover] | how to calculate the average gross receivables turnover, [reconcile accounts] | how to reconcile accounts receivable, [turnover ratio affect] | how does accounts receivable turnover ratio affect a company, [uncollectible accounts] | adjusting entries for uncollectible accounts.

presentation of notes receivable

Dominique Broadway is a financial planner and personal finance coach in Washington, D.C.

Finance Strategists Logo

Discount on Notes Receivable

true-tamplin_2x_mam3b7

Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by subject matter experts.

Updated on January 30, 2024

Fact Checked

Why Trust Finance Strategists?

Table of Contents

Discount on notes receivable: definition.

It is possible to use notes receivable to obtain immediate cash .

This is done by giving a discount on notes receivable to a bank or other lender prior to their maturity date .

Discount on Notes Receivable: Explanation

Discounting means selling or pledging a customer's notes receivable to the bank at some point prior to the note's maturity date.

The term " discount " is used because the bank deducts the interest it charges from the note's maturity value and thus discounts the note.

The note is usually discounted with recourse. This means that the company discounting the note, known as the endorser, guarantees the eventual full payment of its maturity value.

If the maker fails to make the required payments, the bank will present the note to the endorser and demand full payment.

By discounting a note with recourse, the endorser has a contingent liability. A contingent liability is a possible liability that may or may not occur depending on some future event.

In many cases, these liabilities are not included in the balance sheet with other liabilities.

Rather, they are usually referred to in the footnotes of the financial statements . If the maker pays the bank, the contingent liability will end; if the maker defaults, the contingent liability will become a real liability.

Given that most discounted notes are reviewed for their creditworthiness by both the bank and the endorser, contingent liability rarely turns into a real liability.

Accounting for Discount on Notes Receivable

One of the differences between notes receivable and accounts receivable is the greater negotiability of notes.

A holder of a note can readily convert it to cash by discounting it at a bank, either with or without recourse.

The bank accepts the note and gives the holder cash equal to its maturity value less a discount to the maturity value computed using a discount rate .

As such, the bank receives its money back plus the discount when the note is paid by the maker at maturity.

If the note is not paid at maturity, the bank can collect from the original holder of the note was discounted with recourse. If the arrangement is without recourse, the bank must find another solution.

For notes discounted with recourse, the original holder is contingently liable for paying the note. That is to say, they will have to pay the note in the event of default.

This type of liability is not disclosed in the balance sheet but should be described in a footnote if it is material.

The five-step process is used in accounting for a discount on notes receivable is given as follows:

  • Step 1: Compute the maturity value
  • Step 2: Compute the discount (discount rate times maturity value)
  • Step 3: Compute the proceeds (maturity value less discount)
  • Step 4: Compute the net interest income or expense (proceeds less carrying value )
  • Step 5: Prepare the journal entry

In the next examples, this process is applied to calculate the discount on three notes receivable by the Sample Company.

The Sample Company discounts a $100,000 note receivable on 15 May 2022. The following facts are known:

Data For Example 1

Step 1: Compute the maturity value:

Maturity Value Solution 1

Step 2: Compute the discount:

Discount Solution 1

Step 3: Compute the proceeds:

Proceeds Solution 1

Step 4: Compute the net interest income or expense:

Net Interest Income Solution 1

Step 5: Prepare the journal entry:

Journal Entry Solution 1

Suppose that the same note in Example 1 is discounted on 1 April 2022 instead of 15 May. You can assume that all the other facts are the same.

Step 1: Compute the maturity value: $102,000

Discount Solution 2

Now, assuming the same facts as in Example 2, suppose that the note is assigned originally on 30 June 2021. The note is discounted on April 1, 2022.

Maturity Value Solution 3

Disclosures

The example entries show the credit being made directly to the notes receivable account, just as if the note had been collected. This approach is always appropriate if the discounting takes place without recourse.

That is to say, if the original holder is without further liability, then the asset is effectively transferred and its amount should be removed from the books.

This approach is usually suitable if the discount on notes receivable is with recourse, as long as the disclosure of the contingent liability is made either parenthetically or in a footnote (e.g., stating that the note will be paid when it matures).

However, since the holder is contingently liable for paying the maturity value to the bank, it may be appropriate to use a contra account , "Notes Receivable—Discounted." For Example 1, this journal entry would be made as follows:

Revised Journal Entry For Example 1

This account balance can be shown in the balance sheet as a deduction from all notes receivable. This approach is not commonly applied in practice.

Entry at Maturity

If the original entry has a credit to the regular notes receivable account, no entry is needed when the note is paid in full by its maker. If a contra account is used, a journal entry similar to the following one should be made:

Journal Entry For Contra Account

If the note is not paid and was discounted without recourse, no further entry is needed.

However, if it was discounted with recourse, the original holder must record its payment to the bank and the restoration of the receivable to its full balance plus interest and any protest fee for failure to pay at maturity.

If the note in Example 1 has defaulted and the Sample Company pays the bank the maturity value and a $100 protest fee, the following entry is needed:

Journal Entry For Defaulted Notes Receivable

To provide additional information, the debit could be recorded to an account entitled "Notes Receivable—Dishonored."

The following examples show sample disclosures of receivables from actual financial statements. Footnotes are also widely used as a supplement to the balance sheet disclosure to inform readers of other facts about receivables.

Balance sheet disclosures of receivables are shown as follows:

Champion Balance Sheet Disclosures of Receivables

Disclosure of receivables, including footnote details (related-party receivables), are shown for Scott's Liquid Gold Inc. below.

Scott's Balance Sheet Disclosures of Receivables Including Footnote Details

Jerome J. Goldstein, Chairman of the Board and President, assumed the company's obligation to purchase a condominium in Florida (near the Aquafilter plant) and agreed to reimburse the company for its advances toward the construction costs .

On 31 December 2018, the company had a note receivable from Mr. Goldstein representing such advances. The note, amounting to $64,349.44, bears interest at 18% and is due on 31 December 2019.

Discount on Notes Receivable FAQs

What is a discount on notes receivable.

It is possible to use notes receivable to obtain immediate cash. This is done by giving a discount on notes receivable to a bank or other lender prior to their maturity date.

Is the discount on note receivable a current asset?

Notes receivable are usually categorized as current assets, because companies expect to receive them within the next 12 months. However, notes receivable that are not expected to be paid for a period of more than a year may be classified as non-current assets.

Are notes receivable a debit?

When a customer uses a promissory note to buy merchandise, the store records this on the balance sheet by debiting notes receivable and crediting sales.

What is the difference between a notes receivable and a notes payable?

Notes receivable are debts owed to a business by customers. Notes payable are debts a business owes to another company, usually a supplier or vendor.

Are notes receivable a financial instrument?

Notes receivable are also a type of financial asset.

About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide , a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University , where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon , Nasdaq and Forbes .

Our Services

  • Financial Advisor
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Insurance Broker
  • Mortgage Broker
  • Retirement Planning
  • Tax Services
  • Wealth Management

Ask a Financial Professional Any Question

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.

At Finance Strategists, we partner with financial experts to ensure the accuracy of our financial content.

Our team of reviewers are established professionals with decades of experience in areas of personal finance and hold many advanced degrees and certifications.

They regularly contribute to top tier financial publications, such as The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Morning Star, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, Marketwatch, Investopedia, TheStreet.com, Motley Fool, CNBC, and many others.

This team of experts helps Finance Strategists maintain the highest level of accuracy and professionalism possible.

Why You Can Trust Finance Strategists

Finance Strategists is a leading financial education organization that connects people with financial professionals, priding itself on providing accurate and reliable financial information to millions of readers each year.

We follow strict ethical journalism practices, which includes presenting unbiased information and citing reliable, attributed resources.

Our goal is to deliver the most understandable and comprehensive explanations of financial topics using simple writing complemented by helpful graphics and animation videos.

Our writing and editorial staff are a team of experts holding advanced financial designations and have written for most major financial media publications. Our work has been directly cited by organizations including Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Investopedia, Forbes, CNBC, and many others.

Our mission is to empower readers with the most factual and reliable financial information possible to help them make informed decisions for their individual needs.

How It Works

Step 1 of 3, ask any financial question.

Ask a question about your financial situation providing as much detail as possible. Your information is kept secure and not shared unless you specify.

Create-a-Free-Account-and-Ask-Any-Financial-Question2

Step 2 of 3

Our team will connect you with a vetted, trusted professional.

Someone on our team will connect you with a financial professional in our network holding the correct designation and expertise.

Our-Team-Will-Connect-You-With-a-Vetted-Trusted-Professional

Step 3 of 3

Get your questions answered and book a free call if necessary.

A financial professional will offer guidance based on the information provided and offer a no-obligation call to better understand your situation.

Get-Your-Question-Answered-and-Book-a-Free-Call-if-Necessary2

Where Should We Send Your Answer?

Question-Submitted2

Just a Few More Details

We need just a bit more info from you to direct your question to the right person.

Tell Us More About Yourself

Is there any other context you can provide.

Pro tip: Professionals are more likely to answer questions when background and context is given. The more details you provide, the faster and more thorough reply you'll receive.

What is your age?

Are you married, do you own your home.

  • Owned outright
  • Owned with a mortgage

Do you have any children under 18?

  • Yes, 3 or more

What is the approximate value of your cash savings and other investments?

  • $50k - $250k
  • $250k - $1m

Pro tip: A portfolio often becomes more complicated when it has more investable assets. Please answer this question to help us connect you with the right professional.

Would you prefer to work with a financial professional remotely or in-person?

  • I would prefer remote (video call, etc.)
  • I would prefer in-person
  • I don't mind, either are fine

What's your zip code?

  • I'm not in the U.S.

Submit to get your question answered.

A financial professional will be in touch to help you shortly.

entrepreneur

Part 1: Tell Us More About Yourself

Do you own a business, which activity is most important to you during retirement.

  • Giving back / charity
  • Spending time with family and friends
  • Pursuing hobbies

Part 2: Your Current Nest Egg

Part 3: confidence going into retirement, how comfortable are you with investing.

  • Very comfortable
  • Somewhat comfortable
  • Not comfortable at all

How confident are you in your long term financial plan?

  • Very confident
  • Somewhat confident
  • Not confident / I don't have a plan

What is your risk tolerance?

How much are you saving for retirement each month.

  • None currently
  • Minimal: $50 - $200
  • Steady Saver: $200 - $500
  • Serious Planner: $500 - $1,000
  • Aggressive Saver: $1,000+

How much will you need each month during retirement?

  • Bare Necessities: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Moderate Comfort: $2,500 - $3,500
  • Comfortable Lifestyle: $3,500 - $5,500
  • Affluent Living: $5,500 - $8,000
  • Luxury Lifestyle: $8,000+

Part 4: Getting Your Retirement Ready

What is your current financial priority.

  • Getting out of debt
  • Growing my wealth
  • Protecting my wealth

Do you already work with a financial advisor?

Which of these is most important for your financial advisor to have.

  • Tax planning expertise
  • Investment management expertise
  • Estate planning expertise
  • None of the above

Where should we send your answer?

Submit to get your retirement-readiness report., get in touch with, great the financial professional will get back to you soon., where should we send the downloadable file, great hit “submit” and an advisor will send you the guide shortly., create a free account and ask any financial question, learn at your own pace with our free courses.

Take self-paced courses to master the fundamentals of finance and connect with like-minded individuals.

Get Started

To ensure one vote per person, please include the following info, great thank you for voting., get in touch with a financial advisor, submit your info below and someone will get back to you shortly..

  • For educators
  • English (US)
  • English (India)
  • English (UK)
  • Greek Alphabet

This problem has been solved!

You'll get a detailed solution from a subject matter expert that helps you learn core concepts.

Question: Presentation of Notes Receivable Remarkable Company had the following account balances on January 1, 2021: Note receivable from sale of an idle building 7,500,000 Note receivable from an officer 2,000,000 The P7,500,000 note receivable is dated May 1, 2020, bears interest at 9% and represents the balance of the consideration received from the sale of an idle

Presentation of Notes Receivable

Remarkable Company had the following account balances on January 1, 2021:

Note receivable from sale of an idle building 7,500,000

Note receivable from an officer 2,000,000

The P7,500,000 note receivable is dated May 1, 2020, bears interest at 9% and represents the balance of the consideration received from the sale of an idle building to Solid Company. Principal payments of P2,500,000 plus interest are due annually beginning May 1, 2021. Solid Company made the first principal and interest payment on May 1, 2021.

The P2,000,000 note receivable note receivable is dated December 31, 2018, bears interest at 8% and is due on December 3, 2023. The note is due from the president of Remarkable Company. Interest is payable annually on December 31 and all interest payments were made through December 31, 2021. On July 1, 2021, Remarkable Company sold a parcel of land to Boom Company for P4,000,000 under an installment sale contract. Boom Company made a P1,200,000 cash down payment on July 1, 2021, and signed a 4-year 10% note for the P2,800,000 balance. The equal annual payments of principal and interest on the note totaled P880,000, payable on July 1 of each year from 2022 through 2025. The fair value of the land at the date of sale was P4,000,000. The cost of the land was P3,000,000.

1. Determine the amount of Notes Receivable including accrued interest that should be classified as Current Asset on December 31, 2021.

2. Determine the amount of Notes Receivable that should be classified as Noncurrent Asset on December 31, 2021.

Can someone please explain the solution as well for me to further understand how it came up with the final answer? Thank you.

This AI-generated tip is based on Chegg's full solution. Sign up to see more!

Identify the different notes receivable mentioned in the problem, and their respective values at the beginning, which are 2,000,000 note from an officer.

Answer :- a. Total Present Value of Notes Receivable Dec. 31, 2021----------------9,800,000 b. Accrued Interest Receivable on December 31, 2021----------------------730,000 c. Noncurrent portion of Notes Receivable Dec. 31, 2021----------------6,696, …

answer image blur

Not the question you’re looking for?

Post any question and get expert help quickly.

IMAGES

  1. What are Notes Receivable?

    presentation of notes receivable

  2. PPT

    presentation of notes receivable

  3. PPT

    presentation of notes receivable

  4. PPT

    presentation of notes receivable

  5. PPT

    presentation of notes receivable

  6. PPT

    presentation of notes receivable

VIDEO

  1. Introduction to Receivables

  2. Notes Receivable Notes Payable

  3. 2 : Notes Receivable

  4. د. ربيع الشرفا ... محاسبة2 .. الوحدة التاسعة ... المحاضرة الثالثة في Note Receivables

  5. Accounting for Receivables

  6. المحاضرة الثانية شرح ال note receivable الجزء 2

COMMENTS

  1. Notes receivable accounting

    A note receivable is a written promise to receive a specific amount of cash from another party on one or more future dates. This is treated as an asset by the holder of the note, and a liability by the borrower. Overdue accounts receivable are sometimes converted into notes receivable, thereby giving the debtor more time to pay, while also ...

  2. What are Notes Receivable?

    Notes receivable are written commitments without conditions in which an individual or business pledges to pay a specified amount at a predetermined date or upon request. A note receivable is also called a promissory note or simply a note. The interest earned on it shows up on the income statement. So, when a payment is received on a note, it ...

  3. What are Notes Receivable?

    A note receivable is also known as a promissory note. When the note is due within less than a year, it is considered a current asset on the balance sheet of the company the note is owed to. If its due date is more than a year in the future, it is considered a non-current asset. The interest income on notes receivable is recognized on the income ...

  4. Notes Receivable Defined: What It Is & Examples

    Notes receivable are useful asset accounts for businesses to understand. They play a part in increasing collectability of amounts owed, plus they generate revenue in the form of interest. Accounting for notes receivable can be burdensome and error-prone if approached manually. #1 Cloud.

  5. PDF ASU 2016-14 Illustrative Financial Statement Example

    Notes to Financial Statements 7-14 . See accompanying notes. 1 ... 20XX 20XX ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,740,000 $ 920,000 Contributions receivable 244,000 409,000 Due from related parties - 90,000 ... Basis of presentation -The financial statements of Big National Charity, Inc. have been prepared in

  6. Receivables

    Definition of Note Receivable I. Legal Definition A negotiable promissory note is an unconditional promise in writing made by one person to another, signed by the maker, engaging to pay on demand, or at fixed or determinable future time, a sum certain in money to order or to bearer. Measurement and Presentation of Note Receivable I. Presentation

  7. PDF Presentation of Financial Statements IAS 1

    Approval by the Board of Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current—Deferral of Effective Date issued in July 2020. Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current—Deferral of Effective Date, which amended IAS 1, was approved for issue by all 14 members of the International Accounting Standards Board. Hans Hoogervorst.

  8. Solved What is the preferable presentation of accounts

    What is the preferable presentation of accounts receivable from officers, employees, or affiliated companies on a balance sheet? 1.As offsets to capital. 2.By means of footnotes only. 3.As assets but separately from other receivables. 4. As trade notes and accounts receivable if they otherwise qualify as current assets. Your solution's ready ...

  9. Notes Receivable Calculations and Journal Entries

    Step 1: Applicable to both IFRS and ASPE. Determine the Present Value (PV) of Future Cash Flows, to record the Note Receivable at its Fair Value. Use a financial calculator to compute the Present Value of the note. If PV = Face Value, the note is equal to Market Rate. If PV > Face Value, the note is at a premium.

  10. ACTG 3110

    Under either presentation approach, two ... Class 2 Notes -Statement of comprehensive income exists only under IFRS not ASPE -All changes to equity except shareholder transactions ... On the balance sheet, contract assets, liabilities, and costs are reported as the contract progresses, with accounts receivable or cash reported once ...

  11. Financial Statement Presentation of Receivables

    Notes receivable maybe loans that a company made to another firm. Other receivables may include income tax refunds, salary advances or loans made to top management.

  12. Discount on Notes Receivable

    Example 2. Suppose that the same note in Example 1 is discounted on 1 April 2022 instead of 15 May. You can assume that all the other facts are the same. Step 1: Compute the maturity value: $102,000. Step 2: Compute the discount: Step 3: Compute the proceeds: Step 4: Compute the net interest income or expense: Step 5: Prepare the journal entry:

  13. Solved Presentation of Notes Receivable Remarkable Company

    The P7,500,000 note receivable is dated May 1, 2020, bears interest at 9% and represents the balance of the consideration received from the sale of an idle building to Solid Company. Principal payments of P2,500,000 plus interest are due annually beginning May 1, 2021. Solid Company made the first principal and interest payment on May 1, 2021.