What is a Sales Journal? Definition Meaning Example

Since all transactions are recorded in the general journal, it can be extremely large and make finding information about specific transactions difficult. That is why the general journal is divided up into smaller journals like the sales journal, cash receipts journal, and purchases journal. Let us have a look at how the various credit sales journal entries are actually recorded during the course of the daily operations of companies.

• When the customer pays, a debit is created for your cash account.
• Third column is used to mention the invoice number and post reference information.
• The book in which he records the transactions is called “sales journal”.
• Note that each vendor account has a unique account number or AP No.

She has nearly two decades of experience in the financial industry and as a financial instructor for industry professionals and individuals. We need to keep up with the current balances that our customers owe us. July 15 Received payment from Robby Red from $5,000 sale less the 1% discount. July 15 Received payment from Robby Red from July 5 sale less the discount.

What Does Sales Journal Mean?

DateAccountNotesDebitCreditX/XX/XXXXAccounts ReceivableXRevenueXLike in a cash sales journal entry, you likely also will deal with sales tax. It is also clear from the name that sales journal records sale transactions, whereas purchase journals record purchase transactions. Sales journals are a special type of accounting sales journal definition book, which are mainly used to track sales, receipts, and much more. The sales journal record all the sales and the payments made in chronological order. It is also the primary accounting journal used by businesses around the world. A special or specialized journal to record sales of merchandise to customers.

Some examples are collection of a Note Receivable or borrowing money from a bank . In other words, we use these columns for any transactions that don’t have their own special credit column. This journal is used to record all the cash that we receive. The biggest sources of cash for businesses result from cash sales and collections from customer’s who we have set up on open account .

Format of sales invoice

The second copy of the invoice, which is retained by the seller, will be entered into his book of original entry. When a sale is made on credit, a debit to accounts receivable is created. Just like with a cash sale, an entry may need to be made regarding sales taxes. Simply defined, the general journal refers to a book of original entries, in which accountants and bookkeepers record raw business transactions, in order according to the date events occur.

The account receivables are mentioned when the client purchases a product or service on credit, and sales are mentioned when the client purchases a product or service and pays for it through cash. Here, the term sales refers to the sale of only those goods or merchandise in which the business normally deals. The sale of used or outdated assets (such as old plant, machinery, equipment and newspapers etc.) are not recorded in sales journal.

Sales Journal:

Hence companies need to keep tabs on their accounts receivable, ensuring that the details recorded are correct. The sales journal is a transaction journal that tracks credit sales of stock, inventory that is sold for credit and not cash. The sales journal is a sub-journal, and is kept apart from the general journal. Remember, you will need to log the General Sales Tax if it is charged to the customer.