Loans (also called liabilities) are a part of everyday operations for businesses, so they put accounting systems in place to differentiate between each type of liability. Two of the most common liability accounts are accounts payable and notes payable, and while these have a lot in common, they’re actually used for two different purposes. Show
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what the differences between notes payable and accounts payable are and provide you with real examples of each. Key Takeaways
What Is the Difference Between Notes Payable and Accounts Payable?Although notes payable and accounts payable are both liability accounts that represent the amounts payable to creditors, there are several significant differences between the two:
What Is Accounts Payable?Accounts payable is a liability account recorded on a company’s general ledger that tracks its obligations to pay off a short-term debt to its suppliers and lenders. The items purchased and booked under accounts payable are typically those that are needed regularly to fulfill normal business operations, such as inventory and utilities. Larger obligations, such as pension liabilities and capital leases, are instead usually tracked under long-term liabilities. Debts marked under accounts payable must be repaid within a given time period, usually under a year, to avoid default. There are rarely ever fixed payment terms or interest rates involved. The accounts payable is basically an IOU between two businesses. Rather than creating a formal contract to cover the debt, both parties typically just come to a verbal agreement. Effective accounts payable management is a crucial part of managing a company’s cash flow. If a business’ accounts payable increase over a period of time, it means that the company has been purchasing more services or goods on credit rather than with cash. If their accounts payable decrease, they’ve been paying off their previous debts more quickly than they’re purchasing new items with credit. Improperly managing this cycle can lead to liquidity issues that hamper an organization’s ability to conduct business. For any entry into a company’s accounts receivable, the party rendering supplies or services would record the transaction under its accounts receivable by the same amount. Examples of Accounts PayableCommon examples of items purchased and recorded under accounts payable include:
What Is Notes Payable?Notes payable is a liability account maintained in a company’s general ledger that tracks its promises to pay specific amounts of money within a predetermined period. Companies short on cash may issue promissory notes to vendors, banks, or other financial institutions to acquire assets or borrow funds. This borrowed cash is typically used to fund large purchases rather than run a company’s day-to-day operations. For example, a business might issue notes to purchase a new property or an expensive piece of equipment. Promissory notes usually specify a given maturity date, interest rate, and any collateral. There may also be limitations or conditions set by the lender. In many cases, a company may be restricted from paying dividends or performing stock buybacks until the promissory note has been repaid. The company must have paid back the initial principal plus the specified interest rate by the note’s maturity date. Accrued interest may be paid as a lump sum when the full amount is due or as regular payments on a monthly or quarterly period, depending on the settled terms. In most cases, promissory notes are made payable within 12 months. However, companies and lenders are free to agree to a longer maturity period. When a company issues a promissory note, it will debit a cash account for the amount of money received and then credit a notes payable account with the equivalent amount.
Examples of Notes PayableNotes payable usually represent a mix of short-term liabilities, similar to those booked under accounts payable, and longer-term obligations. Some circumstances when shorter-term promissory notes may be issued include:
Companies may issue longer-term (maturity longer than one year) promissory notes for reasons such as for:
Consider these two real-world examples:
Accounts Payable and Notes Payable FAQ
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