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What are Source Documents

What are the Various Source Documents in Accounting?

Source documents are the original records that capture the details of a financial transaction. They serve as proof that a transaction occurred and provide the basis for journal entries in the accounting system.

Common examples include invoices, receipts, bank statements, purchase orders, and payroll records. These documents ensure accuracy, support audits, and help maintain transparency in financial reporting.

Purpose of source documents.

A source document is one used to record the transactions in the books of account. These documents stand as evidence for business transactions. These include

  1. Cash Memo
  2. Invoice
  3. Receipt
  4. Debit Note
  5. Credit Note
  6. Voucher
  7. Pay in Slip
  8. Cheque etc.
source documents

1. Cash Memo

When goods are sold or purchased for cash, the firm gives or receives cash memos with details regarding cash transactions. These documents become the basis for recording these transactions in the books of accounts.

2. Invoice

Invoice is prepared when goods are sold or purchased on credit. It contains the name of the party, quantity, price per unit and the total amount payable. The original copy is sent to the buyer and the duplicate copy is kept as proof of sale and for future reference.

Inland Invoice – An invoice which is used in internal trade transaction is called as an Inland Invoice. When the goods are sold within a country, the invoice relating to such a transaction is called as an Inland Invoice.

Foreign Invoice – An invoice which is prepared for covering an international trade transaction is called as a Foreign Invoice. A number of copies are prepared, maybe even 10 to 12, because a number of authorities require it.

Inward Invoice – Inward invoice is received by the buyer from the seller, on receipt of invoice; the buyer stamps it with date of receipt. The inward invoice number is entered in the purchase journal.

Outward Invoice – Outward Invoice is a seller’s bill. An invoice which is inward to the buyer is an outward for a seller. It is called outward invoice, because it is sent to the buyer. At least one copy of the invoice is retained by the seller for necessary action and reference.

Proforma Invoice – Proforma Invoice is not a real invoice. It is prepared to give a clear idea regarding the amount that would be paid by the buyer if he places an order. This is prepared at the request of the buyer.

3. Receipt

When a firm receives cash from a customer it issues a receipt as a proof of receiving cash. The original copy is handed over to the party making payment and the duplicate is kept for future reference. This document contains date, amount, name of the party and the nature of payment.

  • Meal & Entertainment Receipts
  • Receipts from Out of Town Business Travels
  • Vehicle Related Receipts
  • Receipts for Gifts
  • Home Office Receipts
Examples of source documents.

4 & 5. Debit and Credit Notes

These are prepared when goods are returned to supplier or when an additional amount is recoverable from a customer.

When the purchaser returns the goods to the seller the Purchaser sends a Debit Note to the seller (i.e. the purchaser debits the seller in his books. Purchasers Books) and the Seller sends a Credit Note to the purchaser (i.e. the seller credits the Purchaser in his Books. Sellers Books).

Sales Return inward A/c     Dr.

    To Debtor A/c

(Being goods returned by the customer)

Creditor A/c          Dr.

   To Goods Return A/c

 (Being goods sent back to the seller)

6. Voucher

It is a written document in support of a transaction. It is a proof of a particular transaction taking place for the value stated in the voucher. This is necessary to audit the account.

In book keeping, voucher is the first document to record an entry. Normally three types of vouchers are used.

  1. Receipt voucher
  2.  Payment voucher
  3.  Journal voucher

Receipt voucher is used to record cash or bank receipt. Receipt vouchers are of two types

  • Cash receipt voucher – Cash receipt voucher denotes receipt of cash;
  • Bank receipt voucher – bank receipt voucher indicates receipt of cheque or demand draft.

Payment voucher is used to record a payment of cash or cheque. Payment vouchers are of two types.

  • Cash Payment voucher -Cash Payment voucher denotes Payment of cash
  •  Bank Payment – Bank Payment voucher indicates payment by cheque or demand draft.

Journal voucher is used to record transactions that do not affect cash or bank.

7. Pay in Slip

It is a form available in the bank for depositing cash or cheque in the bank account. The counterfoil is returned to the depositor by the cashier with his signature. Separate slips for depositing cash and cheques are used in some banks.

8. Cheque

It is a document / instrument in writing drawn upon a specified banker and payable on demand. The name of the party, date, amount both in words and figures and signature of the drawer must be filled in the cheques.