Definition of Notes Receivable
Notes receivable is an asset of a company, bank or other organization that holds a written promissory note from another party. (The other party will have a note payable.)
The principal part of a note receivable that is expected to be collected within one year of the balance sheet date is reported in the current asset section of the lender's balance sheet. The remaining principal of the note receivable is reported in the noncurrent asset section entitled Investments.
Examples of Notes Receivable
A company lends one of its important suppliers $10,000 and the supplier gives the company a written promissory note to repay the amount in six months along with interest at 8% per year. The company will debit its current asset account Notes Receivable for the principal amount of $10,000. The credit of $10,000 will be to Cash.
If a company borrows $100,000 from its bank and signs a promissory note to pay 6% interest quarterly and the principal amount in 9 months, the bank will debit its current asset account Notes Receivable and will credit Cash or Customers' Deposits for the principal amount of $100,000.
