How do I set up a sales returns and allowances account?

You can set-up a sales returns and allowances account by opening an appropriate account in your chart of accounts. You can then create journal entries from the beginning that will automatically debit this new account on all future transactions.

What type of journal entry is required when return goods are given by the customer?

When return goods are given by the customer, a journal entry is required in two steps. First, the sales returns and allowances account is debited. Second, accounts payable is credited. Then, an adjusting journal entry can be made to show that payment has been received.

What type of journal entry does the seller make when there is a cash refund to the customer?

The seller makes an adjusting entry in which the accounts payable account is debited and the sales returns and allowances account is credited. This journal entry ensures that payment has been received for the returned goods.

Do manufacturers have sales returns and allowances journal entries?

Yes, if return goods are given back to the manufacturer by a customer, they have sales returns and allowances journal entries. These should be set-up in the books before any transactions are made.

What does "credited" mean on the sales returns and allowances account?

This means that you have allowed return of goods or given back money to your customers.

Returns Inwards or Sales Returns | Definition & Journal Entries

Returns Inwards: Definition

Occasionally, customers return the merchandise they purchase. In accounting, such returned merchandise are termed as sales returns or returns inwards. The major reasons for sales returns are:

Defective merchandise was shipped

An excessive quantity of merchandise was shipped

Low-quality merchandise was shipped

Merchandise shipped to customers do not match the order specification

When merchandise is returned, customers usually ask for a cash refund. However, a customer may find that low-quality (or slightly damaged) goods can be resold at a lower price or they can be used elsewhere.

In such circumstances, they usually prefer to retain the goods in question and ask for an allowance (e.g., price reduction) from the seller rather than returning the goods and asking for a refund.

The refunds and allowances discussed above are accounted for by maintaining an account known as the sales returns and allowances account.

Journal Entries

Return of Merchandise Sold for Cash

When customers return merchandise sold for cash, the sales returns and allowances account is debited and the accounts payable account is credited.

This entry is made when a customer notifies the business that they will return the merchandise.

Afterward, another journal entry may be required in which the accounts payable account is debited and the cash account is credited. This journal entry is made when a cash refund is given to the customer for the goods they returned.

These two journal entries complete the accounting process required in the books of the seller for the return of merchandise.

Example

On 1 January 2016, the Modern Trading Company sold merchandise for $2,500 to Small Retailers. Small Retailers received the delivery on the same day and found the merchandise costing $500 did not meet the order specification.

These merchandise were returned to the Modern Trading Company on the same day. In turn, the Modern Trading Company granted a cash refund of $500 to Small Retailers on 2 January 2016.

Required:

In the books of seller (i.e., Modern Trading Company), make a journal entry:

At the time of the sale of merchandise for $2,500

At the time of the return of merchandise costing $500

At the time of the cash refund of $500

Solution

Modern Trading Company Journal Entries for Sales Return

Return of Merchandise Sold on Account

When merchandise are returned by a credit customer, only one journal entry is required. In this entry, the sales returns and allowances account is debited and the accounts receivable account is credited.

Example

On 1 February 2016, John Enterprise sold merchandise for $1,500 to Sam Enterprise on account. On the same date, merchandise amounting to $200 were returned to John Enterprise because they failed to meet the required quality standards.

Required: Pass journal entries in the books of John Enterprise at the time of the sale and at the time of the return of merchandise.