Notes Receivable— Promissory note that is a written promise to pay a specified amount of money (principal) either on demand or on a definite future date. Most notes are interest bearing. Promissory notes are notes payable to the maker (person promising to pay) and notes receivable to the payee (person to be paid). | |
A. Computations for Notes 1. Maturity date is the date the note must be repaid. 2. Amount to be repaid is principal plus interest (maturity value). 3. The period of the note is the time from the note’s date to its maturity date. 4. Formula for computing annual interest: Annual Time of note Principal of x rate of x expressed in = Interest note interest fraction of year | |
B. Recognizing Notes Receivable—debit Notes Receivable for principal or face amount of note. Credit will vary; depends on reason note is received. Note that interest is not recorded until earned. | |
C. Valuing and Settling Notes |

