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Kolel
Level 2

Vendor Credit

Hi, 

should a vendor's credit be recorded to an Income or to an Expense account?

Solved
Best answer February 12, 2026

Best Answers
Raldwin_D
QuickBooks Team

Vendor Credit

Hello there, @Kolel. I can certainly clear that up for you.

 

When you have a vendor credit, you should always record it to the same expense account you used for the original bill. It might seem like income since you’re getting money or value back, but recording it to an income account would inaccurately make your earnings appear higher than they really are. To ensure your records stay accurate, post the vendor credit to the same expense category or inventory item you used for the original purchase.

 

For instance, suppose you paid a $500 bill for office supplies and recorded it to your Supplies expense account. Later, the vendor gives you a $100 credit and you enter this vendor credit using the same Supplies expense account. When you pay your next bill from that vendor, the $100 vendor credit reduces the amount you owe. In this case, nothing is recorded as income. The credit simply reduces your total office supplies expense to $400, accurately reflecting your actual costs.

 

This keeps your profit and loss report accurate and shows the true net cost of your business purchases.

 

You are encouraged to leave a comment below if you have further questions. We’re happy to help.

View solution in original post

3 Comments 3
Raldwin_D
QuickBooks Team

Vendor Credit

Hello there, @Kolel. I can certainly clear that up for you.

 

When you have a vendor credit, you should always record it to the same expense account you used for the original bill. It might seem like income since you’re getting money or value back, but recording it to an income account would inaccurately make your earnings appear higher than they really are. To ensure your records stay accurate, post the vendor credit to the same expense category or inventory item you used for the original purchase.

 

For instance, suppose you paid a $500 bill for office supplies and recorded it to your Supplies expense account. Later, the vendor gives you a $100 credit and you enter this vendor credit using the same Supplies expense account. When you pay your next bill from that vendor, the $100 vendor credit reduces the amount you owe. In this case, nothing is recorded as income. The credit simply reduces your total office supplies expense to $400, accurately reflecting your actual costs.

 

This keeps your profit and loss report accurate and shows the true net cost of your business purchases.

 

You are encouraged to leave a comment below if you have further questions. We’re happy to help.

Kolel
Level 2

Vendor Credit

Thank you so much for your super clear response.

 

Erika_K
QuickBooks Team

Vendor Credit

You're very welcome, @Kolel! I’m stepping in for my colleague and appreciate you following up. I’m glad to hear that the explanation was clear. 
 
Along with that, you can also consider consulting with an accountant for more specific guidance on categorizing your transactions. They can provide that extra layer of expert advice tailored to your specific business needs.
 
Feel free to reach out with any other QuickBooks questions, and we'll get right back to you. Have a great day!

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