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September 2, 2020
Question

Forex Gain / Loss

  • September 2, 2020
  • 6 replies
  • 123 views

Hello -

 

We purchase product from a European vendor.

 

I am noticing in QB online there are a ton of FX gain/loss entries automatically booked when we post a bill from that vendor. However, an FX gain/loss should not arise until we pay that bill. But, the gain/loss on FX is posting while the bill is still sitting as AP

 

The fx gain/loss entries which are showing up are always +0.01/-0.01 cents. This doesnt make sense and is allowing for messy report generation.


Anyone ever seen this before?

6 replies

LieraMarie_A
Level 8
September 3, 2020

I'm here to share some insights about foreign exchange gains or loss, @tomegranate.

 

The amounts that you're seeing are unrealized forex gains or loss. It means that it has an increase/decrease in the value of assets, yet no cash has taken place. Some accountants call it as "Paper loss/gain."

 

These gains or losses are only realized after the transactions have been completed or when money has been collected or paid.

 

That is why it shows the effect of a home currency adjustment on Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable as an unrealized gain or loss, and the effect on account types such as bank accounts as a realized foreign exchange gain or loss. Unrealized gains or losses are also not reflected in the general ledger or the trial balance.

 

I'm also adding this article for more FAQs about unrealized gains and losses: Frequently Asked Questions about Home Currency Adjustments.

 

Please let me know if you have other questions or concerns. We're always here to help. Have a great day, @tomegranate

January 30, 2023

How can I correctly account for gain/ losses arising from trading of foreign currencies?

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 14
September 3, 2020

@tomegranate 

As other options, if you are dealing with multi currency transactions, explore these solutions and integrate it with your QBO to get a better exchange rate and a lower fee.

https:// veem.grsm.io/veems

https:// prf.hn/l/7gg1NWy

 

Hope it helps.

 

November 11, 2025

I’ve seen a lot of threads about FX gains & losses. I’m collecting responses to a student research survey on month-end accounting pain points and structural gaps, and would value your input. Here’s the quick survey: https://forms.gle/yZF8uJMCZmWQ4Y9t5