Advance Payments/receipts to suppliers /from customers

Hi, thanks for reaching out. For advance payment receipt from customer, you need to pass the 'Bank Deposit' entry and select the account 'Accounts Receivable (Debtors)' in account column and for making the advance payment to a vendor or supplier, please enter the expense form and select 'Accounts Payable (Creditors)" account column and enter the amount and all the necessary details.

You can make regular entry as made when payment or receipt happens in regular course of actions. Put narration for the advance being paid or received. The account balance of Vendors or customers will automatically show Debit Balance in case all previous balances are NIL. 

This makes you A/R negative if you apply. Is there any way around this?

Hi there, @chinmayvaidya7.

I'm here to provide another resolution on how to receive the customer's advance payment in QuickBooks Online that the Account Receivable will not be negative. 

First, create a retainer or deposit which is treated as a liability and holds the deposit. When you invoice the customer and receive payment against it, you'll turn that liability into income. 

Here's how: 

1. Go to Settings ⚙, then select Chart of Accounts.
2. Click New.
3. From the Account Type ▼ drop-down menu, chose Current Liabilities.
4. Pick Trust Accounts - Liabilities in the Detail Type ▼.
5. Enter a name for the account. 
6. Hit Save and close.

Second, set up a non-inventory or service item for the retainer. Let me guide you how: 

1. Go to the Sales tab, then select Products and Services.
2. Click New.
3. From the Product/Service information panel, select Service.
4. Enter a name, then in the Income account ▼, pick the Trust Liability Account.
5. Hit Save and close.

After that, create a memo or invoice that will be linked to the invoice you created. That way, the invoice will show as paid. Follow the steps below: 

1. Click the + New at the top.
2. Choose the Cash memo or Invoice.
3. Select the Customer name from the drop-down.
4. From the Deposit to ▼ drop-down menu, select the trust liability bank account you created.
5. In the Product/Service column, select the Retainer or Deposit item you set up.
6. Enter the amount received for the retainer or deposit.
7. Tap Save and close.

For detailed instructions, check out this article: Record a retainer or deposit. 

You can always track the balance of the customer's retainer by opening the Balance Sheet. Then customize it to show the specific details. 

For more information about recording the vendor's advance payment in QBO, visit these articles: 

• How do I record an advance payment made to a supplier with TDS withheld?
• Record a purchase, payment, or bill using a cashier's cheque

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any other questions. Have a good day!