Receivables
Accounting glossary · Understand, connect, apply
Receivables are claims to receive cash or other consideration from another party. They include customer balances, qualifying notes and other amounts due.
Example
A business has a $500 customer balance and $20 of interest receivable; both are receivables but arise from different activities.
Remember the difference
Distinguish the gross claim from the amount expected to be collected after credit-loss allowances.
Updated 3 November 2026. Examples are simplified for learning. Where a term depends on US law, IFRS, US GAAP or a historical rule, check the context explained above and the requirements relevant to your course.
Study references: OpenStax financial accounting and managerial accounting. For reporting requirements, consult the applicable IFRS Standards or FASB guidance. US tax terms should be checked against the relevant tax-year IRS instructions.
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