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Starting Balances: What They Are, and How to Enter Them in Balabook.

A starting balance is the amount of funds in an account at the beginning of a new fiscal period. It allows you to see the balance of the account without entering the full transaction history.

How to Enter Starting Balances with Journal Entries in Balabook:

For Asset Accounts (e.g., Equipment, Inventory, Prepaid Expenses):

  1. From the left-side menu, go to Accountant > Journal Entries.
  2. Click 'New Entry'.
  3. In the Description field, type: "Starting balance".
  4. Choose the starting balance date (typically the start of the fiscal year).
  5. On the first line: Debit the asset account (e.g., Inventory) with the starting balance amount.
  6. On the second line: Credit the equity account (e.g., Owner’s Equity) with the same amount.
  7. Click 'Save' to finalize the entry.

For Liability Accounts (e.g., Loans, Accounts Payable):

  1. From the left-side menu, go to Accountant > Journal Entries.
  2. Click 'New Entry'.
  3. In the Description field, type: "Starting balance".
  4. Choose the starting balance date (typically the start of the fiscal year).
  5. On the first line: Credit the liability account (e.g., Loan Payable) with the starting amount.
  6. On the second line: Debit the equity account (e.g., Owner’s Equity) with the same amount.
  7. Click 'Save' to finalize the entry.

Written by

Alexandra Kyriacou

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