If you received merchandise, but have not received the vendor’s invoice by the end of the accounting period, you need to 1) debit Purchases (periodic method) or debit Inventory (perpetual method) for the cost of the goods or merchandise received, and 2) credit Accounts Payable. You also need to include the merchandise in your physical inventory.

When the vendor’s invoice is received and processed, be sure to reverse (remove) the above entry.

About the Author: Harold Averkamp (CPA) has worked as an accountant, consultant, and university accounting instructor for more than 25 years.

He is the creator of the AccountingCoach Pro which has been praised for its ability to simplify accounting in a way that anybody can understand.

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