Is a promissory note an asset or expense?

Asked by: Ms. Asha Krajcik IV  |  Last update: September 25, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (13 votes)

Notes Receivable record the value of promissory notes that a business owns, and for that reason, they are recorded as an asset.

Is a promissory note an asset?

For the creditor (the owner) of a promissory note, the promissory note is a liquid asset. Count promissory notes as an available asset unless evidence shows it is not available.

Is a promissory note an expense?

Borrowers: Generally, the payment of interest on a promissory note is not taxable to the borrower. Yet, it often qualifies as a tax deductible expense, particularly in business contexts or qualified personal scenarios like mortgage interest deductions.

Where do promissory notes go on the balance sheet?

A promissory note is recorded as a liability. Depending on the terms of repayment, the promissory note could be listed on a balance sheet as a: short-term liability if the note is payable in full within 12 months. long-term liability if the full amount of the note is repayable in more than 12 months.

How to record a promissory note in accounting?

The promissory note journal entry is recorded by debiting the account that receives value, commonly the cash account, and crediting the notes payable account.

Promissory notes clarification

30 related questions found

What is the journal entry for receiving a promissory note?

Journal Entries for Promissory Notes
  • Issue. Payee A/c. Dr. To Bills Payable A/c. (Being issue of the promissory note)
  • Payment. Bills Payable A/c. Dr. To Cash A/c. (Being payment of Promissory Note.
  • Dishonour.

How do I record a promissory note in QuickBooks?

You need to create a loan account by navigating to the Chart of Accounts to record a promissory note in QuickBooks Online, then record the initial amount and payments using the “Record Payment” option under Transactions.

Is a promissory note a tangible asset?

Intangible Property. Used chiefly in the laws of taxation, this term means such property as has no intrinsic and marketable value, but is merely the representative or evidence of value, such as certificates of stock, bonds, promissory notes, and franchises.

Where can I record a promissory note?

Record the Signed Documents at the County Recorder's Office

You will need to pay a fee (you can check the current recording fees in Sacramento). The clerk in the recorder's office will take your original documents and stamp them with the date, time, a filing number, and book and page numbers.

What kind of account is a promissory note?

Definition of Promissory Note

The maker of the promissory note agrees to pay the principal amount and interest. The maker of the promissory note is known as the borrower or debtor and records the amount owed in a liability account such as Notes Payable.

What category is a promissory note?

A promissory note is a form of debt that companies and individuals sometimes use, like loans, to raise money. The issuer, through the notes, promises to return the buyer's funds (principal) and to make fixed interest payments to the buyer in exchange for borrowing the money.

How to record note payable on balance sheet?

Notes Payable on a Balance Sheet

Notes payable appear as liabilities on a balance sheet. Additionally, they are classified as current liabilities when the amounts are due within a year. When a note's maturity is more than one year in the future, it is classified with long-term liabilities.

Is a promissory note a capital asset?

Non-Negotiable Promissory Notes Are Not Capital Assets.

What does a promissory note belong to?

A promissory note is usually held by the party that's owed money; once the debt has been fully paid, the note must be canceled by the payee and returned to the issuer.

Is a loan note an asset or liability?

Loan notes are a financial instrument which detail when a loan must be repaid by the borrower and what interest is payable to the lender. Loan notes are often used as a way of investing in a company or property transaction. They can be secured against assets or unsecured. Loans belong to the debt asset class.

What is promissory note in financial accounting?

A promissory note is a legal, financial tool declared by a party, promising another party to pay the debt on a particular day. It is a written agreement signed by drawer with a promise to pay the money on a specific date or whenever demanded.

Are promissory notes assets or liabilities?

A promissory note is loan document. For the holder of a promissory note (i.e. the bank), it is a note receivable, an asset. For the issuer, it is a debt or liability (note payable).

Where does promissory note go on balance sheet?

Notes receivable are balance sheet items that record the value of promissory notes. The note is classified as a current asset in the current asset section. Notes receivable are typically for less than one year.

What type of property is a promissory note?

A promissory note is a legal document that states the borrower is indebted to the lender and promises to pay their mortgage back in full (including the principal and interest rate) by a specified date.

Will a promissory note hold up in court?

Promissory notes are legally binding contracts that can hold up in court if the terms of borrowing and repayment are signed and follow applicable laws.

Is a note a financial asset?

Deposits, stocks, bonds, notes, currencies, and other instruments that possess value and give rise to claims, liabilities, or equity investment. Financial assets include bank loans, direct investments, and official private holdings of debt and equity securities and other instruments.

What is considered a tangible asset?

What are tangible assets? A tangible asset is an asset that has physical substance. Examples include inventory, a building, rolling stock, manufacturing equipment or machinery, and office furniture. There are two types of tangible assets: inventory and fixed assets.

How is a promissory note recorded?

A promissory note isn't recorded in the county land records. The lender holds on to the note. The note gives the lender the right to collect on the loan if you don't make payments. When the borrower pays off the loan, the note is marked as "paid in full" and returned to the borrower.

What type of account is a promissory note?

A note receivable is an asset account tied to an underlying promissory note, which details in writing the payment terms for a purchase between a “payee” (typically a company, and sometimes called a creditor) and the “maker” of the note (usually a customer or employee, and sometimes called a debtor).

Can a promissory note be made payable?

The sum should be payable to a certain person. There are only two parties to a Promissory Note, one is the maker or the payer and another one is the payee. It is not transferable and thus, the amount is not payable to the bearer.