Credit note is also known as credit memo or credit memorandum as it only notifies about the entry made in the financial records of party to the transaction. Although credit note is often discussed while discussing sale returns (return inwards) or purchases return (return outwards) but credit note is also used in banking sector and we will shed some light on such use of credit note as well in the discussion below.
In buy and sell transactions, whether it is a credit transaction or cash, credit note is used basically to modify the invoice already issued and such modifications may be necessary due to following reasons:
· Return of goods due to either of the following reasons:
o Damaged goods or expired goods
o Not according to specifications mentioned in the order
o More than ordered
o Any change in quantity of items in previously placed order
· Mistake in invoice
o Arithmetic mistake
o Misapplication of discount rate
o Misapplication of sales tax requirements
o Any other mistake giving rise wrong valuation of transaction involved
· Cancellation of order i.e. no sale or purchase transaction took place
· Waiving off partly or whole of the sale consideration involved
As credit note is one of the source documents and works in combination with invoices therefore, credit note (and also debit note) must be taken serious as they can affect entity’s entity’s rights and obligations and careless use of such documents may materially misstate financial statements. Due to same reason such source documents play important role and auditors obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence in respect of credit and debit memorandums.