Difference Between Single Entry and Double Entry, Every business transaction has an effect on two different accounts like if we purchase something then it will affect the two people one is the receiver(buyer) and another is the giver(Seller) or if we pay any expense there will also be affected to two people one is the receiver of the payment and another is the giver. But In the single entry system, we record only one effect of the business transaction in the books of accounts and in the double-entry system, we will record both the effect of the business transaction in the books.
Meaning of Single Entry System: –
Single Entry system of bookkeeping is the oldest method of recording business transactions. In this system, only one effect of the transaction is recorded which is related to our business. This is an incomplete method process of recording. we have recorded only business transactions related to cash, Debtors and creditors. There is no principle and standard in this system. Every businessman records the transactions in their own way. So, presentation of books will vary from business to business.
Example
If we sold goods to Ram for 10,000/- on credit base.
It may be recorded as
Amount due from Ram = 10,000/-
(here is not mentioned the second account for which we have to receive an amount from the Ram)
This system of bookkeeping is suitable only for very small businesses like a single small shop/store.
Here is a lot of limitation of this system, like – Reconciliation with parties accounts is not Possible, More chance of fraud if the owner of the business available then it can survive, This method is not accepted by the law/taxation department.
Meaning of Double Entry System: –
Double Entry system of bookkeeping is the scientific method of recording business transactions and keeping the book of accounts for the particular period. Double Entry system developed by Luca Pacioli, in 1494. In this system, Both effects of the transaction are recorded in the books of accounts, these two effects are named as Debit and Credit. So in every transaction minimum of two accounts are involved so we have to debit one account and credit another one.
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Example
If we sold goods to Ram for 10,000/- on credit base.
we will debit the Ram Account and Credit the Sales account.
Because Ram is the Receiver of the goods and we are giver the goods.
Because of dual effect recording, this system is complete, accurate, reliable and acceptable by law. In this system, standards of accounting are followed by each and every business entity.
Chart of Difference between Single Entry and Double Entry: –
Basis of Difference |
Single Entry System | Double Entry System |
Overview |
In the Single Entry system of bookkeeping, only one effect of the transaction is recorded which is related to our business. | In Double Entry system of bookkeeping, only both or all effects of the transaction is recorded in the books of accounts. |
Object |
To know or remember the cash, debtors and creditor balance only. | To know every financial term of the business entity. |
Type of Recording |
It is an incomplete system of recording the transactions. | It is the complete system of recording the transactions. |
Fraud |
In this system, here is very easy to record fraud entry of transactions Because you are not showing the second affected account by the same transaction. | In this system, here is difficult to record fraud entry of transactions Because you are showing the second affected account by the same transaction. |
Error |
It is very hard to identify the error in the books. | It is easy to identify the error in the books. |
Accounts Included |
Only account related to persons and cash are included. | All accounts are considered in this method. Like the person, real and nominal. |
| Acceptance by Taxation department | It is not accepted by the taxation department. | It is accepted. |
| Profit/Loss for the year | It requires a lot of labour and time to calculate the Profit/loss for the year. | It is easy to find out the Profit and Loss for the Year. |
| Suitable | This system is suitable for only a very small business. | It is suitable for all type of business. |
| Cost of Implementation | This system does not require any cost of implementation | This system does require any cost of implementation. |
| Users | Only Owner of the Business can use this system because it is not maintained on the particular standard. | All related Parties can use this system because all books are maintained on the standard formats. |
| Reconciliation of accounts | Reconciliations of accounts are not possible. | Reconciliations of accounts are possible. |
Download the chart: –
If you want to download the chart please download the following image and PDF file:-
The conclusion of Difference: –
For the very small business owner can adopt the single entry system because the business entity or owner don’t have the resource to wear the cost of bookkeeping. and In other, all type of business owner has to adopt a double-entry accounting system.
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