Sundry debtor refers to either a person or an entity that owes money to the business. If someone buys some goods/services from the business and the payment is yet to be received, a group of such individuals or entities is called sundry debtors. Sundry debtors are also referred to as trade receivableRead more
Sundry debtor refers to either a person or an entity that owes money to the business. If someone buys some goods/services from the business and the payment is yet to be received, a group of such individuals or entities is called sundry debtors. Sundry debtors are also referred to as trade receivables or account receivables.
The term ‘Sundry’ means various or several, referring to a collection of miscellaneous items combined under one head. Sundry debtors typically arise from core business activities such as sales of goods or services. The business treats them as an asset.
Example
Suppose you run a business, ABC Ltd. Mr. Y bought goods from you on credit. Therefore, Mr. Y will be recorded as Debtor (current asset) in your books of accounts. Similarly, a collection of such debtors is viewed as sundry debtors from the business’ point of view.
Journal Entry

Rules
As per the golden rules of accounting, we ‘debit the receiver and credit the receiver’. That’s how in this journal entry we’ll be debiting the sundry debtor’s account. Also, ‘debit what comes in and credit what goes out.’ That’s why sales a/c is credited and cash a/c is debited.
As per the modern rules of accounting, ‘debit the increase in asset and credit the decrease in asset’. That’s why we debit sundry debtors and cash a/c. And credit sales a/c when goods are sold and inventory decreases.
Why debtor is an asset?
As we know, a debtor refers to a person or entity who owes money to the business which means, the money is to be received by them in the future, making them an asset. On the other hand, creditors are a liability to the firm as we owe them money and it is to be paid by us in the near future, making it an obligation for the firm.
Sundry Debtors in Balance Sheet
Sundry debtors are shown under the current asset heading on the balance sheet. They are often referred to as account receivables.
Balance Sheet (for the year ending….)






Credit balance means excess of credit side over debit side. For example, At the beginning of the year, the credit balance of trade payable is 3,000 and there is a debit of trade payable of 1,000 during the year and an increase(credit) of trade payable of 4,000 then at the end there will be a creditRead more
Credit balance means excess of credit side over debit side.
For example, At the beginning of the year, the credit balance of trade payable is 3,000 and there is a debit of trade payable of 1,000 during the year and an increase(credit) of trade payable of 4,000 then at the end there will be a credit balance of 6,000 of trade payable at the end
.A Credit balance signifies all income and gains and all liabilities and capital that is there in business.
Liabilities and Capital
Income and Gains
So after seeing all the above points we can conclude that the credit balance includes all the income in the P&L account and all the liabilities in the Balance sheet. So its balance increases when there is an increase in its account.
Debit Balance
Debit balance means excess of credit side over debit side.
For Example- At begining of the year the debit balance of trade receivables is 3,000 and there is a decrease(credit) of trade receivables of 1,000 during the year and an increase(debit) of trade receivables of 4,000 then at the end there will be a debit balance of 6,000 of trade receivables at the end
A Debit balance basically signifies all expenses and losses and all positive balances of assets. The debit balance increases when any asset increases and decreases when any asset decreases.
Asset
Expenses and Loses
- Rent
- Depreciation
- General Expenses
- Loss on Sale of asset
- Printing and stationery
- Audit fees
- Outstanding fees
- Salaries and Wages
- Insurance
- Advertising
- Promotional expenses
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