CASH BOOK

Cash Book is a book of prime entry in which cash and bank transactions are recorded in a chronological order, i.e., as they occur. Cash receipts are recorded on the debit side of the Cash Book and cash payments on the credit side. Cash transactions in a firm are generally numerous, therefore, it is convenient to maintain separate Cash Book.

Features of Cash Book

 1. Only cash and bank transactions are recorded in the Cash Book.

2. Cash and cheque receipts are recorded on the debit side while cash and cheque payments are recorded on the credit side.

3. It records only one aspect of the transaction, i.e., cash or bank.

4. Cash and bank transactions are recorded in the Cash Book in a chronological order, i.e., in order they take place.

5. It performs the function of both Journal and the Ledger at the same time.

Cash Book—A Subsidiary Book and a Principal Book:- Cash and bank transactions are recorded in the Cash Book and on the basis of such records, Ledger Accounts are prepared. Therefore, Cash Book is a Subsidiary Book. At the same time, Cash Book by itself is Cash Account and Bank Account. As a matter of fact, the balances are entered in the Trial Balance directly. Cash Book, therefore, is a part of the Ledger also. Hence, it is also a Principal Book. Cash Book is, thus, both a Subsidiary Book and a Principal Book.

Kinds of Cash Books :- There are three types of Cash Books:

1. Simple Cash Book or Single Column Cash Book-- For recording cash transactions only.

2. Double-column or Two-column Cash Book: For recording cash and cash discount transactions.

3. Triple-column or Three-column Cash Book: In this cash book there are three columns of amount on both sides. The first for discount, the second for cash and the third for bank transactions. Discount allowed on payment received is recorded on the debit side, while discount received on payment made is recorded on the credit side.

In addition to the main Cash Book, firms sometimes also maintain a Petty Cash Book

(1)          Simple Cash Book or Single Column Cash Book:- Simple Cash Book looks like an account, with one column on each side. On the left-hand side receipts of cash are recorded and on the right-hand side payments are recorded.

Followings are main columns in cash book:

      (i)Date: Date of transaction is written.

(ii) Particulars: The name of the account under which cash has been received or paid is written.

 (iii)Voucher No: The document supporting a transaction is called a Voucher. There are two types of cash vouchers:

(1)Receipt Voucher and (2) Payment Voucher.

(iv) Ledger Folio: In the column for L.F., page number of the Ledger, where the amount is posted, is written.

(v) Amount: The    amounts received are written on the Debit side and amounts paid are written on the Credit side.