Deferred Outreach Giving

[RLM]

Our assembly allocates a certain amount of $'s each month for various local needs. My problem is this; I want to show the expense in the month of May and it is now June. We often direct our giving to a individual's utility (electric, gas, etc.) account rather than issuing the check directly to the person. I am still waiting for the utility account number of the individual that we have decided to assist. What I have done is credited 01-1110-000 and credited the expense account 01-6340-075 which typically reflects these transactions. Is this correct? Then, when the check is cut, how would I correctly show this transaction?

Follow-up question: Even if the check is cut in June, can I date it May 31st and still post it to May's expenses?

[Jeff]

It sounds like you might want to consider setting up a liability account to hold these amounts. For example if you created a liability account for local needs. In May when the payment is approved you would debit the 01-6340-075 and credit the liability account. This will increase the expense account in May and show that the church has incurred a liability. In June when you write the check you will credit the 01-1110-000 bank account and debit the liability account.

[RLM]

Thank you Jeff....