Accounting · Account structure
A practical starter chart for a retail and wholesale business. Use separate sales and cost accounts to compare each channel.
Assets
Liabilities
Equity
Income
Cost of Sales
Expenses
40 accounts shown · select a group to view its accounts
| Code | Account | Purpose | Normal balance | Business use | Status | Add subaccount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | Cash on Hand | Parent account for outlet cash drawers | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 100001 | └ Main Outlet Cash | Cash drawer for Main Outlet | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 100002 | └ North Outlet Cash | Cash drawer for North Outlet | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 1010 | Main Bank Account | Operating bank account | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 1020 | Card and Online Settlements | Amounts due from payment processors | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 1100 | Trade Receivables | Customer credit balances due | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 1110 | Allowance for Doubtful Debts | Expected uncollectible customer balances | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 1200 | Merchandise Inventory | Goods held for resale | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 1210 | Inventory in Transit | Purchased goods not yet received | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 1220 | Supplier Advances | Prepayments to suppliers | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 1300 | Input Tax Receivable | Recoverable purchase tax, if applicable | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 1500 | Shop Equipment and Fixtures | Long-term store equipment | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 1510 | Accumulated Depreciation | Depreciation recorded to date | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active |
| Code | Account | Purpose | Normal balance | Business use | Status | Add subaccount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Trade Payables | Supplier balances due | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 2010 | Supplier Bills Pending | Received invoices awaiting payment | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 2100 | Customer Deposits and Advances | Customer money received before fulfilment | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 2200 | Output Tax Payable | Sales tax payable, if applicable | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 2300 | Salaries Payable | Earned salaries not yet paid | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 2400 | Short-term Borrowings | Loans and credit facilities due | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active |
| Code | Account | Purpose | Normal balance | Business use | Status | Add subaccount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 | Owner Capital | Owner investment in the business | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 3100 | Retained Earnings | Accumulated prior-period profit | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 3200 | Owner Drawings | Personal withdrawals by the owner | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active |
| Code | Account | Purpose | Normal balance | Business use | Status | Add subaccount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4000 | Retail Sales | Counter and point-of-sale revenue | Credit | Retail | Active | |
| 4010 | Wholesale Sales | Bulk and trade customer revenue | Credit | Wholesale | Active | |
| 4020 | Delivery and Service Income | Delivery, installation, or service fees | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 4090 | Sales Returns and Discounts | Returns, allowances, and discounts | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active |
| Code | Account | Purpose | Normal balance | Business use | Status | Add subaccount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 | Cost of Goods Sold · Retail | Cost of goods sold at retail | Debit | Retail | Active | |
| 5010 | Cost of Goods Sold · Wholesale | Cost of goods sold wholesale | Debit | Wholesale | Active | |
| 5020 | Freight and Import Costs | Inbound freight and landed costs | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 5090 | Purchase Returns and Discounts | Supplier returns and purchase discounts | Credit | Retail · Wholesale | Active |
| Code | Account | Purpose | Normal balance | Business use | Status | Add subaccount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6000 | Staff Salaries and Wages | Payroll and employee benefits | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 6010 | Rent and Occupancy | Premises rent and service charges | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 6020 | Utilities and Communications | Electricity, internet, and phone | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 6030 | Delivery and Distribution | Customer delivery and fulfilment | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 6040 | Marketing and Advertising | Promotions and advertising | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 6050 | Bank and Payment Fees | Bank, card, and processor charges | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 6060 | Repairs and Maintenance | Shop, warehouse, and equipment upkeep | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 6070 | Depreciation Expense | Period depreciation of equipment | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 6080 | Bad Debt Expense | Uncollectible customer balances | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active | |
| 6090 | Office and General Expenses | Other day-to-day operating costs | Debit | Retail · Wholesale | Active |
This is a general starting point, not a jurisdiction-specific accounting or tax template. Confirm tax, reporting, and opening balance accounts with your accountant before posting live transactions.