Vouchers are the backbone of any accounting system. They serve as the primary evidence of a business transaction and form the basis for recording entries in the books of accounts. Every transaction, whether related to receipts, payments, purchases, sales, or adjustments, must be supported by a proper voucher.

An accounting voucher is a written document that authorizes a financial transaction and provides details necessary for recording it accurately. These vouchers ensure that transactions are authe…
TYPES OF ACCOUNTING VOUCHERS
1. Cash Voucher:
Used for all cash transactions, both receipts and payments.
(a) Cash Receipt Voucher – Prepared when cash is received (e.g., from a customer).
(b) Cash Payment Voucher – Prepared when cash is paid (e.g., salaries or expenses).

2. Bank Voucher:
Used for transactions made through the bank.
(a) Bank Receipt Voucher – Money received via bank (cheques, transfers).
(b) Bank Payment Voucher – Payments made via bank (issued cheques).

3. Contra Voucher:
Used for internal transfers between cash and bank accounts, like cash deposits or withdrawals.

4. Journal Voucher:
Used for recording non-cash and adjustment entries such as depreciation, provisions, and
rectifications.

5. Purchase Voucher:
Prepared when goods or services are purchased on credit.
Entry: Purchases A/c Dr. To Creditors A/c

6. Sales Voucher:
Prepared when goods or services are sold on credit.
Entry: Debtors A/c Dr. To Sales A/c

7. Credit Note Voucher:
Issued when goods sold are returned or when excess billing requires adjustment.
Entry: Sales Return A/c Dr. To Debtors A/c

8. Debit Note Voucher:
Issued when goods purchased are returned or supplier is overcharged.
Entry: Creditors A/c Dr. To Purchase Return A/c

9. Receipt Voucher:
Prepared for money received in cash or bank, such as from customers or for incomes earned.
Entry: Cash/Bank A/c Dr. To Income/Debtor A/c

10. Payment Voucher:
Prepared for money paid by the business for expenses or creditor payments.
Entry: Expense/Creditor A/c Dr. To Cash/Bank A/c

11. Petty Cash Voucher:
Used for small cash payments such as postage, courier, stationery. Helps maintain petty cash under imprest system.

12. Transfer Voucher:
Used for internal adjustments where no cash or bank is involved, e.g., adjusting bad debts, provisions, or depreciation.

13. Non-Cash Adjustment Voucher:
Used for provisions, accrued incomes, outstanding expenses, etc., ensuring accrual-based reporting.

IMPORTANCE OF ACCOUNTING VOUCHERS
– Serve as documentary proof for every transaction.
– Prevent unauthorized or duplicate entries.
– Maintain transparency and systematic records.
– Provide a reliable audit trail for verification.
– Ensure compliance with accounting and tax laws.