What is the correct BIR books of accounts format?

[riya]

Can someone explain the proper BIR books of accounts format required for compliance? I want to make sure my journal, ledger, and other accounting records follow the official BIR books of accounts format. Are there specific templates that need to be registered? Also, what are the penalties for not following the correct format?

 

[Oscar]

The correct BIR books of accounts format required by the Bureau of Internal Revenue includes General Journal, General Ledger, Cash Receipts Book, and Cash Disbursements Book, recording date, description, reference, debit, and credit amounts.

 

[alexmetro]

Usually you just need the General Journal, General Ledger, and cash books, and they should be registered with BIR first. If the format isn’t registered or updated, they can charge penalties during an audit.

 

[michaelowen]

General Journal captures all the business transactions in a chronological order that is two columned where the debits and credits are used to guarantee that there are balances.

 

[vitalik]

The General Ledger summarizes the journal transactions into certain accounts which give a clear picture of the assets, liabilities and equity.

 

[shirley]

All monetary inflows and outflows are recorded in the cash books to ensure correct balances of money to be tax compliant and internal financial auditing purposes.

 

[Selina]

There isn’t a single fixed “template” from the BIR, but the standard format follows the basic accounting books: General Journal, General Ledger, Cash Receipts Book, and Cash Disbursements Book. Each should have columns like date, particulars/description, reference (OR/SI or voucher no.), debit, and credit, with running balances where applicable. In practice, most businesses just use columnar notebooks or printed sheets following this layout, then have them registered/stamped by the BIR before use. I’ve seen even small businesses keep it simple as long as entries are clear, chronological, and properly supported by receipts.