Yes, accounting is necessary even for not-for-profit organizations. NPOs or not-for-profit organizations are those that are created for the welfare of the society. They intend to advance some social cause. For example charities, orphanages etc Accounting for NPOs becomes necessary as the trustees ofRead more
Yes, accounting is necessary even for not-for-profit organizations.
NPOs or not-for-profit organizations are those that are created for the welfare of the society. They intend to advance some social cause. For example charities, orphanages etc
Accounting for NPOs becomes necessary as the trustees of these institutions are liable to their members, the donors and the government. They discharge this function with documenting activities of the institution.
What is a not-for-profit organization?
A not-for-profit organization is an entity that undertakes charitable activities. These institutions do not have earning profit as their primary motive. Their focus is on extending social welfare.
Every not-for-profit organization usually has a group of trustees that are responsible for handling all its operations. These trustees are accountable to the members of the NPO.
A not-for-profit organization usually relies on donations and grants as its primary source of revenue. They do not charge the stakeholders to whom they extend their services or goods.
What does accounting for Not-for-profit organizations entail
The professionals undertaking accounting of not-for-profit organizations must have a significant knowledge of statutory provisions and accounting principles. Here is a brief overview of what accounting for a not-for-profit organizations entails
- Ensuring that the institution fulfills all the legal compliances necessary for it to continue functioning as a NPO.
- Documenting all the activities of the institution and ensuring that the NPO has the necessary permits to carry out those activities.
- Accounting for all the revenue receipts and expenses of the institution. The professional must keep in mind that the interests of the members and other stakeholders are not being subjected to any prejudice.
- In India, every NPO has to compulsorily prepare a receipt and payment account, income and expenditure account and a balance sheet. These have to be submitted to the Registrar of Societies before the due dates.

- Every professional undertaking the accounting of a not-for-profit organization must keep in mind that a single non-compliance or partial-compliance can result in the NPO losing out on its tax-exempt status.
- In the past there have been many instances when NPOs have been used for the purpose of money laundering or tax evasion.
- This has resulted in the government making the compliances for these institutions more stringent. The institutions are now required to be more transparent regarding their operations.
We can conclude that accounting is an indispensable requirements for not-for-profit organizations to be able to continue their operations and claim the statutory benefits that the government has extended to them.
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Shareholder's Equity Meaning - Shareholder's Equity is the amount invested into the Company. It represents the Net worth of the Company. It is also where the owners have the claim on the Assets after the Debts are settled. It Calculation of Shareholder's Equity Method 1 Shareholder's Equity = TotalRead more
Shareholder’s Equity
Meaning – Shareholder’s Equity is the amount invested into the Company. It represents the Net worth of the Company. It is also where the owners have the claim on the Assets after the Debts are settled. It
Calculation of Shareholder’s Equity
Method 1
Shareholder’s Equity = Total Assets – Total Liabilities
Method 2
Shareholder’s Equity = Share Capital + Retained Earnings – Treasury Stock/Treasury Shares
Components of the Shareholder’s Equity
From the above Method 1, it can be understood that shareholder’s equity comprises of
Net Assets = Current Assets + Non-current Assets, reduced by
Net liabilities = Current liabilities + Long-term liabilities
where Long-term liabilities = Long-term debts + Deferred long-term liabilities + Other liabilities
Also from the method 2,
Share Capital = Outstanding shares + Additional Paid-up share capital
Retained Earnings are the sum of the company’s earnings after paying the dividends
Treasury stocks = Shares repurchased by the company
Example of Shareholder’s Equity
The shareholder’s Equity is represented in the Balance Sheet as below;
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