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Returned check charges.
A user recently asked a question about charges for returned checks. Names have been omitted to protect the innocent.
 
Our broker charged us $25.00, for a returned (insufficient funds) check; where should that charge be entered?
There could be two entries in connection with a returned-check charge. First we must enter the charge from the broker. Secondly, the club may want to charge the member that caused the NSF check penalty.
 
To enter the expense, go to Accounting>Accounts and select the broker account where the charge originated. Click on the Expense icon. Entering the data should be fairly straight-forward. When asked for the Category, choose Service Charges and Fees under Deductible Expenses. Bank and broker charges for NSF checks are deductible expenses.
 
Your club may want to charge the offending member for this penalty. If so, when the reimbursement is received from the member, enter it as a Fee from the member. This will increase the member's tax basis for his/her position in the club, but will not increase the units held.
 
The result of the above is that each member will receive a share of the tax deduction for the penalty, and the member will incur the cost and have his/her tax basis increased.
 
Some would recommend that the reimbursement from the member be entered as income to the club, rather than as a member's fee. We are not in favor of this treatment. If possible, no income should be recognized on funds received from a member.
 
We believe the above treatment results in the fairest and most advantageous treatment to all members.
 
 
Rip West
Ridgway, CO
trez_talk@bivio.com