Supporting Documents: Bills MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz is for Class IX students studying Elements of Book-Keeping & Accountancy (Code 254), focusing on Unit 3: Nature of Accounts & Rules for Debit and Credit. It covers the topic of supporting documents, specifically the Bill/invoice and its use for recording purchases and sales. Attempt all questions, submit your answers to see your score, and download the PDF answer sheet for future reference.
Understanding Supporting Documents: Bills and Invoices
In accountancy, every business transaction must be supported by evidence. These pieces of evidence are known as ‘Supporting Documents’ or ‘Source Documents’. They are the original records that prove a transaction occurred and provide all the necessary details. The most common and important supporting document for credit transactions of goods is a bill or an invoice.
What is a Bill / Invoice?
A bill or invoice is a commercial document prepared by a seller and issued to the buyer. It identifies both the trading parties and lists, in detail, the goods sold or services provided, including quantities, prices, discounts, and total amount due. It serves as a primary record for both the seller’s sales and the buyer’s purchases.
- For the seller, this document is a Sales Invoice. It is evidence of a credit sale.
- For the buyer, the same document is a Purchase Bill or simply a bill. It is evidence of a credit purchase.
Key Information on a Bill/Invoice
A standard bill or invoice contains several critical pieces of information that are essential for accurate bookkeeping:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Seller’s Information | Name, address, contact details, and GSTIN of the seller. |
| Buyer’s Information | Name and address of the person or business buying the goods. |
| Invoice Number & Date | A unique serial number for the invoice and the date it was issued. |
| Description of Goods | Details of each item sold, including name, model, etc. |
| Quantity | The number of units of each item sold. |
| Rate per Unit | The price for a single unit of the item. |
| Total Amount | The final amount payable after calculating totals, adding taxes, and deducting discounts. |
Importance in Recording Transactions
Supporting documents like bills are the foundation of the accounting process. They provide objective, verifiable evidence for every entry made in the books of accounts (like the Journal). Without a valid source document, an entry cannot be recorded. This ensures accuracy, prevents fraud, and provides a clear audit trail for financial verification.
Quick Revision Points
- A bill is a source document that provides evidence of a transaction.
- When a seller sells goods on credit, they prepare a sales invoice.
- The buyer who receives this document calls it a purchase bill.
- It is the basis for recording entries in the Purchases Book (for the buyer) and the Sales Book (for the seller).
- Every bill must contain key details like date, amount, description of goods, and names of the parties involved.
Practice Questions
- Question: Why is a unique invoice number important?
Answer: A unique invoice number helps in tracking and referencing the specific transaction easily, preventing duplication and confusion during audits or record-keeping. - Question: What is the difference between a cash memo and an invoice?
Answer: A cash memo is issued for cash transactions (when payment is made immediately), while an invoice is typically issued for credit transactions (when payment will be made later). - Question: Who keeps the original copy of the invoice?
Answer: The buyer keeps the original copy of the invoice as proof of purchase, while the seller retains a duplicate copy for their sales records. - Question: What is a trade discount, and is it shown on the invoice?
Answer: A trade discount is a reduction in the list price of goods, usually given for bulk purchases. Yes, it is shown as a deduction on the face of the invoice to arrive at the net sale price. - Question: How does an invoice help in calculating GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
Answer: The invoice separately lists the value of goods and the applicable GST amount (CGST, SGST, or IGST), making it the primary document for calculating and claiming tax credits.