When a check is voided, it means it will no longer be accepted, either because it was issued in error or because it is no longer needed. The journal entry to void the check will reverse the original accounting entry recorded when the check was issued.
Here is a journal entry to void a check:
| Date | Account Title | Debit ($) | Credit ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MM/DD/YYYY | Bank A/c Debit | Amount of the check | |
| MM/DD/YYYY | To Expense/Payable Account (e.g., Accounts Payable or relevant expense) A/c | Amount of the check |
Explanation:
- Debit the Bank account to increase the bank balance (since the check is voided, the cash is not actually spent).
- Credit the Expense or Payable account that was originally affected when the check was written (for example, accounts payable or any expense accounts such as utilities, rent, etc.).
Example 1: Voiding a Check for Rent Payment
| Date | Account Title | Debit ($) | Credit ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/06/2024 | Bank A/c Debit | 2,000 | |
| 09/06/2024 | To Rent Expense A/c | 2,000 |
Explanation: A rent payment check for $2,000 was issued but later dishonored. The Bank account will be debited to return $2,000 to the bank balance, and the Rent Expense account will credited to reverse the expense that was recorded when the check was issued.
Example 2: Voiding a Check for Supplier Payment
| Date | Account Title | Debit ($) | Credit ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/06/2024 | Bank A/c Debit | 1,500 | |
| 09/06/2024 | To Accounts Payable A/c | 1,500 |
Explanation: A check issued to a supplier for $1,500 is voided. The Bank account will be debited to restore the bank balance, and Accounts Payable will credited to reverse the liability.
Example 3: Voiding a Payroll Check
| Date | Account Title | Debit ($) | Credit ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/06/2024 | Bank A/c Debit | 800 | |
| 09/06/2024 | To Wages Expense A/c | 800 |
Explanation: An employee’s payroll check for $800 was voided. The bank account will be debited to restore the $800, and the Wages Expense account will be credited to reverse the payroll expense.
Example 4: Voiding a Check for Utility Payment
| Date | Account Title | Debit ($) | Credit ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/06/2024 | Bank A/c Debit | 300 | |
| 09/06/2024 | To Utilities Expense A/c | 300 |
Explanation: A utility payment check for $300 was voided. The bank account will be debited to restore the cash, and the utility expense account will be credited to reverse the utility payment.
Example 5: Voiding a Check for Office Supplies
| Date | Account Title | Debit ($) | Credit ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/06/2024 | Bank A/c Debit | 450 | |
| 09/06/2024 | To Office Supplies Expense A/c | 450 |
Explanation: A $450 check issued for office supplies was dishonored. The bank account will be debited, and Office Supply Expense will be credited to reverse the original expense.