When you receive payments through a payment processor (like Stripe, Mollie, PayPal, or similar platforms), the amount that reaches your bank account is often less than the full invoice amount.
This is completely normal because the platform deducts a processing fee before transferring the money to you.
Here’s how to properly handle this situation in Accountable, so your income and expenses are correctly recorded and compliant with tax regulations.
1. Record the full (gross) income
Even if you only receive the net amount, you must still record the full invoice total (before fees) as revenue.
In Accountable:
Enter the full invoice under the "Sales of goods" or "Sales of services" category.
This accurately reflects your gross income, as required by tax authorities.
2. Record the payment platform fees separately
The fees retained by Stripe, Mollie, or others should be recorded as an expense.
You can categorise these under:
"Other fees"
These fees are usually easy to find in the monthly reports or statements from the payment platform. |
3. Link the net payment to the invoice (i.e. the amount you actually received)
When the reduced amount lands in your bank account:
Link the bank transaction to the full invoice in the app.
The amount won’t match the invoice exactly, but since the platform fee was recorded separately, your accounting remains clear and accurate.
Example :
Let's say you issue an invoice for €100 through Stripe.
Stripe charges €20 in fees, and you receive €80 in your bank account.
In Accountable, you should do the following :
Record €100 as revenue
Record a €20 business expense (under "Interest & Bank charges")
Link the €80 bank transaction to the €100 invoice
This method ensures a clear view of your gross income, with transparent and compliant bookkeeping.
Summary :
Step | Explanation |
1. Record gross income | Even if you only receive the net amount, record the full invoice total (before fees) as revenue, under “Sales of goods” or “Sales of services.” |
2. Record platform fees separately | The fees retained by the payment platform (like Stripe, Mollie, PayPal…) should be recorded as an expense, under “Other fees.” |
3. Link the net payment to the invoice | When the net amount arrives in your bank account, link the bank transaction to the full invoice in the app. |
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