HOA TERMS MADE EASY · Money & budgeting

Accounts receivable

A plain-English explanation for community boards.

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What does it mean?

Accounts receivable are amounts owed to the association that have been recorded but not yet collected. Owner assessments are a common example. A receivables report should distinguish current charges, overdue balances, credits, and adjustments so that the board can understand what the total represents.

Related names and search phrases: AR, receivables. Usage can vary.

ILLUSTRATIVE COMMUNITY EXAMPLE

What it can look like

A fictional owner has been charged $100 but has not paid by the reporting date. That amount can appear as a receivable; receiving the payment later clears the corresponding balance.

Why your board should care

A clear receivables picture supports collection follow-up and more realistic cash planning.

Keep the distinction clear

A recorded balance does not by itself resolve a dispute or establish the lawful collection procedure.

Sources & scope

Sources consulted . These references support the explanation’s background; the examples and board questions are original editorial illustrations.

  1. SEC: Beginners’ Guide to Financial Statements ↗

    General financial statement concepts. Association fund presentation can differ from business examples.

  2. IRS Publication 583: Keeping Records ↗

    December 2024 publication. General bookkeeping and reconciliation background, not association-specific legal requirements.

General educational explanations for HOA, POA, and condominium boards. Terms and procedures vary by state and governing documents. Examples are fictional. For a specific legal, tax, accounting, or property decision, consult a qualified adviser.

Prepared with AI assistance and source checking. Not represented as an attorney or accountant review.