How to handle a sales tax rebate?

[Greg Skelhorn]

On 16/01/24 16:01, Liz <edodd at billiau.net> wrote:
> 
> On Sun, 24 Jan 2016 08:08:07 -0400
> Greg Skelhorn <gskelhorn at eastlink.ca> wrote:
> 
> > however, I would like to explore the Gnucash more. Could you answer a
> > couple of questions for me?
> > 
> > The account structure is not important to me at this point. I will
> > continue using the spreadsheet system until the end of March 2016.
> > 
> > The source information I see can be any of:
> > - an actual itemized invoice,
> > - the total paid including full tax,
> > - the cost of service before tax, or
> > - the rebated transaction total.
> > 
> > With my spreadsheet I can input any of the above values and have the
> > other columns filled automatically. I can also see each of the values
> > when a question arises later and when reconciling against the
> > quarterly statement.
> > 
> > Is it possible to use Gnucash in a manner that will allow me to see
> > each value? If possible, do you expect it will add a lot of
> > complexity? Should I expect to use a uniform input? (i.e. use desktop
> > calculator to calculate pre-tax cost and rebate amount)
> > 
> > There are many things I do not like about using a spreadsheet so I
> > can give up some of the input convenience if required. Where we are a
> > volunteer group I would like to keep things as simple, useful and
> > robust as possible so if I need to hand over to someone else they can
> > continue using it... Sounding like a idealist now ;-)
> > 
> > Thanks.
> > 
> 
> 
> The entries in Gnucash could be done in several ways. You can enter
> them from either "side" of the double-entry. 
> The way of recording the entry involves using splits. As everything
> comes from one account (MunAcc) to pay all the other invoices, the
> splits are easier.
> 
> The split will allow you to see 
> Total Invoice = [Service Before Tax] + [Tax rebated] + [Fraction of tax
> we don't get]
> Each of these will need their own account in the hierarchy, and I
> suggest, each group will need it's own Tax Rebated account.
> I think that the unrebated amount could go into a single account, but
> I'm not sure there.
> 
> The reporting system then allows you to make all the needed reports.
> You would customise them and save them.
> 
> You don't need a desktop calculator for the amounts, as Gnucash will do
> standard arithmetic inline eg unrebated fraction = X / 100 *15 /100
> *12.5 You put in the calculation, () can be used to do additions first,
> and Tab or Enter will complete it. In a split Enter leads to finishing,
> so Tab or Up arrow is safe.
> 
> Liz

This is very helpful. Time for me to explore more. The expressions sound interesting. Will have to see if I can access other values from the split transaction in a single expression. Learning about custom reports was already on my todo list.

Greg