UNIKBOK / Swedish bookkeeping examplesPå svenska
How to do bookkeeping in Sweden: 28 examples
Here you will find 28 common business transactions with ready-made journal entries using the Swedish BAS chart of accounts. All examples use SEK 1,000 including 25% VAT (SEK 800 + SEK 200 VAT) unless stated otherwise, and show the difference between the cash method (kontantmetoden) and the invoice method (faktureringsmetoden).
Bookkeeping basics
Every transaction is recorded with at least two lines: a debit on one account and a credit on another. Total debits must always equal total credits.
Swedish companies use the BAS chart of accounts. Assets and expenses increase on the debit side; liabilities, equity and revenue increase on the credit side.
Every journal entry (verifikation) must have a date, description, amount, counterparty and supporting document, such as a receipt or an invoice.
Cash method or invoice method?
Cash method (kontantmetoden)
The cash method (kontantmetoden, also called bokslutsmetoden) means transactions are recorded when payment is made. It may be used by companies with net sales of no more than SEK 3 million per year. VAT is reported in the period the payment is made. At the end of the financial year, unpaid customer and supplier invoices must be recorded as receivables and payables.
Invoice method (faktureringsmetoden)
The invoice method (faktureringsmetoden) means invoices are recorded when they are sent or received, as accounts receivable (1510) or accounts payable (2440), and the payment is recorded as a separate transaction. VAT is reported in the period of the invoice date.
Example: a customer invoice of SEK 1,000 including VAT.
Invoice method – when invoicingInvoice method
| Account | Account name | Debit | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1510 | Kundfordringar (Accounts receivable) | 1,000 | |
| 3001 | Försäljning 25 % moms (Sales, 25% VAT) | 800 | |
| 2611 | Utgående moms 25 % (Output VAT 25%) | 200 | |
| Total | 1,000 | 1,000 |
Cash method – on paymentCash method
| Account | Account name | Debit | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | Företagskonto (Business bank account) | 1,000 | |
| 3001 | Försäljning 25 % moms (Sales, 25% VAT) | 800 | |
| 2611 | Utgående moms 25 % (Output VAT 25%) | 200 | |
| Total | 1,000 | 1,000 |
With the cash method nothing is recorded when the invoice is sent.
All examples
Sales
- How to book a customer invoice with VAT in Sweden
- How to book a customer payment
- How to book a credit note
- How to book a ROT invoice
- How to book a bad debt
Purchases
- How to book a receipt with VAT in Sweden
- How to book a supplier invoice
- How to book services bought from another EU country
- How to book software and SaaS subscriptions
- How to book a mobile phone subscription
- How to book fuel
- How to book low-value equipment
- How to book equipment and depreciation
- How to book entertainment expenses
Premises and bank
Staff
- How to book salary in Sweden
- How to book employer social security contributions
- How to book a wellness allowance
- How to book an expense paid privately
Owner
VAT and tax
- How to book the VAT return
- How to book the Swedish tax account
- How to book interest on the tax account
Year-end closing
In the UNIKBOK accounting software you choose the method when you register the company. Entries are then created automatically, with ready-made templates for every example on this page.