Recording Interest Income in the Balance of Payments

Author/Editor:

Peter Harper

Publication Date:

July 1, 1995

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

In the balance of payments, as well as the national accounts, income refers to the use of factors of production. Accordingly, income should be recorded in the balance of payments during the period or periods in which the economic benefits arising from the use of a factor of production are enjoyed by the user—that is, on an accrual basis. This paper discusses: (1) the theoretical implications of using the accrual basis for recording interest income, including the nature of entries necessary to offset income accrued but not paid and the calculation of accrued interest; and (2) the practical aspects of measuring interest on this basis.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1995/071

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

July 1, 1995

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451849202/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0711995

Pages:

26

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