Accounting Basics for HOAs

The Statement of Income & Expense must also include year-to-date figures. That way, it can depict your HOA’s financial standing for both the month and the year thus far. Finally, it is important to choose software that provides robust audit trails and reporting capabilities. This allows HOAs to track who has accessed financial information and when, providing an additional layer of security and accountability. When it comes to accounting software for HOAs, security and compliance are of utmost importance.

• Some users have reported issues with the software’s reporting capabilities, but overall, Xero is highly recommended by HOA managers.
• Our real estate reporters and editors focus on educating consumers about this life-changing transaction and how to navigate the complex and ever-changing housing market.
• Regardless of the accounting method chosen, there are certain financial statements that every HOA must maintain.
• When it comes to accounting software for HOAs, security and compliance are of utmost importance.
• Under the cash basis method, revenue is recorded when it is received, and expenses are recorded when they are paid.
• In the most extreme cases, the HOA may even have the right to initiate foreclosure proceedings.

Because the income statement breaks down spending by budget group and by the current period and year to date, the board can pinpoint when and where any overspending is taking place. Board members can easily locate the social committee’s overspending in March, for instance, or the total amount the HOA has spent on water bills since January 1. Both expenses can be compared to the amounts actually budgeted hoa accounting for these costs. By glancing over the balance sheet, a board member can learn the value of each item the HOA owns, the total cash worth of the association, and the amount of money the HOA owes. Large associations with many accounts or complex budgets often choose to prepare statements every year. Using this method, the association records expenses when it incurs them, not when it pays them.

HOA Accounting Services

Some users have reported issues with the software’s pricing structure, but overall, Property Matrix is highly recommended by HOA managers. This accounting software is designed for small businesses and offers a range of features that can help HOAs manage their finances effectively. With QuickBooks, HOAs can track their expenses, generate invoices, and reconcile bank accounts, among other things. QuickBooks also offers a mobile app, which makes it easy for HOA managers to manage their finances on the go.

Homeowner associations are usually formed within communities or neighborhoods of single-family homes or multiple-unit buildings, such as townhomes or condominiums. An HOA is typically established to make and enforce rules regarding the properties within the jurisdiction. Membership is usually a requirement to buy a home within a community where an HOA has been established. ManageCasa’s modern and powerful software for HOA management includes some advanced features you’ll appreciate to make your revenue collection (dues and violation fine collection) more efficient and effective. This article was a simple introduction to help you understand the HOA accounting factors that will determine which accounting basis you will likely use for your homeowner’s association. Your accountant will help you understand and choose the right approach for your HOA.

Association Links

Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. Outsourcing accounting services allows board members to focus on their core responsibilities while experts handle the finances.

• On the other hand, HOAs can also create problems for owners to the extent that the owner disagrees with the HOA’s community bylaws or spending decisions.
• In this case, the HOA has the power to levy a special one-time fee to cover the costs.
• Because the income statement breaks down spending by budget group and by the current period and year to date, the board can pinpoint when and where any overspending is taking place.
• Before any work is performed, your association will decide on what report they would like to be conducted.
• Both software offer a range of pricing plans that cater to the needs of different HOAs.
• It’s important for HOAs to consider software solutions that are specifically designed for their needs.
• After all, you wouldn’t want to develop a reputation as a bad creditor.