Quick Definition
The term "Due To Other Fund" specifically identifies a liability. It indicates that one fund within an organization has received a benefit or service from another fund and, as a result, owes that fund money. This liability is typically expected to be settled within a relatively short timeframe, usually within the current accounting period.
Its importance lies in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring transparency within the organization's financial reporting. Properly accounting for "Due To Other Fund" transactions prevents double-counting of assets or liabilities at the consolidated entity level and provides a clear picture of interfund activities.
These transactions commonly arise from situations such as one fund providing administrative services, utilities, or other resources to another fund. For example, a general fund might handle payroll processing for a special revenue fund, leading to a "Due To Other Fund" liability on the special revenue fund's balance sheet.
The offsetting account to "Due To Other Fund" is "Due From Other Fund," which represents the corresponding asset on the books of the lending fund. The "Due From Other Fund" indicates that the lending fund is owed money by another fund within the same organization.
The use of "Due To Other Fund" and "Due From Other Fund" accounts allows for the internal tracking of resource allocation and usage across different funds. This helps management assess the financial performance of individual funds and make informed decisions about resource allocation and budgeting.
While the concept of interfund borrowing has existed for a long time, the specific terminology and accounting treatment have evolved with the development of governmental accounting standards. The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) provides guidance on how these transactions should be recorded and reported.
It is crucial to distinguish "Due To Other Fund" from long-term interfund loans or transfers. Long-term interfund loans are typically classified as interfund loans receivable/payable, while transfers represent a permanent reallocation of resources and are not considered liabilities.
Understanding "Due To Other Fund" is essential for auditors, financial analysts, and anyone involved in the financial management of governmental and non-profit organizations. Accurate recording and reporting of these interfund transactions are critical for maintaining financial integrity and accountability.
Glossariz

Chinmoy Sarker
Did You Know?
Fun fact about Finance
Inflation erodes purchasing power. A 2% annual inflation rate means prices double roughly every 36 years.