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Open Items

What are Open Items? Definition and meaning

Open items is a term from accounting. It describes a posting that has not yet been offset by a counter-posting. These can be unpaid supplier invoices (creditors), but also outstanding customer invoices (debtors). Only a credit note, cancellation, transfer posting or payment can clear the open item.

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Frequently asked questions

What are open items in accounting?
Open items are postings that have not yet been offset by a counter-posting. These can be unpaid supplier invoices (creditors) or outstanding customer invoices (debtors).
How is an open item cleared?
An open item is only cleared by a credit note, cancellation, transfer posting or payment. You keep track of outstanding customer invoices (debtors) with receivables management until they are paid.
What is the difference between creditors and debtors?
Creditors are unpaid supplier invoices, debtors are outstanding customer invoices. Both remain an open item until they are cleared.