Note Payable: Key Terms, How They Work
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During the course of business, it's inevitable that you'll come across a note payable at some stage or another. When you do you must understand what it is, how it works, and what its requirements are.
To enable you to do this, this post will look at notes payable in more detail and show you what they are, what information they should contain, and how you should account for them.
What is a Note Payable?
A note payable, or promissory note , is a written agreement where a borrower obtains a specified amount of money from a lender and promises to pay it back over a specific period. In simple terms, a note payable is a loan between you and a lender. The lender can be an individual, a financial institution, or even a company.
In terms of the agreement, the interest rate may be fixed where you'll pay the same interest rate on the amount outstanding over the life of the loan. It could also be variable where the interest on the loan changes based on certain factors, such as a benchmark interest rate.
Typically, a note payable contains the following information:
- The amount to be paid in terms of the note.
- The interest rate applicable to the loan.
- The maturity date.
- Name of the maker or payer of the loan.
- Name of the payee.
- The signature of the person who issued the note with the date signed.
Understanding Note Payables
Examples of when you may need to use a note payable when:
- You buy materials in bulk from a supplier or manufacturer.
- You buy a building or equipment for your business.
- You loan a substantial amount of money from a bank or other financial institution.
Keep in mind, though, that these are just examples of where notes payable may be used and there are many more, depending on the type of business you have.
Also, notes payable can be classified as short-term or long-term liabilities. As such, when the note payable is due within 12 months from the date of signature, it's classified as a short-term liability. Furthermore, it is classified as a current liability on the company’s financial statements because it is paid within the company’s operating period. In contrast, if it's payable at a later date, it's classified as a long-term liability. Long-term liability is generally used to determine a company’s solvency.
Irrespective of whether it's a long-term or short-term liability, at any time when a note payable is issued, your bookkeeper or accountant should classify it as notes payable. In contrast, if you are owed an amount in terms of a promissory note, your account should classify it as a note receivable.
Here is an article about note payables in more detail.
Example of a Note Payable
With that in mind, let's look at an example of a note payable. Let's say Steve borrows $60,000 from Bob on 1 February 2021. Steve signs the note payable and agrees to pay Bob $60,000 two years later, or by the latest 31 January 2023. In addition, Steve also agrees to pay all Bob a 20% interest rate per year, payable every two months.
In Steve's balance sheet the note payable will be classified under long-term liabilities because the amount is due after 12 months. Remember, if the amount was due within 12 months, it would be a short-term liability and would be classified under current liabilities in the balance sheet.
In Steve's journal, the amount he receives in terms of the note payable, $60,000, will be debited to his cash account and will be credited to the notes payable account.
In addition, the interest on the note payable will need to be recorded every time interest is paid. To do this, Steve will set up an interest payable account under his current liabilities because the interest is paid short-term.
Here, Steve will credit the interest payable account with the amount of interest due, which, in this case, amounts to $2,000. He will also debit the interest expense account with the same amount.
When the interest is paid, Steve will debit the interest payable account and credit his cash account with $2,000. Keep in mind that every time interest is paid in terms of the note payable, Steve will need to make this entry.
Key Terms in a Note Payable
For a note payable to be a valid and enforceable legal agreement, it must include the following key terms:
- The loan amount.
- The repayment dates.
- The interest rate.
- Default terms.
- The names of both the lender and the borrower.
- The mailing address where each payment is mailed to.
Besides these terms, the lender may also require certain restrictive terms as part of the agreement. These can include, for instance, terms that prevent the paying of dividends to investors while any part of the loan is still outstanding.
Often, if these terms are breached, the lender then has a right to call up the loan, although it is possible for the lender to waive these breaches and continue to accept monthly or periodic payments from the borrower. Also, a note payable may require collateral as security for the loan.
It's also important to keep in mind that, for a note payable to be valid and enforceable, the borrower should print, sign, and date the note payable.
Image via Pexels by Andrea
Notes Payable vs. Accounts Payable
Although accounts payable and notes payable are both liabilities and represent amounts payable to businesses or financial institutions, there are some significant differences between the two.
Accounts payable are always short-term liabilities because they are due and payable within one year. These accounts payable involve credit received from businesses and vendors which require no written agreements and usually, no interest is charged on them. Accounts payable are typically day-to-day business expenses that businesses incur including supplies, utilities, goods, or professional services.
As said above, notes payable are written agreements that involve interest and can be classified as long-term or short-term liabilities.
Get Help With A Note Payable
Because notes payable often involve substantial amounts of money with interest, they must contain accurate and relevant information.
Fortunately, many financial services lawyers can help you when it comes to notes payable and give you the advice you need. If you need any more information on notes payable or advice regarding them, feel free to visit our website where you’ll find many other resources.
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ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
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Clear, strategic legal guidance when you need it most—whether you're planning ahead or defending a position. Legal challenges shouldn't feel confusing or overwhelming. Whether you're building an estate plan, structuring a business, or navigating a dispute, my practice is built on clarity, care, and practical strategy. I work with clients who want real solutions—not just paperwork—through planning and advice that truly fits their goals, families, and businesses. Planning & Structure I focus on estate planning, asset protection, and business succession, helping individuals and entrepreneurs organize their assets, reduce risk, and prepare for every stage of life. Whether you're setting up your first living trust, shielding your business from liability, or updating an existing estate plan, you'll receive clear guidance, fixed-fee pricing, and responsive support from start to finish. Each plan I design is tailored to your real-world priorities: preserving wealth, avoiding unnecessary taxes and probate, and ensuring the people you love are protected when it matters most. I also focus on general business matters outlined below. Disputes & Defense When legal conflicts arise—disputed contracts, demand letters, settlement negotiations, or litigation decisions—I provide realistic risk assessment and strategic guidance. I help clients understand their actual exposure (not just best-case scenarios), identify leverage points, and navigate toward efficient resolution. If you're facing a legal claim or need to evaluate your position before responding, I can walk you through the realistic options and their costs. Services: Estate Planning & Asset Protection --Simple wills and powers of attorney --Living trusts for small estates --Buy-sell agreements for family businesses Business Formation & Agreements --LLC or S-Corp formation filings --Operating Agreements / Shareholder Agreements --Founder or Investor Agreements --Bylaws and Minutes templates --Registered agent setup guidance Contracts & Commercial Matters --Service Agreements (consulting, marketing, software, design, etc.) --Independent Contractor Agreements --Employment contracts and offer letters --Non-compete, non-solicitation, or confidentiality agreements --Employee handbooks or HR policy updates --Termination or severance agreements --NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) --Partnership or Joint Venture Agreements --Sales or Vendor Contracts --Licensing or IP Agreements Terms and conditions SaaS Platforms --Terms of Service --Privacy Policy --Independent Contractor Agreements --Customer/User Agreements --Liability Waivers --Cancellation & Refund Policy --Non-Solicitation Clauses --Marketplace compliance documents Real Estate --Commercial lease drafting or review --Residential lease review --Purchase & sale agreements --Short-term rental (Airbnb) contracts --Property management agreements Professional Approach: I leverage modern legal research and writing technologies—including AI-assisted tools—to enhance the quality, speed, and clarity of my analysis. Like many legal professionals today, I use these tools to organize research, improve communication, and catch errors. On research tools: case law and statutory verification runs through a vLex/Fastcase subscription, and drafting and first-pass review is AI-assisted. Every analysis I provide is thoroughly reviewed and reflects my independent professional judgment as a licensed attorney. AI is a tool that supports my work; it does not replace it.
"Allen was insight on my particular situation and very helpful and informative throughout the whole process. I would work with Allen in the future for any future projects."
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Attorney Garrett Mayleben's practice is focused on representing small businesses and the working people that make them profitable. He represents companies in structuring and negotiating merger, acquisition, and real estate transactions; guides emerging companies through the startup phase; and consults with business owners on corporate governance matters. Garrett also practices in employment law, copyright and trademark law, and civil litigation. Though industry agnostic, Garrett has particular experience representing medical, dental, veterinary, and chiropractic practices in various business transactions, transitions, and the structuring of related management service organizations (MSOs).
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Thank you for the thoughtful review -- I enjoyed working through the note payable with you and I'm glad the process felt clear along the way. Looking forward to helping again whenever you need it. Allen
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Debt Collection
Note Payable
New York
I need to sue on an unpaid promissory note
The note was written back in March 2019 I hired an attorney and he has done nothing for me! I made tons of requests to try to settle out of court with this man and he just keeps blowing me off
Jane C.
An attorney needs to review what has been done so far on the case and move forward from there.
Contracts
Note Payable
Virginia
I loaned money to a 5013c organization, I want a lawyer to look over the contract, worried about them defaulting on it
I am worried about a 5013c organization defaulting on a promissary note, they do not seem to have their act together, want to have a lawyer look over the promissary note and get advice on what happens if they default on it
Donya G.
Sure. I take it they have not yet signed as yet? You can draft the agreement with some protections to ensure payment; however, you need to keep in mind that payment will always be contingent on whether they have money to pay or not. I am a contracts attorney and if you you would like my services, you can contact me on the contracts counsel website, or post your job on the website and attorneys will respond to your job. All the best Donya Gordon
Loans
Note Payable
New York
Can a note payable be transferred to another party without the lender's consent?
I recently entered into a loan agreement with a lender, where I borrowed a significant amount of money and agreed to repay it over a specified period of time. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I am now unable to continue making the payments on the note payable. I have found another individual who is willing to take over the repayment of the loan, but I am unsure if I can transfer the note payable to this person without obtaining the lender's consent. I would like to know if it is legally permissible to transfer a note payable to another party without the lender's consent, and if not, what options are available to me in this situation?
Damien B.
Hello! Most loan agreements contain clauses that prohibit the assignment or transfer of the borrower's obligations without the lender's written consent. This is because the lender approved the loan based on your financial status and creditworthiness, and transferring the loan would introduce a new party with potentially different credit risks. If the agreement does not allow for an assignment and If the lender does not consent to a transfer, one possibility is that you could enter into a private agreement with the individual where they make the payments on your behalf. However, you would remain liable to the lender if they default. If you have a follow-up question or would like a consultation or further legal services, you can let me know. There should be a button on your page or app that allows you to request a proposal from me specifically for the legal service you request. Best regards, Attorney Damien B.
Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.
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