> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://cashflowy.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Trial Balance

> Use the Trial Balance report to verify that your books are balanced - total debits equal total credits.

The Trial Balance is a report that lists every account in your chart of accounts along with its debit or credit balance. Its primary purpose is to **verify that your books are balanced** - total debits should equal total credits.

## When to use it

* **Month-end close** - run a trial balance to catch errors before generating other reports
* **Before sharing reports** - verify everything balances before sending P\&L or Balance Sheet to your accountant
* **Troubleshooting** - if your Balance Sheet doesn't balance, the trial balance helps identify which accounts are off

## How to read it

| Account                 | Debit        | Credit       |
| ----------------------- | ------------ | ------------ |
| Bank Account - Checking | \$45,000     |              |
| Accounts Receivable     | \$12,000     |              |
| Office Equipment        | \$5,000      |              |
| Accounts Payable        |              | \$8,000      |
| Owner's Equity          |              | \$30,000     |
| Revenue                 |              | \$35,000     |
| Operating Expenses      | \$11,000     |              |
| **Totals**              | **\$73,000** | **\$73,000** |

If the totals match → your books are balanced ✅

If they don't match → there's an error that needs investigation ❌

## Running the report

1. Go to **Reports** → **Trial Balance**
2. Select the **as-of date**
3. Click **Generate**

## Exporting

Click **Export** to download as PDF or CSV. This is commonly shared with accountants during tax preparation.

<Info>
  **Tip for accountants:** The Trial Balance is usually the first report your accountant will ask for. Having it ready saves time during year-end and tax prep.
</Info>