Payee definition

What is a Payee?

A payee is a person or entity that receives or is scheduled to receive a payment. The payee is usually entitled to a payment because it has provided goods or services to the payer. Other reasons for the receipt of payment are when the payee is receiving a donation, a grant, or a tax payment. The person or entity making the payment is the payer.

Payments to a Payee

A payment to a payee may be in any form, including bills, coins, a check, an electronic transfer, a promissory note, or in kind. For example, the payer may promise to provide tax filing services to the payee in exchange for the settlement of a debt.

Examples of Payees

Here are several examples of payees:

  • Supplier. This party receives payments for raw materials, goods, or services provided.

  • Employee. This party receives wages or salaries as part of payroll.

  • Contractor. This party receives payment for specific projects or tasks.

  • Tax authority. This party receives tax payments from the business.

  • Insurer. This party receives premium payments for policies.

Each payee is the recipient of funds, whether for a transaction, obligation, or service rendered.

When are the Payer and Payee the Same?

The payer and the payee may be the same party. This situation usually arises when a person wants to transfer funds from one account to another, and does so by writing a check to himself from one account and depositing it in another account.

Related AccountingTools Course

Payables Management