FEATURES OF ACCOUNTING AND TAXATION OF SETTLEMENT TRANSACTIONS VIA PAYMENT SYSTEMS OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ON A CASH-ON-DELIVERY BASIS

Abstract

The article examines the nature of settlement operations with clients under post-payment terms using payment systems of financial institutions. The study analyzes the accounting and informational aspects of such operations, highlights the relevant legal and regulatory framework, and distinguishes between settlement and payment accounts. Special attention is paid to the role of postal operators and financial intermediaries in organizing e-commerce activities, particularly in the context of post-payment transactions. The article identifies the peculiarities of financial flows in cases where goods are paid for only upon delivery, emphasizing the risks and ambiguities arising from the involvement of third parties in financial settlements. Considerable focus is placed on the use of cash registers when entrepreneurs receive payments through post-payment mechanisms, especially in cases involving national postal operators or private financial service providers. The paper explores the complexities of taxation and accounting for funds received into entrepreneurs' accounts, which are often mistakenly treated as personal bank accounts, leading to potential violations of tax laws. The authors propose approaches to the proper classification and documentation of such transactions in financial and tax accounting to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Recommendations are provided for business entities engaged in online trade to structure their operations in a way that aligns with current legislative norms and reduces legal risks associated with incorrect identification of the nature of financial receipts. The findings aim to enhance transparency and legal certainty in the treatment of post-payment-based settlements in Ukraine’s e-commerce environment. The paper also emphasizes the need for unification of practices regarding the interpretation of such transactions by tax authorities and proposes changes to regulatory acts to better reflect the economic essence of post-payment operations. These measures will contribute to a more predictable and fairer environment for businesses operating in digital commerce and provide a clearer legal status for transactions involving delayed payments and third-party financial agents.