The glossary to understand and take action

Trial balance

The trial balance summarises accounts, their movements and their balances over a defined period.

Notion comptable, fiscale ou juridique · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Definition and points to distinguish

The fact that debits and credits balance does not prove the absence of classification errors or missing supporting documents. The trial balance must be reconciled with the general ledger and supporting documents.

In your file

What this changes in practice

The trial balance provides a summary view of the movements and balances of all accounts. It is useful for preparing financial statements and identifying anomalies, but it does not contain every explanation. An unexpected balance must be analysed in the general ledger, then reconciled with supporting documents. A balanced trial balance may nevertheless contain an incorrect classification, a duplicate or the omission of a transaction recorded nowhere.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A customer payment is posted to the wrong third-party account. The general trial balance remains balanced, while individual customer accounts and reminders become inaccurate. Matching and supporting documents make it possible to correct the allocation.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Confirmer les dates couvertes
  • Comparer les soldes aux périodes précédentes
  • Analyser les comptes inhabituels dans le grand livre

The practical question

Find out more

Une balance équilibrée prouve-t-elle que les comptes sont corrects ?

Elle vérifie une égalité comptable, pas la réalité ni la bonne qualification de toutes les opérations. Une facture peut être enregistrée deux fois ou dans le mauvais compte tout en conservant cet équilibre. La balance doit donc être complétée par les rapprochements, l’examen des justificatifs et la justification des soldes significatifs.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

General ledgerThe general ledger presents the movements recorded in each accounting account, together with their references and amounts.Accounting reviewAccounting review consists of all checks aimed at examining the consistency and supporting evidence of the prepared accounts.Aged trial balanceA statement that allocates receivables or payables by age at a given date, in order to organise their monitoring.Standard chart of accounts (PCN)The Standard Chart of Accounts (PCN) is the Luxembourg account nomenclature applicable to companies falling within its scope.AccountingAccounting organises the recording of transactions and the production of information on the company’s financial position and results.BookkeepingBookkeeping consists of recording transactions, filing their supporting documents and monitoring accounts according to a regular organisation.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideAccounting obligations of an SARL in Luxembourg: organising compliance

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.