To refund trust money to a client, you must create a Quick Check from the appropriate trust account. The process includes selecting the correct vendor (the client), entering the client and matter information, and issuing the check. If a vendor account does not already exist for the client, one must be created before completing the refund. Trust refunds should not be reported on a 1099.
If you need to refund trust money to a client, you must create a Quick Check from the appropriate trust account. Because trust refunds must be issued from the appropriate trust account and recorded correctly against the client and matter, it is important to follow the proper procedure. This guide walks through creating the refund check and, if necessary, setting up a vendor account for the client to ensure accurate financial and compliance reporting.
Create the Refund Check
Start Juris and log in to open the main window.
Double-click Transactions.
Click Quick Checks. Quick Checks allows you to enter a check and a voucher simultaneously.
Select Form > New > Quick Check to open a new batch window.
In the Batch Comment box, enter a name for the batch, or accept the default.
Select Form > New to open the Quick Check window.
In the Bank Account box, enter the trust account in which the client’s funds were deposited, or click the ellipses (…) button to select the account from the list.
Important: Do not use a temporary vendor for trust refunds. Create a vendor account for the client.
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In the Vendor Number box:
If a vendor account has already been set up for the client, enter the vendor code.
If a vendor account has not been set up, create one (see Add a Vendor Account for a Client below), then return to this step.
Verify that the vendor is not set up to receive a 1099, as trust refunds should not be reported on a 1099.
Select Form > New to allow input in the rows.
In the Client column, enter the client number.
In the Matter column, enter the matter number to which the refund applies.
In the Your Invoice No. box, enter an invoice number.
In the Invoice Balance box, enter the amount to be refunded.
The Amount Paid column automatically populates with the same amount.
Select Form > Save.
Print the Check
The Check Printing window opens.
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If you intend to hand-write the check, select the Manual Check check box.
Ensure this box is not selected if you intend to print the check.
In the Check Number box, verify the starting check number, or enter the correct number if hand-writing the check.
In the Check Date box, accept today’s date or enter a different date.
Click the Print To arrow to select the printer.
Ensure the Show check number warning check box is selected if you want to be alerted to out-of-sequence check numbers.
If printing, confirm that check stock is loaded before clicking OK, as printing begins immediately.
Click OK.
Close the Quick Check window.
Send the check to the client.
Add a Vendor Account for a Client
If a vendor account does not already exist for the client:
Select Tools > Add Vendor from the Quick Check menu to open the Vendor Information window.
In the Vendor Code box, enter a new vendor code.
In the Vendor Name box, enter the client’s name.
In the Address box, enter the client’s address.
In the City / St / Zip boxes, enter the appropriate city, state, and ZIP code.
In the Contact box, enter a contact name, if applicable.
Select Form > Save to save the new vendor.
Close the Vendor Information window.
You may now return to Step 8 under Create the Refund Check.