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The totals show the net effect on the accounting equation and the double-entry principle, where the transactions are balanced. The allowance method of accounting allows a company to estimate what amount is reasonable to book into the contra account. See FSP 8 for disclosures required for property, plant, and equipment and other long-lived assets, including the requirements related to depreciation and amortization. Bills payable or notes payable is a liability that is created when a company borrows any specific amount of money. If the company repays the loan early, the lender may provide a discount. This discount is subtracted from the total amount borrowed to better reflect the discount given by the lender.
The contra asset account is later reduced when the expense is recorded. Business owners should understand the functions of contra accounts and their importance to maintaining accurate financial records. This depreciation is saved in a contra asset account called accumulated depreciation. The accumulated depreciation account has a credit balance and is used to reduce the carrying value of the equipment. The balance sheet would report equipment at its historical cost and then subtract the accumulated depreciation. By reporting contra asset accounts on the balance sheet, users of financial statements can learn more about the assets of a company.
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As a principle IMHO it is wrong because most readers of financial statements (i.e., investors and creditors) never hear of, nor really care about EITF 01-14. Actually, EITF specifically states that expense reimbursement related to providing services is to be presented as revenue, even if there is no margin. In this case this is an expense reduction, because it reduces the cost of lost productivity.
- However, if you sell items that quickly become obsolete, such as consumable products with an expiration date or electronics that become quickly outdated, using the allowance for obsolete inventory is a must.
- The contra asset account is later reduced when the expense is recorded.
- The net effect of the two accounts is a reduced total benefits expense for the company.
- Asset accounts always maintain a debit balance, so anytime that you increase the value of an asset, such as when you deposit customer payments or invoice a customer, that asset account is debited or increased.
- Spending from the account must be documentable, typically by means of receipts.
When combined, the AR account and the allowance for doubtful accounts contra assets offer a projection of how much net cash is expected to be received from outstanding accounts. Indian merchants https://accounting-services.net/ had developed a double-entry bookkeeping system, called bahi-khata, predating Pacioli’s work by at least many centuries, and which was likely a direct precursor of the European adaptation.
What is a Contra Account?
Some variation in production levels from period to period is expected and establishes the range of normal capacity. The articles and research support materials available on this site are educational and are not intended to be investment or tax advice. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. I tried to soften the criticism by acknowledging that it was a bit trivial. But I do what is a contra expense believe attention to detail is important, and I know that other people will judge you based on your grammar and spelling, particularly when they are germane to the argument you’re making. From time to time I may post a contrarian or even wrong viewpoints (imbued with beliefs I might hold but don’t implement) to stimulate discussion. It increases participation, draws a wider audience into the conversation and actually widens the available point of views.
