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2783 results for "contra account"

Are undeposited checks reported as cash? Undeposited checks that are not postdated (not dated with a future date) are reported as cash. Accountants define cash as more than just currency and coins. For example,...

How much do you depreciate an asset and when? Definition of How and When to Depreciate an Asset Depreciation begins when you place an asset in service and it ends when you take an asset out of service or when you have...

What is an intangible asset? Definition of Intangible Asset An intangible asset is an asset that you cannot touch, since it lacks physical substance. Accountants record intangible assets at their cost when they are...

Also referred to as the useful life. This differs from the physical life of an asset. For example, a computer may have a physical life of 50 years, but its economic or useful life might be five years.

A distribution of part of a corporation’s past profits to its stockholders. A dividend is not an expense on the corporation’s income statement.

A legal entity organized under state laws that is considered separate from its owners. Ownership is evidenced by shares of stock.

The length of time that an asset would last. Instead of the physical life, accountants focus on the useful life. For example, a computer’s physical life is perhaps 50 years. However, its useful life is likely to be...

The acronym for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. This measure is used by some companies as a supplementary disclosure, since EBITDA does not comply with U.S. GAAP (generally accepted...

A current or future cost that will differ among alternatives. For example, if a company is deciding whether to expand its sales territory, the real estate tax and depreciation on the company’s headquarters building...

A potential loss that is dependent upon some future event occurring or not occurring. If the loss is probable and the amount can be estimated, then the loss and a liability are recorded with a journal entry. If the loss...

What is the working capital ratio? Definition of Working Capital Ratio The working capital ratio is defined as the amount of a company’s current assets divided by the amount of its current liabilities. Hence, the...

A document that indicates the quantity of goods received. This report is often matched in the accounts payable department with the purchase order and the vendor’s invoice prior to paying the vendor.

The dollar amount associated with the goods in a company’s inventory. Initially the cost per unit is the cost to get the inventory items in place and ready for use. However, under certain circumstances the cost may...

Investments in common stock, preferred stock, corporate bonds, or government bonds that can be readily sold on a stock or bond exchange. These investments are reported as a current asset if the investor’s intention...

A potential gain that is not recognized by accountants in the financial statements until it actually occurs. For example, Company P is suing Company D over a patent infringement. Company P has a contingent gain. Because...

Often referred to as fixed assets. This would include long term assets such as buildings and equipment used by a company. Plant assets (other than land) will be depreciated over their useful lives.

An employee that must be paid overtime pay when the employee’s weekly hours exceed 40 hours. Some states may have additional requirements. Nonexempt employees include both hourly-paid and salary-paid who are not...

An invoice or other document received from a vendor, supplier, etc. usually for goods or services received. Also a verb to indicate that a customer’s sales invoice should be prepared for goods or services.

A decrease in the value of a long term asset to an amount that is less than the amount shown under the cost principle.

A plotting of points that represent both the volume and the associated cost. The y-axis indicates the amount of costs while the x-axis indicates the corresponding volumes.

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