An account with a balance that is the opposite of the normal balance. For example, Accumulated Depreciation is a contra asset account, because its credit balance is contra to the debit balance for an asset account. Another example is the owner’s drawing account. This is an owner’s equity account and as such you would expect a credit balance. However, the drawing account has a debit balance. Other examples include (1) the allowance for doubtful accounts, (2) discount on bonds payable, (3) sales returns and allowances, and (4) sales discounts. The contra accounts cause a reduction in the amounts reported. For example net sales is gross sales minus the sales returns, the sales allowances, and the sales discounts. The net realizable value of the accounts receivable is the accounts receivable minus the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Featured Review
"I was looking out for an online accounting course after a gap of 25 years. Luckily, I came across AccountingCoach. The very first visit to this site made me feel very comfortable. I felt as though it was made just for me. Very soon I enrolled myself as a PRO member. Now that I am able to access the entire site like the seminars, exams, crosswords and many many more interesting ways to learn accounting, my knowledge in accounting has deepened. I can confidently say to people who are new to this field, or who are trying for a refresher course like me, this is THE WEBSITE for you. It's a well structured program, the most difficult accounting concepts have been explained in a very crystal clear fashion with beautiful real-life examples. Thanks to Mr Harold Averkamp and his dedicated team for sharing their deep insight without whom I wouldn't be ready to give my bookkeeping exams shortly." - Sunita P.
Join PRO or PRO Plus and Get Lifetime Access to Our Premium Materials
Read all 2,645 reviewsWe now offer 10 Certificates of Achievement for Introductory Accounting and Bookkeeping: