<p>What is a
Contra Account?</p><p>A general
ledger account, along with a balance that differs from the typical compensation
for that account classification is referred to as a contra account. By using a
contra account, a <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://kowela.com/“ target=“_blank“ rel=“follow“>business</a> can record both the initial amount and a decrease to
disclose the net amount as well. The term „net amount“ is frequently
used interchangeably with „carrying amount“ or „net realizable
amount.“</p><p>Find out why
using contra accounts properly, coupled with a matched account, is essential
for accurate <a target=“_blank“ href=“https://kowela.com/signup“ target=“_blank“ rel=“follow“>accounting and financial analysis</a>.</p><p>HOW CONTRA
ASSET ACCOUNTS WORK </p><p>In
double-entry accounting, contra-asset accounts are practical instruments.
Additionally, they assist in maintaining the books‘ accuracy and leave a clean
financial trail for later analysis and reporting. </p><p>For
instance, when it comes to fixed assets, it is typical to preserve the purchase
price of a piece of equipment as a historical cost in the debit asset account.</p><p>The
cumulative depreciation contra-asset account, which is a credit account, is
where most accountants decide to record an item’s depreciation during its
useful life. </p><p>The
equipment would be included on the balance sheet at its historical cost, with
the cumulative depreciation being subtracted to represent the asset’s true
worth.</p><p>Types used
in Contra Assets</p><p>Although the
most typical counter asset account is cumulative depreciation, the following
may also be applicable depending on the business.</p><p>Allowance
for Doubtful Accounts</p><p>Because it
lowers the value of the accounts receivable (AR) account on the general ledger,
the allowance for suspicious accounts is a counter asset. When a business
offers things on credit, management frequently assumes some consumers won’t pay
and plans to write off bad debt.</p><p>Obsolete
Inventory</p><p>The outdated
inventory reserve, which lowers the total inventory value on the balance sheet,
is far less typical. A reserve equivalent to the allowance for doubtful
accounts is held in this counter account. There will be a matching credit
against the outdated inventory contra account for each debit against the
inventory account.</p><p>Accumulated
Depreciation</p><p>The amount
of depreciation on a fixed asset up to that point is recorded in the
contra-asset account, known as accumulated depreciation. Examples of fixed
assets include structures, equipment, furniture, cars, and office supplies. The
balance sheet’s cumulative depreciation account shows and lowers the total
fixed assets.</p><p>FINAL
INSIGHT</p><p>In
double-entry accounting, a contra asset is a negative account used to lower the
balance of a matched asset account in the general ledger.</p><p>A contra
account always offsets the balance of a related account. Therefore, any contra
account item is shown on a company’s balance sheet under the matched tab.</p><p>Users of the
financial statement can obtain comprehensive information from the contra
accounts in the balance sheet. However, users might be unable to perceive how
each element has performed over time if the numbers are provided at net value. </p><p>By utilizing
the idea of a contra account, it is possible to quickly and easily determine
the history of specific debits and credits in the books of a particular
organization and how they connect by merely looking at the accounting records
of that company.</p>
This article was written by ForexLive at www.forexlive.com.