Ask Me Help Desk

Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forum.php)
-   Accounting (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=19)
-   -   Contingent Liability & Assest (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=382857)

  • Aug 3, 2009, 12:55 AM
    Ganesan72
    Contingent Liability & Assest
    Dear All,

    What it is the meaning of the Contingent liability & Assest. Where it will appear in the balance sheet?
  • Aug 3, 2009, 03:53 AM
    ROLCAM

    Contingent Liability.
    This a liability that might happen (become one) in the future.
    The perfect example is the awarding of costs against you in a not yet finaliaed court case.

    Contingent Asset.
    This is an asset that may materialise in the future.
    The perfect example is when losses are carried foeward , in those losses there is value , this value is in the Income Tax that
    can be recuperated from the Tax Office in
    the future.

    Both the above items do NOT appear in the Balance Sheet itself, they are however shown
    as NOTES TO THE BALANCE SHEET.
  • Aug 3, 2009, 02:55 PM
    morgaine300
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ROLCAM View Post

    Both the above items do NOT appear in the Balance Sheet itself, they are however shown
    as NOTES TO THE BALANCE SHEET.

    That is obviously dependent upon where you are.

    In the U.S. a tax loss carryover is recorded. Other gain continguencies (assets) are disclosed if a high probability exist for getting them. Meaning, usually no.

    For loss contingencies (liabilities), they are recorded if its occurrence is both probable and can be reasonably estimated. A good example is warranty liabilities, but even a lawsuit would be recorded if it meets these requirements. (Though lawsuits can be pretty unpredictable, especially in terms of dollar amount.) If it's only somewhat likely but can be estimated, or if it's probable but can't be estimated, then it isn't recorded on the balance sheet but is disclosed in the notes. If it's not very likely, it doesn't even have to be in the notes. (There are certain exceptions to that.)

  • All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:41 PM.