Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is true about the liabilities of a firm?
A
All liabilities are classified as non-current on the balance sheet.
B
Liabilities are only recorded when cash is paid out.
C
Liabilities represent obligations that a firm must settle in the future, typically by transferring assets or providing services.
D
Liabilities decrease owner's equity when incurred.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of liabilities in financial accounting. Liabilities are obligations that a firm owes to external parties, which must be settled in the future, typically by transferring assets (e.g., cash) or providing services.
Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'All liabilities are classified as non-current on the balance sheet.' This is incorrect because liabilities are classified as either current (due within one year) or non-current (due after one year) on the balance sheet.
Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Liabilities are only recorded when cash is paid out.' This is incorrect because liabilities are recorded when an obligation is incurred, not necessarily when cash is paid. For example, accounts payable are recorded when goods or services are received, even if payment is deferred.
Step 4: Examine the third statement: 'Liabilities represent obligations that a firm must settle in the future, typically by transferring assets or providing services.' This is correct because it accurately describes the nature of liabilities in financial accounting.
Step 5: Assess the fourth statement: 'Liabilities decrease owner's equity when incurred.' This is incorrect because liabilities do not directly decrease owner's equity. Instead, they increase the firm's obligations, and any impact on owner's equity would depend on subsequent transactions, such as expenses or losses.