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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes how prepaid expenses are reported on the balance sheet after adjusting journal entries have been made at the end of the accounting period?
A
As liabilities, representing amounts owed to suppliers
B
As revenues, since they represent future income
C
As expenses, for the total amount originally paid
D
As assets, reduced by the amount that has been used or expired during the period
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of prepaid expenses: Prepaid expenses are payments made in advance for goods or services that will be received or used in the future. Examples include prepaid rent, insurance, or subscriptions.
Recognize how prepaid expenses are initially recorded: When a prepaid expense is incurred, it is recorded as an asset on the balance sheet because it represents a future economic benefit.
Learn about adjusting entries for prepaid expenses: At the end of the accounting period, an adjusting journal entry is made to account for the portion of the prepaid expense that has been used or expired during the period. This reduces the prepaid expense asset account and records the used portion as an expense in the income statement.
Understand the reporting on the balance sheet: After the adjusting entries are made, the remaining balance in the prepaid expense account represents the portion of the payment that is still a future benefit. This remaining balance is reported as an asset on the balance sheet.
Connect the explanation to the correct answer: Prepaid expenses are reported as assets on the balance sheet, reduced by the amount that has been used or expired during the period, reflecting their adjusted value after the adjusting journal entries.