What is a Deferred Revenue?

Deferred revenue is a liability account on a company’s balance sheet that represents revenue that has been earned but not yet collected. It is created when a company receives payment for goods or services that will be delivered or performed in the future.

For example, a company might sell a subscription to a service that will be delivered over the course of a year. The company would record the subscription revenue as deferred revenue when the customer pays, and then recognize the revenue as it is earned over the course of the year.

Deferred revenue is a common accounting practice for businesses that sell goods or services that will be delivered or performed in the future. It is important to track deferred revenue because it can have a significant impact on a company’s financial statements.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Is deferred revenue an asset or expense?

Deferred revenue is not an asset or expense. It is a liability account on a company’s balance sheet that represents revenue that has been earned but not yet collected. It is created when a company receives payment for goods or services that will be delivered or performed in the future.

Is deferred revenue a liability or equity?

Deferred revenue is a liability account on a company’s balance sheet. This means that it is a debt that the company owes to its customers.

Is deferred revenue a debt?

Deferred revenue is a debt because it represents a future obligation to the customer.

What is the difference between accrued revenue and deferred revenue?

Deferred revenue represents revenue that has been earned but not yet collected, while accrued revenue represents expenses that have been incurred but not yet paid.


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Is deferred revenue the same as accounts receivable?

No, deferred revenue is not the same as accounts receivable. Deferred revenue is a liability account on a company’s balance sheet that represents revenue that has been earned but not yet collected. Accounts receivable, on the other hand, is an asset account on a company’s balance sheet that represents money that is owed to the company by its customers.