Deferred Revenue
Code: 2151Account Information
| Financial Statement | Statement of Financial Position |
| Normal Balance | Credit |
Definition
Revenue received in advance for services not yet rendered
Common Journal Entries
Dr. Bank Account
Cr. Deferred Revenue
Dr. Deferred Revenue
Cr. Service Revenue
Dr. Deferred Revenue
Cr. Bank Account
Dr. Deferred Revenue
Cr. Service Revenue
Dr. Bank Account
Cr. Deferred Revenue
Dr. Deferred Revenue
Cr. Service Revenue
Dr. Deferred Revenue
Cr. Bank Account
Dr. Deferred Revenue
Cr. Service Revenue
📐 IFRS vs US GAAP Accounting Treatment
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
A: Deferred revenue is cash amounts received by a company from customers in advance for services or goods to be delivered in the future. It is considered a liability on the balance sheet until the service or goods are delivered, at which point it is recognized as revenue.
A: Receiving an advance payment from a customer is recorded with the entry: Dr. Bank Account or Cash in Hand, Cr. Deferred Revenue (liability). When the service is provided or goods are delivered, it is recognized as revenue with the entry: Dr. Deferred Revenue, Cr. Service Revenue or Sales.
A: Deferred revenue is a liability (cash received but service not yet provided). Accrued revenue is an asset (service provided but cash not yet received). Both arise from the difference between recognition timing and cash collection timing.
A: Deferred revenue is disclosed within current liabilities under "Deferred Revenue" or "Customer Advances Received". The nature of the obligation and the expected period for its satisfaction should be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.
A: Common examples include: annual subscriptions received in advance, advance payments on long-term service contracts, pre-sold airline or event tickets, and security deposits received from customers.