Account Information

Financial Statement Statement of Financial Position
Normal Balance Credit

Definition

Cash security deposits received from customers or tenants as guarantee

Common Journal Entries

Receive security deposit from tenant

Dr. Bank Account
Cr. Security Deposits Received

Return security deposit to tenant

Dr. Security Deposits Received
Cr. Bank Account

Deduct claim from received deposit

Dr. Security Deposits Received
Cr. Other Income

Receive deposit from contractor

Dr. Cash in Hand
Cr. Security Deposits Received

Receive security deposit from tenant

Dr. Bank Account
Cr. Security Deposits Received

Return security deposit to tenant

Dr. Security Deposits Received
Cr. Bank Account

Deduct claim from received deposit

Dr. Security Deposits Received
Cr. Other Income

Receive deposit from contractor

Dr. Cash in Hand
Cr. Security Deposits Received

📐 IFRS vs US GAAP Accounting Treatment

IFRS IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
US GAAP ASC 405 Liabilities

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are Security Deposits Received?

A: Security deposits received are cash amounts received by a company from its customers or tenants as collateral for future obligations (e.g., lease guarantee, service contract guarantee). They are considered a liability on the balance sheet until refunded.

Q: Are security deposits received considered revenue?

A: No, security deposits received are not considered revenue. They are held in trust by the company and must be returned to the customer upon contract termination (if no violations occur). They are only recognized as revenue if deducted as a penalty or compensation for damages.

Q: How is the refund of a security deposit received recorded?

A: When refunding a security deposit received, the entry is: Dr. Security Deposits Received, Cr. Bank Account or Cash in Hand (for the refunded amount). If any portion is deducted (e.g., compensation for damages), the deducted amount is transferred to revenue.

Q: How are security deposits received classified on the balance sheet?

A: If the security deposit is expected to be refunded within one year, it is classified as a current liability. If refund is expected after more than one year (e.g., long-term lease guarantee), it is classified as a long-term liability.

Q: What happens if the customer does not request a refund of the security deposit?

A: If the contractual relationship ends and the customer does not request a refund of the security deposit within a reasonable period (determined by state laws or company policy), the amount is transferred to other income with the entry: Dr. Security Deposits Received, Cr. Other Income.