At the end of an accounting period, an accrued expense is best described as an expense that is:

Correct answer: B. Consumed but unpaid at the reporting date

  • A. Paid and consumed during the same period
  • B. Consumed but unpaid at the reporting date
  • C. Paid but related to a future period
  • D. Estimated but unrelated to any obligation

Explanation

An accrued expense has already been incurred because the related goods or services have been received, but payment has not yet been made. It is recorded in the current period with a corresponding liability. A payment for a future period is a prepayment instead.

Written and checked by , editorLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? support@testustad.com

About Accruals, Prepayments and Provisions

Accruals and prepayments adjust income and expenses to the accounting period in which they are earned or incurred, following the matching principle. Provisions recognise expected obligations or losses when their amount or timing is uncertain, which distinguishes them from ordinary accruals and from general reserves.

Practise Accruals, Prepayments and Provisions

34 free Accruals, Prepayments and Provisions MCQs from Accounting, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Accounting questions like this

Accounting is on 3 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

More Accruals, Prepayments and Provisions questions