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Accounting for contingencies

Accounting Tools

What is a Contingency? A contingency arises when there is a situation for which the outcome is uncertain, and which should be resolved in the future, possibly creating a loss. This situation commonly arises when a business is the defendant in a lawsuit, or has guaranteed the payment of a debt incurred by a third party.

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Loss contingency definition

Accounting Tools

What is a Loss Contingency? A loss contingency is a charge to expense for what is considered to be a probable future event, such as an adverse outcome of a lawsuit. A loss contingency gives the readers of an organization's financial statements early warning of an impending payment related to a likely obligation.

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How to handle disputed liabilities

Accounting Tools

When to Recognize a Loss Contingency This is known as a loss contingency. You should recognize the expense when you can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss and it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements.

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Contingent loss definition

Accounting Tools

Related Courses Accountants’ Guidebook GAAP Guidebook What is a Contingent Loss? A contingent loss is one that may arise depending upon whether an event occurs at some point in the future. The probability of contingent losses should be assessed on a regular basis to see if they have become probable.

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Contingent gain definition

Accounting Tools

Related Courses Accountants’ Guidebook What is a Contingent Gain? A contingent gain is a potential increase in assets that has not yet occurred. A contingent gain is not recognized in the financial statements until the transaction has been settled. Related Articles Contingent Liability Contingent Loss

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Contingent liability definition

Accounting Tools

Related Courses Accountants' Guidebook GAAP Guidebook How to Audit Liabilities What is a Contingent Liability? A contingent liability is a potential loss that may occur at some point in the future, once various uncertainties have been resolved. This liability is not yet an actual, confirmed obligation. They are noted below.

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Contingent liability definition

Accounting Tools

Related Courses Accountants’ Guidebook GAAP Guidebook The Balance Sheet What is a Contingent Liability? A contingent liability is a potential obligation that may arise from an event that has not yet occurred. A contingent liability is not recognized in a company’s financial statements. They are noted below.