A trial balance is prepareda)After preparation of financial statementb...
A Trial Balance is a statement that shows the total of debit and credit balances of accounts. The total of debit amounts shall be equal to the credit amounts for the trial balance to tally. Hence, it verifies the arithmetical accuracy of the postings in the ledger accounts. Trial Balance Accounting is thus an integral part of financial accounting.
A trial balance is prepareda)After preparation of financial statementb...
Explanation:
The correct answer is option 'D', which states that a trial balance is prepared after posting to the ledger is complete and accounts have been balanced.
What is a trial balance?
A trial balance is a statement that lists all the general ledger accounts and their respective debit or credit balances. It is prepared at the end of an accounting period to ensure that the total debits equal the total credits.
When is a trial balance prepared?
A trial balance is prepared after posting to the ledger is complete and accounts have been balanced. Here are the steps involved in preparing a trial balance:
1. Recording transactions in subsidiary books:
- Transactions are initially recorded in subsidiary books such as the cash book, sales book, purchase book, etc.
- These books serve as a chronological record of the business's financial transactions.
2. Posting to the ledger:
- The transactions recorded in the subsidiary books are then posted to the respective accounts in the general ledger.
- Each account in the ledger maintains a record of the transactions related to a specific category, such as cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, etc.
- Posting involves transferring the relevant information from the subsidiary books to the ledger accounts.
3. Balancing the ledger accounts:
- After posting, the ledger accounts are balanced by calculating the total debits and credits for each account.
- Balancing ensures that the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) is maintained.
4. Preparing the trial balance:
- Once the ledger accounts are balanced, a trial balance is prepared.
- The trial balance lists all the ledger accounts and their respective debit or credit balances.
- The total debits and credits should be equal in a trial balance if the accounts have been recorded and balanced accurately.
Purpose of a trial balance:
The primary purpose of a trial balance is to ensure the accuracy of the accounting records before preparing the financial statements. It helps in identifying any errors or discrepancies in the ledger accounts, which can then be rectified before finalizing the financial statements.
Conclusion:
In summary, a trial balance is prepared after posting to the ledger is complete and accounts have been balanced. It serves as a tool to verify the accuracy of the accounting records and ensures that the total debits equal the total credits before the financial statements are prepared.
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