Service revenues are not considered assets in the accounting world, but they can be treated as liabilities when they are overdue or received in advance. This article will explain what service revenue is, how it is recorded in the accounting books and financial statements of a business entity, and how it can be treated as an asset or liability. Service revenues appear on a balance sheet as receivables for services provided, which are also known as accounts payable. This amount is usually indicated separately from other accounts receivable because it is not considered cash.
Additionally, there is something called revenue from unearned services. This refers to the revenue a company receives before a service has been provided. For example, if Holly is booked an appointment for a special event, such as the wedding day hairdresser for a 10-person bridal party, she could request that this fee be paid in advance. These unearned service revenues are reported as a liability on the company's balance sheet.
Once the service is performed, unearned income is converted into income in the income statement. An asset refers to an item that provides economic value in a year or less. Revenues are revenues that come from a company's primary service and most companies use it to reinvest in the company, meaning that they are not an asset. Revenue from accrued services is recognized and recorded as income in the income statement or income from losses of 26% of a business entity.
Service revenue is neither an asset nor a liability. However, service revenues can be treated as assets or liabilities when they are overdue or received in advance. If advance payments are made for services or goods that will be provided 12 months or more after the payment date, it can be considered a liability because the revenues have not yet been earned and represent products or services that are owed to a customer. All service revenues earned by a company that provides services as a normal or principal business activity are considered operating income.
The term service revenue is used to designate recognized revenues rather than services that have already been provided to customers, regardless of the cash received. If a project spans several accounting periods, the accounting team can divide payments into different quarters to account for the services completed within that period. While service revenue is not an asset in accrued securities accounting, accounts receivable or cash payments that come from services are balance sheet assets. Unearned income is the money a person or company receives for a service or product that has not yet been provided or delivered.
Therefore, if revenue from the service is received in advance, but the services have not yet been provided, it will be the company's responsibility. It can be considered as an advance payment for goods or services that a person or company is expected to supply to the buyer at a later date. Unearned revenue is more common among companies that sell subscription products or other services that require upfront payments. Skynova's accounting software can help you keep track of your income and expenses, allowing for clearly organized accounting and faster calculation of service revenues. For example, if you stop by a local mechanic to repair your car's tire, the service revenue will be charged to a specific service.
