Define: Nominal Account

Nominal Account
Nominal Account
Quick Summary of Nominal Account

A nominal account is an accounting record utilised for monitoring income and expenses. At the conclusion of the year, the balance in a nominal account is transferred to a surplus account. This account type is crucial for businesses to track their financial transactions and ensure they are achieving their financial objectives.

Full Definition Of Nominal Account

A nominal account is a type of income-statement account that is closed into surplus at the end of the year during the balancing of books. It serves the purpose of recording expenses and revenues for a specific period, typically a year, before transferring the balance to another account. An example of a nominal account is a company’s rent expense account, which at year-end is transferred to the company’s retained earnings account. This systematic process ensures the organisation and accuracy of the company’s financial records.

Nominal Account FAQ'S

A nominal account is an account used to record revenue, expenses, and other income and expenditure items in a company’s financial records.

A nominal account is used to record income and expenses, while a real account is used to record assets and liabilities.

Yes, a nominal account can have a debit balance if the total expenses exceed the total revenue.

Yes, a nominal account can have a credit balance if the total revenue exceeds the total expenses.

Examples of nominal accounts include sales revenue, rent expense, salaries expense, and interest income.

Nominal accounts are closed at the end of the accounting period by transferring their balances to the income statement and ultimately to the retained earnings account.

No, nominal accounts are not included in the balance sheet. They are only included in the income statement.

Yes, a nominal account can be used to record non-cash transactions such as depreciation expense or accrued expenses.

Nominal accounts are treated in double-entry accounting by recording both the debit and credit aspects of each transaction to ensure that the accounting equation remains balanced.

Nominal accounts are significant in financial reporting as they help to determine the company’s profitability and financial performance over a specific period.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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