Management Notes

Reference Notes for Management

Which of the following would most likely be classified as a current liability?

Which of the following would most likely be classified as a current liability? 

A. Two-year Notes Payable
B. Bonds Payable
C. Mortgage Payable
D. Unearned Rent

The Correct Answer is 

D. Unearned Rent

Correct Answer Explanation: D. Unearned Rent.

A current liability is a financial obligation that is expected to be settled within a year or an operating cycle, whichever is longer. It’s a crucial aspect of a company’s financial health, representing short-term obligations that need to be paid off in the near future using current assets.

The most likely current liability among the options provided is D. Unearned Rent. Here’s why:

Unearned rent is typically classified as a current liability because it represents money that has been received but not yet earned. For example, if a landlord receives rent payment in advance for a period that extends beyond one year, the portion of the payment that relates to the upcoming year would be considered unearned rent, a current liability.

As time passes and the rental period occurs, the unearned rent gradually becomes earned and is then moved from the liability side to the income statement as revenue.

Unearned Rent, categorized as a current liability, represents an advance payment received for services yet to be provided. For instance, if a landlord receives rent payment upfront for a period extending beyond a year, the portion relating to the upcoming year is considered unearned.

As time progresses and the rental period elapses, the unearned rent gets recognized as earned income, moving from the liability side to the income statement.

This distinction underscores its placement as a current liability due to the expectation of fulfilling the service or obligation within a shorter timeframe, aligning with the definition of current liabilities, which are obligations expected to be settled within a year or the operating cycle.

Now, let’s discuss why the other options are not classified as current liabilities:

a.  Two-year Notes Payable:

Notes Payable represent a company’s written promissory notes to repay borrowed funds, typically involving a formal agreement specifying the terms, interest rate, and repayment schedule.

The key aspect distinguishing this from a current liability is the term “two-year,” indicating that these notes mature or become due beyond the one-year mark. Companies issue these notes for financing or operational purposes, intending to repay them over a longer period, making them long-term liabilities.

b. Bonds Payable:

Bonds Payable are similar to Notes Payable but in the form of bonds a type of long-term debt instrument. These are typically issued by corporations or governments to raise capital. Bonds have a specified maturity date, often ranging from several years to several decades.

The term “Payable” refers to the obligation to repay the principal amount at maturity. Since bonds have a longer-term repayment schedule, they are not classified as current liabilities.

c. Mortgage Payable:

Mortgages are loans secured by real property, commonly used to purchase real estate or property assets. They involve a structured repayment plan over a considerable period, usually spanning multiple years or even decades.

Mortgages can have varying terms, often 15, 20, or 30 years. Because of their extended repayment period, Mortgages are categorized as long-term liabilities rather than current liabilities.

In essence, the distinction between current and long-term liabilities hinges on the expected timeline for repayment. Current liabilities encompass obligations expected to be settled within a year or the operating cycle, whichever is longer.

Conversely, long-term liabilities involve obligations with repayment terms extending beyond the upcoming year. Understanding this differentiation is crucial for financial analysis and assessing a company’s ability to meet short-term obligations without causing financial strain or insolvency.

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