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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
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2001
(Revised from original 2000 version)
Expense Recognition
by
Paul M. Healy and Preeti Choudhary
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Abstract
Recording expenses is not often clear-cut and can require considerable management judgment. This case discusses expense recognition in straightforward situations and then considers expense transactions that may be more complex to record. It uses examples that include situations in which: 1) The value of resources consumed is difficult to define; 2) Resources provide benefits for multiple years; 3) Resources are consumed, but the timing and amount of future payments is uncertain; and 4) Unused resources have declined in value.
Keywords: Accounting;
Cost;
Financial Statements;
Citation:
Healy, Paul M., and Preeti Choudhary. "Expense Recognition." Harvard Business School Background Note 101-015, February 2001. (Revised from original August 2000 version.)