Feature Articles

Business and Accounting Basics

Making sense of debit and credit: Why assets and expenses increase on the left

A beginner-friendly guide to debits and credits. Understand why the left and right sides of a T account matter for your business assets, expenses, and capital.

Understanding the fundamental rules of the double entry system is essential for mastering how assets and expenses increase on the debit side of a T account. This comprehensive guide explains the logic behind the left and right sides of accounting records to eliminate confusion for students and business owners. By …

Read More »

Purchases and sales simplified: How to record goods, assets, stationery and rent received

Learn the core uses of Purchases and Sales accounts and know how to record the items that don't belong in them.

Recording business transactions correctly requires distinguishing between inventory for resale and long-term assets to ensure accurate financial reporting. This article provides a comprehensive guide for students and professionals on the specific use cases for Purchases and Sales accounts versus Expense and Asset accounts. It addresses the common confusion between buying …

Read More »

Why converting verbal loan to written agreement prevents audits

Unexplained cash looks suspicious. Protect your company by converting verbal loan to written agreement so you have clear evidence for any financial check-up.

Converting a verbal loan to a written agreement provides the documented evidence required to satisfy tax authorities that a transfer of funds is a non-taxable debt rather than taxable income. Without a formal contract specifying repayment terms, interest rates and collateral, the Internal Revenue Service may reclassify the transaction as …

Read More »

Fully depreciated but still running? Managing fixed assets that are still functional but obsolete

Slow machines waste time and money. Master the art of managing fixed assets that are still functional but obsolete to ensure your team has the best tools.

Managing fixed assets that are still functional but obsolete requires a strategic approach to maintain accurate accounting records and operational efficiency. This guide provides a comprehensive framework for students, teachers, business owners, and financial professionals to navigate the complexities of fully depreciated items that remain in use. Readers will learn …

Read More »

How to track business capital to reveal your real profits

If you haven’t kept records, don't panic. Discover how to track business capital by looking at what you own and what you owe to find your true worth.

Calculating business capital using the accounting equation is the most reliable method for determining owner equity and true profitability when formal financial records are absent. This systematic approach allows entrepreneurs and accounting students to reconstruct financial health by identifying all tangible and intangible assets before subtracting outstanding liabilities. By establishing …

Read More »