If there is something that runs the world of accounting, it is the rules debit and credit. Without these rules, the world of accounting would be a haphazard mess. It is important that the accounts should be maintained properly on these rules, in order to ensure the accuracy of results displayed by such books of accounts. Let us study what a debit and credit are and how it works in accounts.
Every business transaction which can be measured in monetary terms finds a place in the accounting transactions of a firm. In order to record such transactions, a system of debit and credit has been devised, which records such events through two different accounts.
The net effect of these accounting entries is the same in terms of quantity. However, by debiting and crediting two different accounts, the correct and apt accounting treatment can be depicted. In a ledger account, usually the debit column is on the left and the credit column is on the right.
Whenever an accounting transaction happens, a minimum of two accounts is always impacted, with a debit entry being recorded against one account and a credit entry being recorded against another account. There is no upper limit to the number of accounts involved in a transaction but the minimum cannot be less than two accounts.
The totals of the debits and credits for any transaction must always equal each other so that an accounting transaction is always said to be in balance. Thus, the use of debits and credits in a two column transaction recording format is the most essential of all controls over accounting accuracy. This is how debit and credit find their use.
The following are the rules of debit and credit which guide the system of accounts, they are known as the Golden Rules of accountancy:
A debit and credit entry have a broad impact on different accounts. For example, in
Sale for cash: The cash account is debited and the revenue account is credited. Cash payment received on an account receivable: Cash account is debited and accounts receivable is credited. Supplies purchased from a supplier for cash: The supplies expense account is debited and the cash account is credited.
"Everything you should do you will find in this: Do nothing to others that would hurt you if it were done to you." "Do not offend others as you would not want to be offended." "The successes of your neighbor and their losses will be to you as if they are your own."
The easiest way to remember the meaning of debit and credit in accounting is as follows: – Assets increase on the debit side and decrease on the credit side. – Liabilities increase on the credit side and decrease on the debit side. – Equity increases on the credit side and decreases on the debit side.
+ + Rules of Debits and Credits: Assets are increased by debits and decreased by credits. Liabilities are increased by credits and decreased by debits. Equity accounts are increased by credits and decreased by debits. Revenues are increased by credits and decreased by debits.
The Golden Rule guides people to choose for others what they would choose for themselves. The Golden Rule is often described as 'putting yourself in someone else's shoes', or 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'(Baumrin 2004).
Those who receive something are called receivers, and they are kept in “debit”. The person who gives something is called a giver and is kept in “credit”. For example, Mohan was given 1000 rupees, Mohan is taking 1000 rupees, he became a receiver, so he will be kept in debit.
Debit refers to an entry on the left side of an account, representing an increase in assets or a decrease in liabilities. Credit, on the other hand, involves an entry on the right side, denoting an increase in liabilities or a decrease in assets.
Accounts on the balance sheet are real accounts. They are assets, liabilities, and stockholders' equity. Cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, supplies, equipment, unearned revenue, notes payable, prepaid insurance, and retained earnings are all examples of permanent accounts.
Under the Modern Approach, the accounts are not debited and credited. Hence, the Accounting Equation is used to debit or credit an account. Thus, it is also known as the Accounting Equation Approach. The Accounting Equation should remain balanced every time.
Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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