Payment received in advance for goods or services that have not yet been delivered or performed, recorded as a liability.
Unearned Revenue (also called Advance Income, Prepaid Revenue, or Deferred Revenue) represents cash received before the earning process is complete. Under accrual accounting, it's a liability because the company has an obligation to deliver goods/services in the future. As the company fulfills its obligation over time, unearned revenue converts to earned revenue. Common in: SaaS subscriptions (annual plans paid upfront), training institutes (fees received before classes), insurance premiums, magazine subscriptions, and advance rent received. Under Ind AS 15, revenue is recognized only when performance obligations are satisfied.
SaaS company receives ₹12,00,000 annual subscription on April 1. Monthly recognition: ₹1,00,000. On June 30 (end of Q1): Revenue recognized (P&L): ₹3,00,000 (3 months × ₹1,00,000). Unearned Revenue (Balance Sheet liability): ₹9,00,000 (9 months remaining). Journal: Dr. Unearned Revenue ₹3,00,000, Cr. Subscription Revenue ₹3,00,000.
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Because the company has received cash but OWES a service/product in return. If they fail to deliver, they must refund the money. It represents an OBLIGATION (liability), not income earned. It becomes income only as the service is provided. Think of it as: the customer 'loaned' you money that you repay in services, not cash.
Cash flow: The full amount shows as cash inflow in the period received (operating activities). Profit: Only the earned portion appears as revenue in each period. This creates a temporary mismatch where cash flow looks better than profit — healthy for the business as it has cash to deploy while gradually recognizing revenue.
Payment received from a customer for goods or services that have not yet been delivered, recorded as a liability until the obligation is fulfilled.
The accounting principle that determines when and how revenue is recorded in the financial statements, based on when it is earned rather than when cash is received.
An accounting method where revenue and expenses are recorded when they are earned or incurred, regardless of when cash is exchanged.
Payments made in advance for goods or services to be received in the future, recorded as current assets and expensed over the benefit period.
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