Balsheetguide
- 1. HOW TO CREATE A BALANCE SHEET A balance sheet is a snapshot of a business’ financial condition at a specific moment in time. A balance sheet comprises assets, liabilities and equity. At any given time, assets must equal liabilities plus equity. ASSETS An asset is anything a business owns that has monetary value. List anything of value that is owned or legally due the business. Assets are divided into short- term (current assets) -and long-term (fixed assets and long-term investments). Total assets is the total of all short-term and long-term assets. Current Assets Cash-List cash and resources that can be converted into cash within 12 months of the date of the balance sheet (or during one established cycle of operation). Include money on hand and demand deposits in the bank, e.g., checking accounts and regular savings accounts. o Petty cash-If your business has a fund for small miscellaneous expenditures, include the balance in that account here. o Accounts receivable-The amounts due from customers in payment for merchandise or services. o Inventory-Includes raw materials on hand, work in progress and all finished goods, either manufactured or purchased for resale. o Short-term investments-Also called temporary investments or marketable securities, these include interest- or dividend-yielding holdings expected to be converted into cash within a year. List stocks and bonds, certificates of deposit and time-deposit savings accounts at either their cost or market value, whichever is less. o Prepaid expenses-Goods, benefits or services a business pays for in advance of actual use. Examples are office supplies, insurance, etc. Long-term Investments Also called long-term assets, these are holdings the business intends to keep for at least a year and that typically yield interest or dividends. Included are stocks, bonds and savings accounts earmarked for special purposes. Fixed Assets Fixed assets include all resources a business owns or acquires for use in operations and not intended for resale. Assets should reflect any depreciation and amortization from the original costs of acquiring the assets. o Land-List original purchase price without allowances for market value. o Buildings o Improvements o Equipment o Furniture o Automobile/vehicles
- 2. LIABILITIES Liabilities are all debts and obligations owed by the business to outside creditors, vendors or banks that are payable within one year. They are accounted for as short-term (current) and long-term liabilities. Current Liabilities List all debts, monetary obligations and claims payable within 12 months or within one cycle of operation. Typically they include the following: o Accounts payable-Amounts owed to suppliers for goods and services purchased in connection with business operations. o Notes payable-The balance of principal due to pay off short-term debt for borrowed funds. o Interest payable-Any accrued fees due for use of both short- and long- term borrowed capital and credit extended to the business. o Taxes payable-Amounts estimated by an accountant to have been incurred during the accounting period. o Payroll accrual-Salaries and wages currently owed. o Prepaid grants or other income received that obligate your organization to do specified things that you have not yet accomplished. (examples: ticket revenue received for an event that has not yet happened or a grant received that is for a specific project you have not yet completed or initiated) Long-term Liabilities Notes payable-List notes, contract payments or mortgage payments due over a period exceeding 12 months or one cycle of operation. They are listed by outstanding balance less the current position due. EQUITY Equity is the total amount of money your organization has saved/retained from prior year operating fund balances. In the non-profit sector, equity is also called retained earnings or fund balances. Total Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and equity must always equal total assets.
- 3. BALANCE SHEET COMPANY NAME As of ____________________________, 20____ ASSETS o Current assets Cash $_______ Petty cash $_______ Accounts receivable $_______ Inventory $_______ Short-term investment $_______ Prepaid expenses $_______ Long-term investment $_______ o Fixed assets Land $_______ Buildings $_______ Improvements $_______ Equipment $_______ Furniture $_______ Automobile/vehicles $_______ Other assets o 1. _____________________ $_______ o 2. _____________________ $_______ o 3. _____________________ $_______ o 4. _____________________ $_______ o TOTAL ASSETS $_______ (must equal total liabilities and equity)
- 4. LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Accounts payable $______ Notes payable $______ Interest payable $______ Taxes payable Federal payroll tax $______ Self-employment tax $______ Sales tax $______ Property tax $______ Prepaid grants or receipts $______ Long-term liabilities Notes payable $______ Total liabilities $______ EQUITY Fund balances/retained earnings $______ TOTAL LIABILITIES and EQUITY $______ (Total assets must equal total liabilities and equity)