What is a liability in accounting?

What are Liabilities? Liabilities are legally binding obligations that are payable to another person or entity. Settlement of a liability can be accomplished through the transfer of money, goods, or services. A liability is increased in the accounting records with a credit and decreased with a debit.

Are liabilities in financial accounting legally enforceable?

Liabilities in financial accounting need not be legally enforceable; but can be based on equitable obligations or constructive obligations. An equitable obligation is a duty based on ethical or moral considerations.

What is the difference between assets and liabilities?

Liabilities refer to things that you owe or have borrowed; assets are things that you own or are owed. A liability (generally speaking) is something that is owed to somebody else. Liability can also mean a legal or regulatory risk or obligation. In accounting, companies book liabilities in opposition to assets.

What are liabilities on a balance sheet?

Liabilities are settled over time through the transfer of economic benefits including money, goods, or services. Recorded on the right side of the balance sheet, liabilities include loans, accounts payable, mortgages, deferred revenues, bonds, warranties, and accrued expenses. Liabilities can be contrasted with assets.