Accountant's Glossary
Here at PSVS we are in the trenches every day helping you navigate your way through the various complexities of your accounting-related activities. It is easy to forget that not everyone knows all the accounting-specific terminology we use daily.
We have created this fairly comprehensive glossary to supplement your knowledge and understanding and hopefully answer some of your questions.
Of course, if you have any additional questions send us an email or give us a call: (650) 578-1200.
Last-in, First-out Method
An inventory costing method that assumes that the last items purchased are the first items sold.
Ledger
A book or file containing a separate page for each business account; serves as a permanent record of financial transactions.
Ledger Account Form
The accounting stationery used to record financial information about specific accounts.
Liabilities
Amounts owed to creditors; the claims of creditors to the assets of the business.
Lifestyle
The way you use your time, energy, and resources.
Like-Kind Properties
Properties of the same nature or character, even if they differ in grade or quality.
Limited Liability Company
An entity formed under state law by filing articles of organization as an LLC. Unlike a partnership, none of the members of an LLC are personally liable for its debts. An LLC may be classified for federal income tax purposes as a partnership, a corporation, or an entity disregarded as an entity separate from its owner by applying the rules in the Treasury Regulations, section 301.7701-3.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
A partnership formed under a state limited liability partnership law. Generally, a partner in an LLP is not personally liable for the debts of the LLP or any other partner, nor is a partner liable for the acts or omissions of any other partner, solely by reason of being a partner.
Limited Partnership
A partnership formed under a state's limited partnership law and composed of at least one general partner and one or more limited partners.
Liquidity Ratio
The measure of a business's ability to pay its current debts as they become due and to provide for unexpected needs of cash.
Listed Property
Items specifically named (listed) in IRS code as subject to special rules for depreciation. Listed property includes passenger automobiles and any other property used for transportation; property of a type used generally for entertainment, recreation, or amusement; computers and their peripheral equipment (unless used only at a regular business establishment and owned or leased by the person operating the establishment); and cellular telephones or similar telecommunications equipment.
Loan Origination Fees
The costs incurred to obtain a loan.
Long-Term Holding Period
A period of more than one year.
Long-term Liabilities
Debts that are not required to be paid within the next accounting period.
Loss
The result of a company's spending more than it receives in revenue.
Lump-Sum Distribution
The distribution or payment made in one tax year of a plan participant's entire balance from all of the employer's qualified plans of one kind; for example, pension, profit-sharing, or stock bonus plan.
Luxury Automobile
A vehicle for which the depreciation deduction is limited because of its purchase price.
