In adjusting entries for depreciation, the balance in the Accumulated Depreciation account represents the:

• A. Current market value (fair value) of the related asset
• B. Cost of the asset that has not yet been depreciated (remaining depreciable cost)
• C. Current period depreciation expense to be recorded at the end of the year
• D. Total depreciation expense that has been recorded to date on the related asset (a contra-asset balance)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the Accumulated Depreciation account is a contra-asset account, which means it offsets the related asset account on the balance sheet.
2. Recognize that depreciation expense is recorded periodically to allocate the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life.
3. Know that each adjusting entry for depreciation increases the Accumulated Depreciation account by the amount of depreciation expense for the current period.
4. Realize that the balance in the Accumulated Depreciation account represents the total amount of depreciation expense that has been recorded since the asset was acquired, not the current market value or remaining cost.
5. Therefore, the Accumulated Depreciation balance shows the cumulative depreciation to date, reducing the book value of the asset on the balance sheet.