In the context of adjusting journal entries for prepaid expenses, which of the following best describes how the adjusting entry is recorded at the end of the accounting period?

• A. Debit a prepaid asset account and credit a liability account
• B. Debit a revenue account and credit a prepaid asset account
• C. Debit an expense account and credit a prepaid asset account
• D. Debit a prepaid asset account and credit an expense account

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of prepaid expenses: Prepaid expenses are payments made in advance for goods or services that will be consumed in future accounting periods. These are initially recorded as assets because they represent future economic benefits.
2. Recognize the need for adjusting entries: At the end of the accounting period, an adjusting entry is required to allocate the portion of the prepaid expense that has been consumed or expired during the period. This ensures that expenses are recognized in the correct period according to the matching principle.
3. Determine the accounts involved: The adjusting entry for prepaid expenses involves two accounts: an expense account (to recognize the expired portion) and the prepaid asset account (to reduce the asset balance for the amount used).
4. Record the adjusting entry: Debit the expense account to increase the expense for the period, and credit the prepaid asset account to decrease the asset balance. This reflects the consumption of the prepaid expense.
5. Verify the impact on financial statements: The adjusting entry ensures that the expense is properly reported on the income statement, and the remaining balance of the prepaid asset is accurately reflected on the balance sheet.