In a perpetual inventory system, the cost of inventory sold is:

• A. Determined only at the end of the accounting period
• B. Calculated using a physical count of inventory at year-end
• C. Recorded immediately at the time of each sale
• D. Ignored until the financial statements are prepared

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a perpetual inventory system: In this system, inventory records are updated continuously to reflect additions and subtractions of inventory in real-time.
2. Recognize that the cost of inventory sold is recorded immediately at the time of each sale. This is a key feature of the perpetual inventory system, as it ensures accurate tracking of inventory and cost of goods sold (COGS).
3. Contrast this with a periodic inventory system, where inventory and COGS are determined at the end of the accounting period using a physical count.
4. Note that the perpetual inventory system uses technology, such as barcode scanners or inventory management software, to update inventory records automatically during transactions.
5. Understand the importance of this system for businesses that require real-time inventory tracking, as it provides timely and accurate financial information for decision-making.