Why can't Accounts Receivable ever have a credit balance? Why can't Accounts Payable ever have a debit balance.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
10th Edition
ISBN:9781259964947
Author:Libby
Publisher:Libby
Chapter1: Financial Statements And Business Decisions
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Why can't Accounts Receivable ever have a credit balance? Why can't Accounts Payable ever have a debit balance. 

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Step 1 Concept of Accounts Receivable and Account Payable

Whenever goods are sold on account that is cash to be received in future from debtor we get an accounts receivable.  It is pertinent to note that cash receivable is nothing but getting an economic benefit to the entity . As per the definition of an asset, it is resource that is controlled by an entity that can be used in production or realized through sales and hence we can conclude that Accounts recievable is an asset 

Similarly, when raw materials or goods are purchased on account that is we need to pay cash in future . Here we have an obligation to pay cash . As per the definition of a liability it is an obligation that require outflow of future economic benefits from the entity. Hence we can conclude that accounts payable is a liability 

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