Bookkeeping › Trial Balance

What is the effect of depreciation on the trial balance and statements?

Intermediate

Answer

Depreciation is a period-end adjustment: debit depreciation expense (income statement) and credit accumulated depreciation (a contra-asset in the balance sheet). If already posted, both appear in the trial balance; if not, it's added as an adjustment. Net book value = cost less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation 2,000: Dr Depreciation Expense 2,000; Cr Accumulated Depreciation 2,000.
Real-world example Annual depreciation reduces the asset's net book value and appears as an expense reducing profit.

Common follow-ups: What is accumulated depreciation? | How is net book value calculated?