What are two basic financial statements.Explain their importance to the various uses?

Answer 1

The two basic financial statements are the Income Statement or Profit & Loss Statement and the Balance Sheet. The Income Statement reflects the revenues and expenses for a period in time such as January 1, 20xx through the date you are working on say August 31, 20xx. These revenues and expenses give you the net income or (loss) for that particular period.

The Balance Sheet is a report of the business for a point in time, August 31, 20xx. The assets and liabilities of the business as well as the owners equity in the business make up the Balance Sheet. Assets - Liabilities = Owners Equity. The net income or (loss) from the Income Statement flows over to the Balance Sheet under the Equity section.

Business use these reports to understand the financial position of their business ans where to make changes for future years. Investors use these reports to make decisions on whether they want to invest or provide loans to the business. Accountants use these reports to prepare tax returns for both individuals and businesses depending on the type of entity the are...corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship.