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The Daily Insight Hub

Why is utilities expense debit?

Author

William Jenkins

Updated on February 15, 2026

For Example Answer – in December 2020. According to the accrual concept of accounting, expenses are recognized when incurred regardless of when paid. In the adjusting entry above, Utilities Expense is debited to recognize the expense and Utilities Payable to record a liability since the amount is yet to be paid.

Does utilities expense increase with debit or credit?

To increase an expense, we debit and to decrease an asset, use credit. We analyzed this transaction to increase utilities expense and decrease cash since we paid cash. To increase an expense, we debit and to decrease an asset, use credit.

Are utility expenses increased with a debit?

Increases in expense accounts are recorded as debits, because they decrease the owner’s capital account. The normal balance side of an Accounts Receivable account is a debit. Accounts Payable accounts are increased with a debit. Utilities Expense is increased with a debit.

Are expense accounts credit?

Expense accounts normally carry a debit balance, so a credit appears as a negative number.

When do you debit or credit a utility account?

You would debit (increase) your utility expense account, while also crediting (increasing) your accounts payable account. When you pay the utility bill the following month, the entry would look like this: You would debit (reduce) accounts payable, since you’re paying the bill. You would also credit (reduce) cash.

How does utilities expense work in accounts payable?

The journal shown above debits the utilities expense account which represents the cost to the business of using electricity for the period. The credit entry to accounts payable reflects the liability of the business to pay the electricity supplier for the amount of service consumed during the period.

Where does utilities go on an income statement?

The utilities expense is based on the amount used during an accounting period, and is included as part of operating expenses in the income statement of the business. Depending on the size of the utility bill, a business might maintain separate general ledger accounts for each utility, or combine them into one utilities expense account.

What do you mean by utilities in accounting?

Summary. Utilities expense is the cost – during a given time period – of using things such as electricity, water, and heating. Depending on how utilities are used, a company accountant may allocate costs associated with utility use to various departments. The accrual basis of accounting and cash basis of accounting will account for utilities …