| As a courtesy to our clients, we have compiled a comprehensive list of common tax terms and definitions for quick reference. | Tax Lingo Troubles? |
Accrual method of accounting |
A business method of accounting requiring income to be reported when earned and expenses to be deducted when incurred. However, deductions generally may not be claimed until economic performance has occurred. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Legally separated |
A husband and wife who are required to live apart from each other by the terms of a decree of separate maintenance. Payments under the decree are deductible by the payor and taxable to the payee as alimony. |
| Liability |
A liability is a financial obligation, debt, or claim. Liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet and can include accounts payable, taxes, wages, accrued expenses, and deferred revenues. Current liabilities are debts payable within one year, while long-term liabilities are debts payable over a longer period. |
| Like-kind exchange |
An exchange of similar assets used in a business or held for investment on which gain may be deferred. |
| Lump-sum distribution |
Payments within one tax year of the entire amount due to a participant in a qualified retirement plan. Qualifying lump sums may be directly rolled over tax free, or, in some cases, are eligible for current tax under a favorable averaging method. |