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Preparing Closing Entries, Page 8

Key Terms

The key terms used in the unit are listed below:

  • Closing Entries: Closing entries are journal entries posted to transfer the temporary account balances to close (or reduce) it to zero. 
  • Real Account: The balances of the accounts reported on the balance sheet are carried forward from year to year; they are also called permanent accounts.
  • Nominal Account: Transactions such as revenue expenses and withdrawals accounts report amounts for only one period; they are called temporary (or nominal) accounts.
  • Income Summary Account: The account in the general ledger used to summarize (and close) the revenue and expenses for the accounting period.