Deferred charges refer to costs that a business incurs in the current accounting period, but which will be charged to expense in future periods. They are also known as prepaid expenses or prepayments.
An example of a deferred charge is an insurance premium that is paid in advance for coverage over a future period. The business records the payment as an asset on the balance sheet, as the cost has not yet been incurred, and charges it to expense over the term of the policy.
Other examples of deferred charges include rent, subscriptions, and taxes that are paid in advance for future periods. By deferring these costs, a business can better match expenses with the revenues they generate, providing a more accurate picture of its financial performance over time.
In summary, deferred charges are costs that are paid in the current accounting period but are charged to expense in future periods. They are also known as prepaid expenses or prepayments, and examples include insurance premiums, rent, subscriptions, and taxes.