HISTORICAL COST CONVENTION Definition

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HISTORICAL COST CONVENTION is that assets are recorded at their initial cost and are not subsequently revalued upwards, and liabilities valued at the amount initially received in exchange for the obligation. The relevance of the convention is that figures remain objectively based on verifiable figures, but in times of high inflation historical cost can become a dubious convention to follow.

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BASIC ACCOUNTING normally includes the areas of Debits and Credits; Accounts; Assets, Liabilities, Equity, Revenue and Expenses; and, an accounting system that offers a method for checking, balancing, and reconciling all accounting related transactions in order to produce accurate pictures of the entities financial health. Profit and Loss Reports, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements are the end result of compiling all the transactions into meaningful, usable information for individuals and business owners alike.

MATERIAL is information important enough to change an investor's decision. Insignificant information has no effect on decisions, so there is no need to report it.

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