A company pays $36,000 for 12 months' rent on October 1, recording the prepayment as an asset. The adjusting entry on December 31 is a debit to Rent Expense of $9,000, and a credit to Prepaid Rent of $9,000.

Prepaid Rent

An asset account that represents payment for rent that covers a future period, reflecting rent expense that has not yet been incurred.

Adjusting Entry

A journal entry made at the end of an accounting period to record unrecognized income or expenses in order to maintain accrual accounting accuracy.

Rent Expense

The cost incurred for using a property or space for business or residential purposes.