An accounting period that is one year in length is referred to as a (n)
a. calendar year
b. business year
c. discal year
d. accounting year
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. accounting year.
An accounting period that spans one year in length is commonly referred to as an “accounting year.” This term is used to define the time frame during which a company or organization prepares its financial statements. The accounting year serves as the basis for evaluating the financial performance of a business, and it may coincide with the calendar year or follow a different 12-month period, depending on the organization’s fiscal practices.
The calendar year (option a) refers to a 12-month period starting from January 1 and ending on December 31. It is widely used for personal tax reporting and some businesses, but it is not mandatory for all companies.
The business year (option b) is a term sometimes used interchangeably with “fiscal year,” though it can be less precise. It generally refers to the year a business chooses for its accounting purposes, which may not align with the calendar year.
The fiscal year (option c) refers to a 12-month period used for budgeting and accounting purposes by businesses, governments, or other entities. It may start on any day of the year and end 12 months later. A fiscal year is often selected based on factors that are specific to the business or industry. For instance, a company in the retail industry might end its fiscal year in January to account for post-holiday season sales data.
An accounting year, therefore, can be any 12-month period used by a business to track its financial activities and prepare reports. It doesn’t necessarily follow the calendar year or fiscal year, but instead, is based on the specific needs and practices of the business.