Explain the difference between Finance Lease and Operating Lease
Finance lease and operating lease are two types of lease agreements that businesses use to acquire assets without buying them outright. The main difference between the two types of leases is the ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease term. A finance lease is a type of lease agreement in which the lessee (the business or individual leasing the asset) is required to take on most of the risks and rewards associated with owning the asset during the lease term. At the end of the lease term, the lessee typically has the option to purchase the asset for a nominal amount or to return it to the lessor (the owner of the asset). In a finance lease, the lessee is typically responsible for all maintenance and repair costs associated with the asset during the lease term. An operating lease, on the other hand, is a type of lease agreement in which the lessor (the owner of the asset) retains most of the risks and rewards associated with owning the asset during the lease term. At the end of the lease term, the lessee typically has the option to renew the lease, return the asset to the lessor, or purchase the asset at fair market value. In an operating lease, the lessor is typically responsible for all maintenance and repair costs associated with the asset during the lease term. In summary, the main difference between a finance lease and an operating lease is the ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, as well as the allocation of risks and rewards between the lessor and the lessee during the lease term. 2. When do we recognize liabilities in government entity? Government entities recognize liabilities in accordance with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) accounting principles. Liabilities are recognized when there is a present obligation to pay a specific amount of money, goods, or services as a result of a past transaction or event. The recognition of liabilities by government entities is governed by the following general principles: The liability must represent a present obligation: A present obligation is a legal or constructive obligation that arises from past events and requires the government entity to make a future payment or to provide goods or services. The amount of the liability must be measurable: The amount of the liability must be estimated with reasonable accuracy. The liability should be recorded at the present value of the future payments or other considerations that will be required to settle the obligation. The liability must be probable: The likelihood of the government entity having to make a payment or provide goods or services to settle the obligation must be more likely than not. The liability must be capable of being reliably measured: The amount of the liability must be capable of being reliably measured, and the timing of the obligation must be reasonably certain. Examples of liabilities that government entities may recognize include accounts payable, notes payable, bonds payable, pension liabilities, and compensated absences liabilities. It is important for government entities to accurately recognize and report their liabilities as it affects their financial statements, budgeting, and decision-making processes.