SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE
1. Generally accepted accounting principles require revenue and expenses associated with barter transactions to be recognized.
2. Because of the nature of bartering, a contingent liability will arise and must therefore be reflected in the Hotel’s accounts. This means that Prepaid Expenses will be charged with the value of the services to be received while Other Liabilities will be credited with the value of the services to be provided. As the property receives the services agreed, it expenses the value of those services. Likewise, as the hotel provides the services, it recognizes the revenue by writing down the liability leaving only the unredeemed value of the services in Other Liabilities.
3. Therefore, all barter agreements must be recorded in the Hotel’s accounts to ensure proper recognition of revenue and expenses arising from the barter agreements.