Closing Entries
Closing entries are journal entries made at the end of an accounting period which transfer the balances of temporary accounts to permanent accounts. Closing entries are based on the account balances in an adjusted trial balance.
Temporary accounts include:
1.Revenue, Income and Gain Accounts
2.Expense and Loss Accounts
3.Dividend, Drawings or Withdrawals Accounts
4.Income Summary Account
The permanent account to which balances are transferred depend upon the type of business. In case of a company, retained earnings account, and in case of a firm or a sole proprietorship, owner's capital account receives the balances of temporary accounts.
Income summary account is a temporary account which facilitates the closing process.
Closing entries are better explained via an example.