| name | chart-of-accounts |
| description | Contains verified C-corp COA procedures, account numbering decision trees, and Form 1120 tax-line mappings that produce more precise answers than reasoning from general training alone. Account type taxonomy (1xxx-9xxx), hierarchical grouping, book-tax differences, equity accounts (APIC, retained earnings, treasury stock), and COA restructuring. Consult when choosing account numbers, classifying accounts, mapping GL to tax lines, or asking "what account for X."
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Chart of Accounts
Structural foundation for GL account design and classification in C-corporations under
US GAAP. Covers the five root account types, standard numbering ranges, hierarchical
grouping, C-corp equity accounts, and Form 1120 tax-line mapping.
Account Type Taxonomy
Every GL account belongs to exactly one of five root types that determine which financial
statement it appears on and its normal balance direction.
Balance Sheet accounts (cumulative, carry forward):
- Asset — Normal debit. Current (cash, receivables, inventory, prepaids) and non-current (fixed assets, intangibles, investments).
- Liability — Normal credit. Current (AP, accrued expenses, current debt, unearned revenue) and non-current (long-term debt, deferred tax liabilities).
- Equity — Normal credit. Common stock, APIC, retained earnings, treasury stock (contra-equity, debit), AOCI.
Income Statement accounts (periodic, reset at year-end close):
- Revenue — Normal credit. Gross revenue, returns/allowances (contra-revenue, debit), other income.
- Expense — Normal debit. COGS, operating expenses, depreciation, interest expense, tax expense.
Contra accounts reverse the normal balance of their parent type (accumulated depreciation
is contra-asset with credit balance; sales returns is contra-revenue with debit balance).
Numbering Convention
Standard 4-digit ranges for C-corporations. Leave gaps between active accounts for
future inserts — at least 10 between accounts, 100 between categories.
