Which statement describes the consistent reporting concept?

Which statement describes the consistent reporting concept?

• A. Assets are recognized only when cash is received.
• B. Transactions are recorded in a different manner each period.
• C. The same accounting procedures are followed in the same way in each accounting period.
• D. Financial statements are prepared only at year-end.

Answer: (C)

Consistency means you apply the same accounting methods from period to period so financial results remain comparable over time. The statement that best describes this is that the same accounting procedures are followed in the same way in each accounting period. For example, if you use straight-line depreciation, you keep using that method in all periods unless you disclose and justify a change with proper adjustments. The other statements describe cash-basis timing, changing the way transactions are recorded from period to period, or reporting only at year-end, none of which convey the idea of maintaining the same methods across periods.

Consistency means you apply the same accounting methods from period to period so financial results remain comparable over time. The statement that best describes this is that the same accounting procedures are followed in the same way in each accounting period. For example, if you use straight-line depreciation, you keep using that method in all periods unless you disclose and justify a change with proper adjustments. The other statements describe cash-basis timing, changing the way transactions are recorded from period to period, or reporting only at year-end, none of which convey the idea of maintaining the same methods across periods.