A liability is a debt of company –that is, something the business owes. A payable is always a liability. The most typical liability accounts:

• Accounts Payable. The Accounts Payable account is the opposite of Accounts Receivable. A or The company promises to pay a debt in the future. Arises from a credit purchase.

• Notes Payable. A note payable is the opposite of a Note Receivable. The Notes Payable account includes the amounts the company must pay because the company signed a written promise to pay a debt amount in the future. Notes payable, like notes receivable, usually involves interest.

• Unearned Revenue (Advances from customers). The obligation occurs when a company receives cash from a customer in advance but has not provided the product or service. The company gives promise to provide services or deliver goods in the future.

• Accrued Liabilities. An accrued liability is a liability for an expense you have not yet paid. In another words, an amount owed but not paid yet. Interest Payable, Salary Payable, and Income Tax Payable are typical accrued liability accounts for most companies.