When a company sells a product subject to a warranty, it is probable that there will be expenses incurred in the future of the accounting periods

When a company sells a product subject to a warranty, it is probable that there will be expenses incurred in the future of the accounting periods relating to revenues recognized in the current period. As such, a liability has been incurred to honor the warranty at the same date as the recognition of the revenue. Based on a prior experience or technical analysis, the occurrence of warranty claims can be reasonably estimated and a probable dollar estimate of the liability can be made. The contingent liability for warranties meets both of the requirements for the accrual of a loss contingency, and the estimated amount of the loss should be reflected in the financial statements. In addition to recording the accrual, it may be advisable to disclose the factors used in arriving at the estimate by means of a note, especially when there is a possibility of a greater loss than was accrued.