What is a profit and loss report?

Definition of a profit and loss report

The profit and loss report is a summary of the business's income, less its day-to-day running costs, over a given period of time.

This report is also known as the 'profit and loss account', 'P&L account' or just 'P&L'. It aims to show whether the business has earned more in income than it's spent on day-to-day running costs.

If the business's income is more than its costs, the business has made a profit. If the business's costs are more than its income, the business has made a loss.

Income and costs must nearly always be included in the P&L on the basis of when work was done and when goods and services were used, not on the basis of when money was received in and paid out. The only exception is for small sole traders and partnerships who use the cash basis of accounting to prepare their accounts; these businesses' P&L accounts will be prepared on the basis of money in and money out.

P&L and VAT

If the business is registered for VAT and not using the flat rate scheme, its income and costs will be included on the P&L exclusive of VAT.

If the business is registered for VAT but is using the flat rate scheme, the income still shows net of VAT, but the costs will show inclusive of VAT, because on the flat rate scheme, VAT cannot be reclaimed on costs.

If the business is not registered for VAT, then the income will not have had VAT charged on it, and the costs are shown inclusive of VAT, because you can't reclaim VAT if you're not registered.

You can generate profit and loss reports easily with FreeAgent's accounting software.

Disclaimer: The content included in this glossary is based on our understanding of tax law at the time of publication. It may be subject to change and may not be applicable to your circumstances, so should not be relied upon. You are responsible for complying with tax law and should seek independent advice if you require further information about the content included in this glossary. If you don't have an accountant, take a look at our directory to find a FreeAgent Practice Partner based in your local area.

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