Deferred claims refer to claims that are postponed to a future accounting period. This deferral occurs when there is an expectation of a future benefit that justifies the delay. In simpler terms, it means that a claim is recognized now but will be processed or settled later, often to align with anticipated financial benefits.
Deferred claims are commonly encountered in various legal and financial contexts, particularly in accounting practices. They are relevant in areas such as:
Users can manage deferred claims through specific legal forms and templates, which can simplify the process of documenting and tracking these claims.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
One common scenario involves a company that incurs expenses for a service in December but will not receive the benefits of that service until January. The company may defer the claim until the next accounting period to match the expense with the revenue it generates.
(Hypothetical example) A homeowner files an insurance claim for storm damage but agrees to defer the claim processing until the contractor can assess the full extent of the damage in the following month.
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Variation |
|---|---|
| California | Specific regulations on insurance claims may affect deferral practices. |
| Texas | Different accounting standards may influence how deferred claims are recorded. |
| New York | State laws may dictate the timing of claim submissions for tax purposes. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Accrued Claims | Claims recognized in the current period but not yet settled. | Accrued claims are recognized immediately, while deferred claims are postponed. |
| Contingent Claims | Claims that depend on the occurrence of a future event. | Contingent claims are uncertain, whereas deferred claims are anticipated benefits. |
If you believe you have a deferred claim, consider the following steps:
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A deferred claim is a claim that is recognized now but will be settled in a future accounting period.