Charge and discharge statement definition
/What is a Charge and Discharge Statement?
A charge and discharge statement summarizes the principal and income associated with an estate or account, as well as outflows. The principal and income portions of the statement cover the following areas:
Principal. This is the original amount placed in the estate or account, to which is added any subsequent capital gains. Any capital losses, expenses, and debts are subtracted from this amount to arrive at the net ending principal balance.
Income. This includes any earnings derived from the estate’s or account’s principal, which typically includes dividends, interest, and rental fees. Any expenses, such as commissions, property taxes, and income taxes, are subtracted from this amount to arrive at the net ending income balance.
The outflows include administrative fees and expenses, plus payments of principal and interest to beneficiaries. A trustee uses this document to observe the inflows and outflows of cash related to an estate or account.
The accountant needs to provide sufficient information to users in regard to all significant transactions that have occurred during an accounting period. Generally, this means that all receipts and disbursements should be individually disclosed, though some jurisdictions will allow a more summarized presentation.
Related AccountingTools Course
History of the Charge and Discharge Statement
The charge and discharge statement has its roots in medieval English accounting and estate management practices, particularly within feudal systems and trusts. It was used by stewards, estate managers, and later trustees, to formally account for their financial responsibilities. The "charges" section listed all funds or assets received, while the "discharges" detailed all expenditures or distributions made on behalf of the estate or trust.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, the format became standardized in English and colonial American courts as part of fiduciary accounting, especially in the administration of estates and trusts. It served as a formal way for executors, guardians, and trustees to demonstrate how they handled entrusted assets, ensuring accountability and transparency. Although modern accounting systems have largely replaced this format, it is still used in probate courts and fiduciary reporting in some jurisdictions, particularly for trust and estate accounting.