The glossary to understand and take action

Assets

The assets side of the balance sheet includes resources controlled by the company: fixed assets, inventories, receivables, cash and other items recognised under accounting rules.

Notion comptable, fiscale ou juridique · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Definition and points to distinguish

The carrying amount of an asset is not necessarily its selling price. A trade receivable appears as an asset even if it has not yet been collected; its recoverability must be assessed.

In your file

What this changes in practice

Reading the assets side makes it possible to understand where the company's resources are committed. It is necessary to distinguish assets used on a long-term basis, items in the operating cycle and available cash. A company may own significant assets while lacking liquidity: inventories must be sold and receivables collected. Accounting recognition and measurement are based on applicable rules, not solely on physical possession of an asset.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A company owns equipment and is awaiting payment from several customers. These items appear as assets, but only the available bank balance can immediately pay a supplier. A cash flow analysis therefore complements the reading of the balance sheet.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Identifier la nature de chaque poste
  • Rapprocher les soldes des inventaires et justificatifs
  • Examiner les pertes de valeur et les créances impayées

The practical question

Find out more

Un actif représente-t-il toujours de l’argent disponible ?

Non. Un équipement, un stock ou une créance peut figurer à l’actif sans permettre de payer une échéance immédiatement. Pour lire le bilan, distinguez les ressources durables, les éléments du cycle d’exploitation et les disponibilités. Une créance doit encore être encaissée ; un stock doit généralement être vendu avant de produire de la trésorerie.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

Balance sheetThe balance sheet presents, at a given date, the company's assets and the resources or obligations financing them.LiabilitiesThe liabilities side of the balance sheet presents the company's sources of financing and obligations, including equity, provisions and debts according to the applicable format.Fixed assetAn item intended for long-term use in the business, whose classification and measurement must be assessed under the applicable accounting framework.InventoryGoods tracked in the operating cycle, particularly for sale, processing or consumption in production.Doubtful receivableA receivable whose recovery involves uncertainty that must be examined and documented.Net wealth taxNet wealth tax concerns the taxable assets of entities falling within its scope, in accordance with the applicable valuation and exemption rules.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideAccounting obligations of an SARL in Luxembourg: organising compliance

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.