Marshalling of Assets and Liabilities

The term ‘Marshalling’ refers to the order in which the various assets and liabilities are shown in the balance sheet. The assets and liabilities can be shown either in the order of liquidity or in the order of permanence.

a) In order of liquidity

Liquidity means convertability into cash. Assets will be said to be liquid if it can be converted into cash easily, they are placed at the top of the balance sheet. Liabilities are arranged in the order of their urgency of payment. The most urgent payment to be made is listed at the top of the balance sheet.

b) In order of permanence

This order is exactly the reverse of the above. Assets and liabilities are recorded in the order of their life in the business concern.