Erfolgskonten

Erfolgskonten are temporary accounts used in double-entry bookkeeping to record all revenue and expense transactions within a defined financial period. They are divided into Ertragskonten (revenues) and Aufwandskonten (expenses) and are distinct from permanent balance-sheet accounts (Bestandskonten). Erfolgskonten begin each period with a zero balance and accumulate the period’s financial results. In the ledger, expenses typically show debit balances, while revenues show credit balances.

At the end of the period, the balances of Erfolgskonten are closed to a central account called Gewinn- und Verlustkonto (GuV) or directly to the Jahresergebnis. This process determines whether the period results in a net profit (Gewinn) or net loss (Verlust). The outcome of the GuV is then reflected in the equity portion of the balance sheet, usually via the Jahresüberschuss or Jahresfehlbetrag, thereby affecting the Eigenkapital.

The use of Erfolgskonten provides a clear separation between operational results and permanent balance-sheet items, facilitating period-by-period reporting, comparability, and compliance with accounting standards such as HGB. The concept is common in German-speaking accounting and is compatible with broader frameworks like IFRS, where applicable.