What is a single entry error?

A single entry error occurs when only one side of the double entry has been made. This concept is pivotal in understanding the double entry bookkeeping system, which is foundational to financial accounting. In double entry bookkeeping, every transaction must be recorded in at least two accounts: one account is debited and another is credited.

When a single entry error occurs, it means that while one part of the transaction has been recorded, typically either the debit or the credit, the corresponding entry has been missed. This can lead to an imbalance in the accounting records, as the basic accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) may not hold true when there’s an incomplete transaction recording. Recognizing this type of error is essential for maintaining accurate financial statements and ensuring that an organization’s financial position is represented correctly.

Understanding this definition helps clarify why the other options do not describe a single entry error. For instance, recording both sides of a transaction is the correct practice and wouldn’t fall under this definition. Errors in casting the ledger pertain more to computational mistakes, while omissions from the ledger are different from single entry errors, describing situations where a transaction is entirely missing rather than just incomplete.