How does a contra-liability account affect the balance of the corresponding liability?

A contra-liability account serves to reduce the balance of the corresponding liability it is associated with. Specifically, this kind of account typically carries a debit balance that offsets the credit balance of the liability account. By doing so, it presents a more accurate depiction of the net liability that the company holds.

For instance, if a company has a long-term liability such as a loan payable, it may also have a contra-liability account for loan discounts or deferred interest. When the contra-liability account is subtracted from the liability account on the balance sheet, it results in a lower net liability value. This adjustment is important for financial reporting, as it provides stakeholders with a clearer idea of the actual financial obligations that need to be addressed.

The other options do not accurately describe the nature of contra-liability accounts. They do not increase the liability balance, have a significant impact on the net liability balance, or alter the classification of liabilities into assets. Therefore, the defining feature of a contra-liability account—its role in offsetting the credit balance of the liability—is well-represented by the correct answer.