What is a contra asset account?

A contra asset account is specifically designed to reduce the balance of an associated asset account on the balance sheet. This type of account typically carries a credit balance, which is contrary to the usual debit balance of asset accounts.

For example, accumulated depreciation is a common contra asset account. It offsets the asset account of equipment or buildings by tracking the total depreciation expense recognized over time. Consequently, when you look at the net book value of an asset, you deduct the value in the contra asset account from the asset's original cost. This distinction is crucial because it provides a more accurate representation of the asset's actual value as it ages or experiences wear and tear.

The other options do not accurately capture the role of a contra asset account. While some accounts may increase the value of an asset or relate to different categories like liabilities or cash transactions, they do not reflect the defining characteristic of a contra asset account, which is to decrease the carrying amount of another asset.