To begin with, let me first give you a small explanation of what Contingent assets are

A contingent asset is a potential asset or economic benefit that does not exist currently but may arise in the near future. Such an asset arises from an uncertain and unpredictable event.

To make it clear with an example: String Co. filed a lawsuit against a competitor company Weave Tech Co. for infringing on company ABC’s patent. Even if it is probable (but not certain) that Strings Co. will win the lawsuit, it is a contingent asset.

As such, it will not be recorded in Strings Co. general ledger accounts until the lawsuit is settled.

At most the Strings Co. can do is, prepare a note disclosing the fact that it has filed the lawsuit the outcome of which is uncertain.

Disclosing Contingent Assets

• The probability of occurrence is virtually certain or probable: It will be disclosed as an asset in the balance sheet.

For Example, The court orders for reimbursement to Strings Co. say 1,00,000 for the damages, but it has not yet received the money. Although it is virtually certain that the company will receive the money in the near future, it will be treated as an asset and can be disclosed in the balance sheet on the assets side.

• The probability of occurrence is probable: It will be disclosed as notes to accounts below the balance sheet.

For Example, Strings Co. filed a lawsuit against a competitor company Weave Tech for infringing on Strings Co. patent. Even if it is probable (but not certain) that Strings Co. will win the lawsuit, it is a contingent asset.

As such, it will not be recorded in Strings company’s general ledger until the lawsuit is settled.

At most the Strings Co. can do is, prepare a note disclosing the fact that it has filed the lawsuit the outcome of which is uncertain. 

• The probability of occurrence is remote or not probable:  It will not be treated as a contingent asset.

In this case, the disclosure of it is not permitted.