Which statement formally presents the revenue and expenses for a specified period of time?

• A. Balance Sheet
• B. Source Document
• C. Alternative Container
• D. Income Statement

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that the income statement shows revenues and expenses over a defined period of time, and from that it derives net income or loss for that period. This period-based view is what distinguishes it from other financial reports. The income statement accumulates activity for the span you’re studying (like a month, quarter, or year) to reveal how profitable the business was during that time.

In contrast, a balance sheet provides a snapshot of assets, liabilities, and equity at a single point in time, not over a period. A source document is the original record of a transaction and isn’t a financial report that presents revenues and expenses. An “alternative container” isn’t a standard financial report and doesn’t present income and expenses.