Is service revenue an asset or not? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of service revenue, exploring its intricacies, its impact on businesses, and whether it should be considered an asset.
By the end of this journey, you’ll have a solid understanding of service revenue and its significance in the business world. So, buckle up and get ready to unravel the mystery of service revenue as an asset.

What is Service Revenue?
Service revenue is a type of income that an organization earns from rendering a service. It’s separate from product sales, as it doesn’t involve the customer purchasing a physical or digital good. Service revenue includes consulting fees, software implementation, bookkeeping and tax services, web design work, marketing services, and subscription services with a monthly retainer.
For accounting purposes, service revenue is reported on an income statement, not an asset (or a current asset). However, service revenue does contribute to a company’s asset account in the ledger if the double-entry system of accounting is used.
The Impact of Service Revenue on Businesses
Service revenue can be an asset for your business, depending on its stage in life. New companies should use it to help them grow and establish themselves as leaders within their industry. On the other hand, mature businesses can put this money toward building reserves that’ll protect company value if managers aren’t able to secure capital from elsewhere.
The IT services market revenue was forecast to increase continuously between 2023 and 2028 by 174.2 billion U.S. dollars in the United States. It demonstrates the potential for service revenue to contribute significantly to a company’s financial growth.
Growing Service Revenue
Growing service revenue can be a highly profitable revenue stream for businesses, even those that sell physical or software products. To grow service revenue, companies can focus on providing exceptional customer service, expanding their service offerings, and investing in marketing strategies to attract new clients. Additionally, businesses can leverage software solutions to help them stay compliant, recognize revenue on time, and gain better insights into their financial performance.
The Importance of Customer Service
Customer service plays a crucial role in generating service revenue. A study by Deloitte found that improving the customer experience can increase sales revenue by 2-7% and profitability by 1-2%. By providing exceptional customer service, businesses can retain customers, extract more value from them, and ultimately increase their service revenue.
Service Revenue vs. Product Revenue
Service revenue and product revenue are two distinct types of income for a business. Service revenue is generated from providing services, while product revenue is derived from the sale of goods. For businesses that offer both products and services, it’s essential to differentiate between these two revenue streams to understand their financial health and uncover investment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can service revenue impact a business?
Service revenue can be an asset for your business, depending on its stage in life. New companies should use it to help them grow and establish themselves as leaders within their industry, while mature businesses can put this money toward building reserves that’ll protect company value if managers aren’t able to secure capital from elsewhere.
What are some examples of service revenue?
Examples of service revenue include consulting fees, software implementation, bookkeeping and tax services, web design work, marketing services, and subscription services with a monthly retainer.
Is service revenue a current asset?
No, service revenue is not a current asset for accounting purposes. A current asset is any asset that will provide an economic value for or within one year. Service revenue is recorded on the income statement rather than on the balance sheet with other assets.
Conclusion: Is Service Revenue an Asset?
In conclusion, service revenue is not considered an asset for accounting purposes. However, it plays a crucial role in the growth and success of businesses, especially those in the service industry. By focusing on providing exceptional service, companies can increase their revenue and ultimately achieve greater success.