completed-contract method

Completed-Contract Method

In construction and project finance, a method for calculating profits and losses in which revenue is recognized only after the physical completion of the contract. This differs from the completed-contract method, which recognizes revenue as it is received, provided that it is prorated according to the percentage of the project that is complete. Each method may have its own tax advantages.

completed-contract method

A method of recognizing revenues and costs from a long-term project in which profit is recorded only when the project has been completed. Even if payments are received while the project is in progress, no revenues are recorded until its completion. The completed-contract method is a conservative way of accounting for long-term undertakings and is used for certain types of construction projects. Compare percentage-of-completion method.