What work paper is used to prove the equality of the debit and credit balances in the ledger?

The trial balance is a crucial financial tool used in accounting to ensure that the total debits and credits in the accounting records are equal. It is an internal document that lists all the ledger account balances at a specific point in time. By summarizing the balances from all accounts, the trial balance serves as a verification mechanism for the accuracy of recorded transactions.

When the total of debit balances equals the total of credit balances, it indicates that the accounts are in balance, which is essential for the integrity of the financial statements. If there is a discrepancy, it prompts the accountant to review the entries for errors, such as misplaced amounts or incorrect postings.

In contrast, the balance sheet provides a snapshot of a company’s financial position at a particular time, detailing assets, liabilities, and equity, but does not specifically prove the equality of debits and credits. The income statement summarizes revenues and expenses over a period, reflecting the company’s profitability but not addressing the balance between debits and credits. The ledger sheet is a record of individual transactions in accounts but does not consolidate the information to show overall equality of debits and credits.

Therefore, the trial balance stands out as the appropriate work paper for proving the equality of debit and credit balances in the ledger.