
Stock provision is figure of stock position in term and condition, which is reflect in accounting books in order to maintain accuracy. eg Physical Damage, Date Expiry, charity, those all write off stock etc An inventory provision is typically a dollar figure companies write off for theft, spoilage, obsolete or damaged inventory.
What is the difference between stock and inventory provision?
Stock provision is figure of stock position in term and condition, which is reflect in accounting books in order to maintain accuracy. eg Physical Damage, Date Expiry, charity, those all write off stock etc. An inventory provision is typically a dollar figure companies write off for theft, spoilage, obsolete or damaged inventory.
What are provisions?
What are Provisions? Provisions represent funds put aside by a company to cover anticipated losses in the future. In other words, provision is a liability of uncertain timing and amount. Provisions are listed on a company’s balance sheet.
What is a provision amount in accounting?
A provision is an amount set aside to cover a probable future expense, or reduction in the value of an asset. Often provision amounts need to be estimated. In financial reporting, provisions are recorded as a current liability on the balance sheet and then matched to the appropriate expense account on the income statement.
How much stock provision should a small business make?
This year, the growing business has $20,000 of inventory in stock and chooses to make a 5% inventory provision entry of $1,000 on the balance sheet. Stock provision is a big part of ensuring those books paint an accurate picture of your small business's financial health.

Provision for Inventory Write-Down or Write-Off
When business leaders make provision for inventory write-down or write-off, they are admitting that not all of the inventory on hand will result in sales at market value. Because of this, they set aside a certain amount of money in each period to account for inventory loss.
Excess and Obsolete Inventory Reserve Calculation
Past financial patterns or industry trends can help you make an accurate excess and obsolete inventory reserve calculation. For instance, a handmade jewelry business notices that last year, $500 in merchandise was broken or stolen during craft shows, accounting for 5% of the total inventory.
Benefits of Accurate Inventory Provision
Stock provision is a big part of ensuring those books paint an accurate picture of your small business's financial health. Some benefits include:
Inventory Write-Downs and Write-Offs
Inventory write-downs and write-offs are related but aren't quite the same thing. A write-down happens when the value of inventory has decreased. On your accounting sheet, it is listed as a debit on the cost of goods sold line and then as a credit on your inventory line.
Inventory Stock Provision and Taxes
Inventory stock provision reserves are not usually allowed as tax deductions until inventory has actually been unloaded. This is a common book-to-tax difference to keep in mind.
