How should balance sheet liabilities be recorded?

The appropriate method for recording balance sheet liabilities is to represent them at their current outstanding balance. This is because liabilities reflect the amount the company owes at a specific point in time, which corresponds to the face value of the obligations. This value provides an accurate and clear picture of a company's financial obligations, ensuring that stakeholders can assess the current financial standing regarding debts.

Fair market value would typically apply to assets, not liabilities, as liabilities are generally reported based on what is owed, not their potential selling price. Depreciated value is relevant for assets that lose value over time due to wear and tear or obsolescence, while appraised value involves an assessment of worth, often used for real estate or personal property, rather than liabilities. Thus, recording liabilities at their current outstanding balance provides the most relevant and straightforward representation of a company's existing financial commitments.