Presenting an item as a heading or line item on assets or liabilities side of an entity’s balance sheet. If an item is not on the face of the balance sheet, it means it is presented as part of other items (e.g., other assets), or in the notes to financial statements. For example, prepaid taxes or deferred taxes might not be presented directly on the face, but rather as part of other items. A deferred tax liability is a listing on balance sheet that records taxes owed by an entity but not due to be paid until a future date.

Another example is when an entity states on the face of the balance sheet the title of each share issue, the carrying amount, and redemption amount. In case of more than one issue, these amounts may be aggregated on the face of the balance sheet while presenting details about each issue in the notes.