Meaning
Document provides a final and detailed breakdown of all financial transfers and costs at the conclusion of a commercial deal. The settlement statement lists the purchase price alongside every adjustment for taxes, fees and escrow payments to show the exact amount each party receives. It provides the definitive record of the financial closing.
Transaction Audit
Verification of each line item ensures that the math of the deal matches the legal agreement. A settlement statement allows the lawyers and accountants for both sides to confirm that all debts have been paid and all credits have been applied correctly. This prevents post-closing disputes about whether a specific expense was the responsibility of the buyer or the seller.
Closing Balance
Calculating the final wire transfer requires adding the pro-rated expenses that have been pre-paid by the seller. The settlement statement includes items like property taxes or utility bills that the buyer will benefit from after the closing date. These small adjustments can add up to a substantial sum in a large industrial transaction.
Financial Record
Maintaining a copy of this paper is necessary for future tax filings and corporate audits. Because the settlement statement shows the exact flow of funds, it is the primary evidence used to prove the cost basis of an acquired asset. It provides a clear history of the transaction that can be used years later if the company is sold or audited by external authorities.
Accountants rely on this document to reconcile the bank accounts and to ensure that the initial entry for the purchase is accurate according to the signed terms.