overapplied overhead

Definition 1

Excess of overhead applied to work-in-process inventory over the amount of overhead actually incurred. This amount (called favorable variance) is added to the budgeted profit in the end-of-accounting-period financial statements. Also called overabsorbed overhead. See also underapplied overhead.

Definition 2

A situation in which the overhead applied to a work in progress (WIP) product is more than the overhead that the WIP actually incurs. This results in the manufacturing overhead having a credit balance. Overapplied overhead is reported on the balance sheet and is reported as unearned revenue. At the end of the year, overapplied overhead is balanced by creating a credit to Cost of Goods Sold. Opposite of underapplied overhead.