Understanding Unearned Revenue (Income Received in Advance) at Accounts Classes by Karthick Balaraman In accounting, unearned revenue is money received before a service is provided or a product is delivered. Even though you’ve received the cash, it’s not yet income—because you haven’t earned it. Why It’s a Liability When a customer pays in advance: You owe them a product or service. That obligation creates a liability. This liability is called Unearned Revenue (or Deferred Revenue). How It Works