Published Mar 30, 2026 · 4 Min Read

Non-current liabilities, also known as long-term liabilities, represent a company’s financial obligations that are not due for repayment within a year. These liabilities play a crucial role in long-term financial planning and are pivotal for businesses looking to expand or invest in infrastructure. Understanding non-current liabilities is key to evaluating a company’s financial stability and ensuring sustainable growth.

What are non-current liabilities?

Non-current liabilities are financial obligations that a business is required to settle over a period exceeding one year. Unlike current liabilities, which are short-term obligations due within a year, non-current liabilities are long-term commitments. These liabilities often arise from borrowing funds or entering into long-term agreements. Examples include bonds payable, long-term loans, and deferred tax liabilities. 


Secure your financial future by investing in Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposits and enjoy assured returns of up to 7.30% p.a. Invest now.

Types of non-current liabilities

Non-current liabilities come in various forms, depending on the financial structure and operational needs of a business. Below are some common types:


Long-term borrowings

Long-term borrowings refer to loans or credit obtained by a company that are repayable over a period longer than one year. These funds are often used for capital expenditures, such as purchasing equipment or expanding operations. For instance, a company may take out a five-year loan to build a new manufacturing facility.

Long-term lease obligations

These are lease payments for assets leased over a period exceeding 12 months. Under accounting standards like Ind AS 116, such leases are recorded as liabilities. For example, a company leasing office premises for ten years would record the lease payments as long-term lease obligations.

Secured and unsecured loans

Secured loans are backed by collateral, such as property or equipment, while unsecured loans are not tied to any specific asset. Secured loans often have lower interest rates due to reduced risk for lenders, whereas unsecured loans typically come with higher interest rates. Both types serve as vital tools for financing long-term projects.

Provisions

Provisions are funds set aside to cover anticipated future expenses or liabilities. Examples include provisions for employee benefits, warranties, or restructuring costs. For instance, a company may allocate Rs. 50 lakh for dismantling machinery at the end of its useful life.

Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities arise from differences in accounting methods and tax regulations, leading to taxes being payable in the future. For example, a Rs. 50 lakh deferred tax liability may result from discrepancies in depreciation methods under the Companies Act and the Income Tax Act.

Derivative liabilities

Derivative liabilities occur when a company’s derivative instruments, such as futures or options, are valued negatively in the market. These are treated as liabilities in financial statements. For instance, a company might record a derivative liability if it enters into a hedging contract that results in a financial loss.

Other non-current liabilities

Other non-current liabilities include obligations not explicitly categorized, such as deferred compensation, long-term deferred revenue, and pension obligations. These liabilities are often specific to the nature of the business and its operations.

Examples of non-current liabilities

Real-world examples of non-current liabilities include:

  • Bank Loans: A Rs. 10 crore loan secured for constructing a manufacturing plant.
  • Bonds Payable: Non-convertible debentures repayable after seven years.
  • Long-term Lease Agreements: Office space leased for a period of ten years.
  • Deferred Tax Liabilities: Rs. 50 lakh in deferred taxes due to different accounting and tax practices.
  • Employee Benefit Obligations: Rs. 1 crore allocated for gratuity and provident fund liabilities.
  • Provisions for Asset Retirement: Funds set aside for dismantling machinery after its useful life.

These examples highlight how non-current liabilities enable businesses to fund large-scale projects while spreading repayments over time.

Importance of non-current liabilities

Non-current liabilities are critical for a company’s financial health and long-term strategy. They provide essential capital for business expansion, infrastructure development, and research initiatives. Properly managing these liabilities ensures predictable repayment schedules, which helps maintain cash flow stability. Moreover, non-current liabilities are key indicators of a company’s solvency and creditworthiness, influencing investor confidence and lending decisions.


For businesses and individuals seeking reliable financial growth, Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposits, rated AAA for safety. Start now with as low as Rs. 15,000.

Different financial ratios involving non-current liabilities

Financial ratios involving non-current liabilities are essential tools for assessing a company’s financial health.

 

Debt ratio

The debt ratio is calculated as:

Debt Ratio = Total Liabilities / Total Assets

It indicates the proportion of a company’s assets financed through debt. A lower debt ratio signifies less reliance on borrowed funds, while a higher ratio indicates increased financial risk.

 

Debt-to-equity ratio

The debt-to-equity ratio is calculated as:

Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Liabilities / Total Shareholders’ Equity

This ratio helps evaluate the balance between equity and debt in a company’s capital structure. A high ratio may indicate over-reliance on debt, which could strain financial stability.

 

Cash flow to debt ratio

The cash flow to debt ratio is calculated as:

Cash Flow to Debt Ratio = Cash Flow / Total Liabilities

This ratio measures a company’s ability to repay its debt using its operating cash flow. A higher ratio reflects better financial health and debt management capabilities.

Difference between various liabilities

Liabilities can be categorized into current and non-current liabilities, each serving distinct purposes.

 

Key differences between current and non-current liabilities

AspectCurrent LiabilitiesNon-Current Liabilities
DefinitionObligations due within one year.Obligations due after more than one year.
ExamplesAccounts payable, short-term loans.Long-term loans, bonds payable.
ImpactAffects short-term liquidity.Reflects long-term financial stability.

Understanding these differences is essential for accurate financial analysis and decision-making. Strengthen your financial portfolio by starting a Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit with just Rs. 15,000 and enjoy assured returns of up to 7.30% p.a. Invest now.


 

Conclusion

Non-current liabilities are a cornerstone of long-term financial planning and growth for businesses. They provide the necessary capital for expansion, infrastructure development, and strategic investments while allowing companies to manage their financial obligations over time. However, excessive reliance on long-term debt can increase financial risk. Balancing non-current liabilities with prudent investments, such as Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposits, can safeguard resources while offering secure returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to calculate non-current liabilities?

Non-current liabilities are calculated by summing up all financial obligations that are not due within the current fiscal year.

What are the current and non-current liabilities?

Current liabilities are short-term obligations due within a year, while non-current liabilities are long-term obligations payable after more than a year.

What is another name for a non-current liability?

Non-current liabilities are also referred to as long-term liabilities or fixed liabilities, as they are settled over an extended period.

Show More Show Less

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Disclaimer

As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or refer https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archives
The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

For the FD calculator the actual returns may vary slightly if the Fixed Deposit tenure includes a leap year.