To track down the error related to the unpaid property taxes, the accounting team should review the general ledger.
Here's why:
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General Ledger: This is the main accounting record that contains all the accounts used to prepare the financial statements. The error regarding unpaid property taxes would typically be reflected in the appropriate liability account (e.g., Property Taxes Payable). By examining this account, the team can verify if this liability was recorded or if an entry was missed.
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Trial Balance: While the trial balance summarizes the balances of all accounts in the general ledger, it may not provide detailed insight into specific accounts. However, it can help confirm that the general ledger accounts are balanced.
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Journal Entry: The accounting team can also look at the journal entries related to tax expenses and see if an entry was made for the property tax expense and whether the corresponding liability was recorded. However, this step might be less efficient if the entries are numerous and detailed.
In summary, the general ledger is the best place to start to track down the error regarding the unpaid property taxes.