Final answer:
Recording depreciation results in a decrease in both assets and net income. It is the process of allocating the cost of tangible assets over their useful life, affecting the balance sheet and income statement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effect of recording depreciation for the year is a decrease in assets and a decrease in net income. Depreciation is an accounting method of allocating the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. By recording depreciation, the book value of the asset decreases, which is reflected on the balance sheet as a lower asset value. Concurrently, the depreciation expense is recognized on the income statement, which reduces the net income for the period.