What is a Commitment Item used for in the context of budget planning?

A Commitment Item plays a crucial role in budget planning as it helps in identifying appropriation limits. Appropriation limits define the maximum amount of funds that can be allocated or spent within a specific category or purpose in the budget. By using commitment items, organizations can categorize their expenses and track their commitments against the budgeted limits, ensuring they do not exceed allocated funds. This systematic approach is essential for maintaining fiscal discipline and ensuring that spending aligns with the overall financial strategy of the organization. The clarity that commitment items bring allows for better management of resources and aids in the financial planning process.