What is the effect on equity value after paying off a liability?

Paying off a liability reduces the total amount of debt on the balance sheet, which can lead to an increase in equity value. This is because equity value is calculated as the difference between total assets and total liabilities. When a liability is paid off, total liabilities decrease, and if total assets remain the same or increase, this results in a higher equity value.

Therefore, the increase in equity value occurs as liabilities decrease, reflecting a stronger financial position for the company. Thus, the most accurate assessment of the effect on equity value after paying off a liability is that it would increase.