In theory, many assets are subject to taxes upon withdrawal. In the US,
those taxes might be short term or long term capital gains (taxable
accounts), or regular income (retirement accounts like 401k), or none if
withdrawn after a certain age (Roth).
A balance sheet books taxes at they point
401k is an asset.
When I compute net worth I apply estimated taxes with a rate that depends
on the account, e.g. pre tax, Roth, taxable, etc.
In that sense assets is "gross" but I'm not sure it makes sense to say that.
I don't track pension at the government (social security). It's an expense
