AccountingQA Latest Questions

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  2. Ishika Pandey Curious ca aspirant
    This answer was edited.

    Definition Bad debts are a debt owed to an enterprise that is considered to be irrecoverable or we can say that it is owed to the business that is written off because it is irrecoverable. Bad debts will be treated in the following ways : On the debit side of the profit and loss account. In the curreRead more

    Definition

    Bad debts are a debt owed to an enterprise that is considered to be irrecoverable or we can say that it is owed to the business that is written off because it is irrecoverable.

    Bad debts will be treated in the following ways :

    On the debit side of the profit and loss account.

    In the current assets side of the balance sheet, these are deducted from sundry debtors.

    For example loans from banks are declared as bad debt, sales made on credit and amounts not received from customers, etc.

    Now I will show you an extract of the profit and loss account and balance sheet   

    Current assets are defined as cash and other assets that are expected to be converted into cash or consumed in the production of goods or the rendering of services in the ordinary course of business.

    For example,  debtors exist to convert them into cash i.e., receive the amount from them, bills receivable exist again for receiving cash against it, etc.

     

    Current liabilities are defined as liabilities that are payable normally within 12 months from the end of the accounting period or in other words which fall due for payment in a relatively short period.

    For example bills payable, short-term loans, etc.

     

    Accounting treatment

    Now let me try to explain to you the accounting treatment for bad debts which is as follows :

    • Balance sheet
      • In the balance sheet either it can be shown on the asset side under head current assets by reducing from that specific assets.
      • For example, if credit sales are made to a customer who says it’s not recoverable or is partially recoverable then the amount is bad debt. It’s a loss for the business and credited to the personal account of debtors or we can say reduced from debtor those are current assets of the balance sheet.

     

    • Profit and loss account
      • Bad debts are treated as an expense and debited to the profit and loss account.
      • For example, as I have explained above, but before transferring to the balance sheet, bad debt will be debited to the profit and loss account as an expense.

     

    Reasons for bad debts

    There are several reasons why businesses may have bad debts some of them are as follows:-

    • Offered credit to customers who were unable to pay them back, or they may have been the victim of fraud.

     

    • When there is conflicts or dispute arise with respect to product size, color, quality, delivery, credit term, price, etc therefore debts becomes bad.

     

    • Debtors have poor financial management or they are not able to pay debts on time.

     

    • Debtors’ unwillingness to pay is also a reason for debts to become bad.

     

    • Or there can be more cases where debtors are unable to collect debts and debts turns out to be bad.

     

    Accounting methods

    There are two methods for accounting for bad debts which are mentioned below:-

    • First, is the direct written-off method which states that bad debts will be directly treated as expenses and expensed to the income statement, which is called the profit and loss account.

     

    • Second, is the allowance method which means we create provisions for doubtful debts accounts and the debtor’s account remains as it is since the debtor’s account and provision for doubtful debts account are two separate accounts.

     

      • Debts that are doubtful of recovery are provided estimating the debts that may not be recovered .amount debited to the profit and loss account reduces the current year’s profit and the amount of provision is carried forward to the next year.
      • Next year, when debts actually become bad debts and are written off, the amount of bad debts is transferred ( debited ) to the provision for doubtful debts account.
      • The amount of bad debts is not debited to the profit and loss account since it was already debited in earlier years.
      • Provision for doubtful debts is shown in the debit side of the profit and loss account as well as shown as a deduction from sundry debtors in the assets side of the balance sheet. 

     

    Related terms

    So there are a few related terms whose meanings you should know

    • Further bad debts :
      • It means the amount of sundry debtors in the trial balance is before the deduction of bad debts. in this situation, entry for further bad debts is also passed into the books of account.
      • That is bad debts are debited and the debtor’s account is credited. And the accounting treatment for them is the same as bad debts which I have shown you above.

     

    • Bad debts recovered :
      • It may happen that the amount written off as bad debts is recovered fully or partially.
      • In that case, the amount is not credited to the debtor’s (personal) account but is credited to the bad debts recovered account because the amount recovered had been earlier written off as a loss.
      • Thus amount recovered is a ‘gain’  and is credited to the profit and loss account.

     

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  2. Ishika Pandey Curious ca aspirant

    Definition Goodwill is an intangible asset that places an enterprise in an advantageous position due to which the enterprise is able to earn higher profits without extra effort. For example, if the enterprise has rendered good services to its customers, it will be satisfied with the quality of its sRead more

    Definition

    Goodwill is an intangible asset that places an enterprise in an advantageous position due to which the enterprise is able to earn higher profits without extra effort.

    For example, if the enterprise has rendered good services to its customers, it will be satisfied with the quality of its services, which will bring them back to the enterprise.

    Features

    The value of goodwill is a subjective assessment of the valuer.
    • It helps in earning higher profits.
    • It is an intangible asset.
    • It is an attractive force that brings in customers to the business.
    • It has realizable value when the business is sold out.

    Need for goodwill valuation

    The need for the valuation of goodwill arises in the following circumstances :
    • When there is a change in profit sharing ratio.
    • When a new partner is admitted.
    • When partner retires or dies.
    • When a partnership firm is sold as a going concern.
    • When two or more firms amalgamate.

    Classification of goodwill

    Goodwill is classified into two categories:
    • Purchased goodwill
    • Self-generated goodwill

    Purchased goodwill :

    Is that goodwill acquired by the firm for consideration whether paid or kind?
    For example: when a business is purchased and purchase consideration is more than the value of net assets the difference amount is the value of purchase goodwill.

    Self-generated goodwill

    It is that goodwill that is not purchased for consideration but is earned by the management’s efforts.
    It is an internally generated goodwill that arises from a number of factors ( such as favorable location, efficient management, good quality of products, etc ) that a running business possesses due to which it is able to earn higher profits.

    Methods of valuation

    1. Average profit method
    2. Super profit method
    3. Capitalization method

    Average profit method: goodwill under the average profit method can be calculated either by :
    • Simple average profit method or
    • Weighted average profit method

     

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  2. Ishika Pandey Curious ca aspirant
    This answer was edited.

    Definition The trial balance is a list of all the closing balances of the general ledger at the end of the year. Or in other words, I can say that it is a statement showing debit and credit balances. A trial balance is prepared on a particular date and not on a particular period. Importance As the tRead more

    Definition

    The trial balance is a list of all the closing balances of the general ledger at the end of the year. Or in other words, I can say that it is a statement showing debit and credit balances.

    A trial balance is prepared on a particular date and not on a particular period.

    Importance

    As the trial balance is prepared at the end of the year so it is important for the preparation of financial statements like balance sheet or profit and loss

    Purpose of trial balance which are as follows:

      • To verify the arithmetical accuracy of the ledger accounts
      • This means trial balance indicates that equal debits and credits have been recorded in the ledger accounts.
      • It enables one to establish whether the posting and other accounting processes have been carried out without any arithmetical errors.
      • To help in locating errors
      • There can be some errors if the trial balance is untallied therefore to get error-free financial statements trial balance is prepared.
      • To facilitates the preparation of financial statements
      • A trial balance helps us to directly prepare the financial statements and then which gives us the right to not look or no need to refer to the ledger accounts.

     

    Preparation of trial balance

      • To verify the correctness of the posting of ledger accounts in the terms of debit credit amounts periodically, a periodic trial balance may be prepared ( say ) at the end of the month or quarter, or half year.
      • There is no point in denying that a trial balance can be prepared at any time.
      • But it should at least be prepared at the end of the accounting period to verify the arithmetical accuracy of the ledger accounts before the preparation of financial statements.

     

    Methods of preparation

    • Balance method
    • Total amount methods

     

    These are two methods that you can use to prepare trail balance, now let me explain to you in detail about these methods which are as follows:-

     

    Balance method

    • The balances of all the accounts ( including cash and bank account ) are incorporated in the trial balance.
    • When ledger accounts are balanced only this method can be used.
    • This method is generally used by accountants for preparation of the financial statements.

     

    Total amount method

    • Under this method, the total amount of debit and credit items in each ledger account is incorporated into the trial balance.
    • This method can be used immediately after the completion of posting from the books of the original entry ledger.

     

    Steps to prepare a trial balance

    • First, we need to decide the method to opt for the preparation of the trial balance which is mentioned above.
    • Then once opted, collect all the balances as per the method adopted and prepare accordingly by posting the debit and credit side of the trial balance.
    • After this process arrange all the accounts in order of their nature (assets, liabilities, equity, income, and expenses ).
    • Then you have to total debit and credit balances separately.
    • After the above steps if there is any difference between the total debit and credit side balances then that is adjusted through the suspense account.

     

    A suspense account is generated when the above case arises that is trial balance did not agree after transferring the balance of all ledger accounts including cash and bank balance.

    And also errors are not located in  timely, then the trial balance is tallied by transferring the difference between the debit and credit side to an account known as a suspense account.

     

    Rules of trial balance

    When we prepare a trial balance from the given list of ledger balances, the following rules to be kept in mind that are as follows :

    • The balance of all
    • Assets accounts
    • Expenses accounts
    • Losses
    • Drawings
    • Cash and bank balances

    Are placed in the debit column of the trial balance.

    • The balances of
    • liabilities accounts
    • income accounts
    • profits
    • capital

    Are placed in the credit column of the trial balance.

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  2. Ishika Pandey Curious ca aspirant
    This answer was edited.

    Definition Prepaid expenses are those expenses whose payments are done in advance which can be for the goods or services whose benefit will accrue in the subsequent accounting period. A prepaid expense is a current asset. prepaid expenses are classified under the head current assets in the balance sRead more

    Definition

    Prepaid expenses are those expenses whose payments are done in advance which can be for the goods or services whose benefit will accrue in the subsequent accounting period.

    A prepaid expense is a current asset. prepaid expenses are classified under the head current assets in the balance sheet.

    This is because they provide future economic benefits to the company. As such, they are assets that can be used to generate revenue in the future.

    For example prepaid rent, prepaid insurance, etc.

     

    Current assets are defined as cash and other assets that are expected to be converted into cash or consumed in the production of goods or rendering of services in the normal course of business.

    Or in other words, we can say that the expected realization period is less than the operating cycle period although it is more than the period of 12 months from the date of the balance sheet.

    For example, goods are purchased with the purpose to resell and earn a profit, debtors exist to convert them into cash i.e., receive the amount from them, bills receivable exist again for receiving cash against it, etc.

     

    Current liabilities are liabilities that are payable generally within 12 months from the end of the accounting period or in other words which fall due for payment in a relatively short period.

    For example bills payable, short-term loans, etc.

     

    Why current assets and not a  current liability?

    Now let me try to explain to you that prepaid expenses are classified as current assets  and not as a current liability which is as follows :

      • we can say that the expected realization period is less than the operating cycle period although it is more than the period of 12 months from the date of the balance sheet.
      • expected to be converted into cash or consumed in the production of goods or rendering of services in the normal course of business.
      • In the business prepaid expense are treated as an asset which we can see on the asset side of the balance sheet.
      • Or in other words, we can say that it is initially recorded as a prepaid expense as an asset in the balance sheet and subsequently its value is expensed over time in the profit and loss account.

     

    Example

    Now let us take an example for explaining prepaid expenses which are mentioned below.

    An insurance premium of Rs 50000 has been paid for one year beginning (previous year). The financial year ends on 31st  march YYYY.

    It means the premium for 6 months i.e., 1st April, YYYY(current year) to 30th September, YYYY(current year) amounting to Rs 25000 is paid in advance.

    Thus, of premium paid in advance (Rs 25000)  is a Prepaid Expense. It will be accounted as an expense in the financial year ending  31st  march next year. In the balance sheet as of 31st march YYYY ( current year ) it will be shown as Current Asset.

    Here is an extract of the profit /loss account and balance sheet of the above example:

     

    Key points

    There are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with prepaid expenses.

    • First, is that the expenses are actually prepaid. This means that the expenses were paid for before they were used.

     

    • Second, it is essential to track the number of prepaid expenses that have been used. That is to make sure that the prepaid expenses are not overstated on the company’s financial statements. This can happen if the company pays for more goods or services than it actually

     

    • Last but not least it is important to keep in mind that changes in the value of prepaid expenses can impact the company’s net income. For example, if the company’s prepaid insurance increases in value, this will increase the company’s net income.

     

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  2. Saurav

    Accruals are not the same as provisions both are totally different from each other. Accruals and provision both are vital parts of accounts but work differently   Accrual Accrual expense means the transaction that takes place in a particular period must be accounted for in that period only irreRead more

    Accruals are not the same as provisions both are totally different from each other. Accruals and provision both are vital parts of accounts but work differently

     

    Accrual

    Accrual expense means the transaction that takes place in a particular period must be accounted for in that period only irrespective of the fact when such an amount has been paid.

    An accrual of the expenditure which is not paid will be listed in the books of accounts. These accruals can be further divided into two parts

     

    Accrual Expense

    Accrual Expense means any transaction that takes place in a particular period but the amount for it will be paid on a later period.

    For example- 10,000 for the month of March was paid in April month then this rent will be accounted for in the books in March

    These are the following accrued expense

    • Accrual Rent– Accrual rent means the amount for using the land of the landlord is paid at a later period than the period when it is put into use.
    • Insurance– Accrual insurance means the amount paid as a premium to the insurance company paid on a later period than the period when it is due
    • Expense- Acrrual expense means the amount for any expense paid on a later period then the period when it pertains to be paid
    • Wages- Accrual wages means the amount which is paid to employees on a later period than the period when the wages get due

     

    Accrual Revenue

    Accrual Revenue means any transaction that takes place in a particular period but the amount for it will be received on later period. For example- If interest of 10,000 on bonds for the period of March is received in April months then this amount will be accounted for in March. These are the following accrued revenue

    • Accrual Rent– Accrual rent means the amount for using the land of an entity by another party is received on a later period than the period when it was put into use.
    • Accrued Interest– Accrued interest means the amount of interest received on a later period than the period when it pertains to receive

     

    PROVISIONS

    Provision refers to making a provision/allowance against any probable future expense that the company might incur in the near future. This amount is uncertain and difficult to predict its surety.

    However, as per the prudence concept of accounting a company needs to anticipate the losses that will incur in the near future due to which provision is made.

    For example- A company has debtors of 10,000 but as per the company’s previous records company anticipates that 1% of debtors will become bad debts. So in this case company will make a provision of 1% that is 100 on it.

    There are various types of provisions which are-

    • Provision on Depreciation– Provision for Depreciation means a provision for future depletion of assets has been already created
    • Provision for Doubtful Debts– Provision for Doubtful Debts means a provision created against debtors that doesn’t seem to be recovered in the near future
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  2. Kajal

    All expenses whose benefits are received over the years or the expenses or losses that are to be written off over the years are classified as Deferred revenue expenses. It includes fictitious expenses like preliminary expenses, loss on issue of debentures, advertising expenses, loss due to unusual oRead more

    All expenses whose benefits are received over the years or the expenses or losses that are to be written off over the years are classified as Deferred revenue expenses. It includes fictitious expenses like preliminary expenses, loss on issue of debentures, advertising expenses, loss due to unusual occurrences like loss due to fire, theft, and research and development expenses, etc. 

     

    DEFERRED REVENUE EXPENSES

    There are certain expenses which are revenue in nature (i.e. expenses incurred to maintain the earning capacity of the firm and generate revenue) but whose benefits are received over a period of years generally between 3 to 7 years. It means its benefit is received not only in the current accounting period but over a few consecutive accounting periods.

    CHARACTERISTICS

    • Revenue in nature
    • Benefits received for more than one accounting period.
    • Huge expenditure (large amount is involved)
    • Affects the profitability of the business (since a large amount is involved if charged in the same accounting period, then it will decrease the profitability for the year)
    • Written off over the years either partially or entirely.
    • Fictitious asset It doesn’t result in the creation of any asset but is shown as an asset (fictitious asset) on the Balance Sheet till fully written off.

     

    EXAMPLES

     

    ADVERTISING EXPENSES refers to the expenses incurred for promoting the goods or services of the firm through various channels like TV, Social media, Hoardings, etc.

    As the benefit of advertising is not received not only in the period when such expenses were incurred but also in the coming few years, it is classified as Deferred revenue expense.

    For example – Suppose the company incurred $10 lakh on advertising to introduce a new product in the market and estimated that its benefit will last for 4 years. In this case, $250,000 will be written off every year, for 4 consecutive years.

     

    EXCEPTIONAL LOSSES are losses that are incurred because of some unusual event and don’t happen regularly like loss from fire, theft, earthquake, flood or any other natural disaster, confiscation of property, etc.

    Since these losses can’t be written off in the year they occurred they are also treated as Deferred revenue expenditure and are written off over the years.

     

    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES are expenses incurred on researching and developing new products or improving the existing ones. Its benefits are received for many years and thus are classified as Deferred revenue expenses.

    For example – Expenses incurred on the creation of intangible assets like patents, copyrights, etc.

     

    PRELIMINARY EXPENSES are those expenses which are incurred before the incorporation and commencement of the business. It includes legal fees, registration fees, stamp duty, printing expenses, etc.

    These expenses are fictitious assets and are written off over the years.

     

    TREATMENT

    It is debited to the P&L amount (amount written off that year) and the remaining amount on the Aeest side of the Balance Sheet.

    In the above example of advertising expenses, in Year 1, $250,000 will be debited in the P&L A/c and the remaining amount of $750,000 is shown on the Asset side of the Balance Sheet.

    In Year 2, $250,00 in P&L A/c and the remaining $500,000 in Balance Sheet.

    In Year 3, $250,000 in P&L A/c and the remaining $250,000 in the Balance Sheet and in the last Year 4, only the remaining amount of $250,000 in P&L A/c and nothing in the Balance Sheet.

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  2. AbhishekBatabyal Helpful Pursuing CA, BCOM (HONS)
    This answer was edited.

    Meaning The term ‘Sundry creditors’ consist of two words:  ‘Sundry’ and ‘creditors’.  The word ‘sundry’ means the items which are not significant enough to be named separately. It also refers to a collection of miscellaneous items. Creditors are the person from whom money is borrowed or goods are puRead more

    Meaning

    The term ‘Sundry creditors’ consist of two words:  ‘Sundry’ and ‘creditors’. 

    The word ‘sundry’ means the items which are not significant enough to be named separately. It also refers to a collection of miscellaneous items.

    Creditors are the person from whom money is borrowed or goods are purchased on credit by a business or a non-business entity. They have to be repaid after a period of time which is usually less than or up to one year.

    By combining the meaning of both words, ’sundry’ and ‘creditor’, the term ‘sundry creditor’ will refer to the collection of insignificant creditors of an entity.

    Back in the days when accounting records were maintained on paper, only the records of those creditors were maintained separately, from whom goods are purchased regularly and in large amounts. 

    But there used to be numerous other creditors with whom the transactions were occasional and insignificant. To reduce the paperwork, records of all such creditors were maintained on a single page or book under the head ‘Sundry Creditors’

    Nowadays, as accounting records are maintained digitally, hence maintaining records of each and every creditor is not a problem. 

    Hence, every creditor whether small or big, is grouped under the head ‘Sundry creditor’ or ‘Trade Creditor’.

     

    Accounting Treatment 

    Sundry creditors are the persons to whom a business owes money. 

    Hence, as per golden rules of accounting, Sundry creditor is a personal account and the golden rule for personal account is, ‘Debit the receiver and credit the giver’ 

    We know sundry creditors are liabilities, hence, as per modern rule of accounting, sundry creditors are credited in case of increase and debited in case of decrease.

    Example, a business purchased goods for Rs. 10,000 from ABC & Co. The journal entry will as follows:

    Here, ABC & Co is the creditor. It is credited as it is a personal account and the creditor has given the goods to the business, hence the giver is credited.

    From point of view of modern rules of accounting, ABC & Co. is a creditor, a liability. On purchase of goods on credit, a liability is created. Hence, ABC & Co A/c is credited.

     

    Balance sheet

    Sundry creditor is a current liability, so it is shown on the liabilities side of a balance sheet. Trade payable and accounts payable mean sundry creditors only.

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  2. SidharthBadlani CA Inter Student
    This answer was edited.

    The profit earned by an entity is determined through the profit and loss account. All the expenses are recorded on the debit side of the profit and loss account while all the incomes are recorded on the credit side. The profit is shown as the credit balance of profit and loss A/c. When the sum of itRead more

    The profit earned by an entity is determined through the profit and loss account. All the expenses are recorded on the debit side of the profit and loss account while all the incomes are recorded on the credit side.

    The profit is shown as the credit balance of profit and loss A/c. When the sum of items on the debit side of a profit and loss account is less than the sum of those on the credit side, it implies profit while when the sum of the items on the credit side is less than the sum of those on the debit side, it implies a loss for the entity.

    The Reason for Credit

    Profit is recorded as an increase in equity

    To understand the reason why profit is recorded as a credit balance, we must first understand the basic principle of debit and credit.

    The basic principle of debits and credits is that debits increase asset accounts and decrease liability and equity accounts while credits decrease asset accounts and increase liability and equity accounts.

    The revenue that a company earns is credited to the income account and increases equity.

    The expenses that a company incurs to earn that revenue are debited to the expense account and decrease equity.

    The difference between revenue and expenses is the profit, which is recorded as an increase in equity.

    Increase in equity due to revenue – decrease in equity due to expense = profit

    Gross Profit Vs Net Profit

    Revenue is the total income that a business or profession earns. Profit is the excess revenue that remains after reducing all expenses from it.

    Gross profit is the profit that a company earns after reducing the cost of goods sold from sales revenue while net profit is the profit that a business earns after reducing the total of all its direct and indirect expenses from its direct as well as indirect allowable business income.

     

    Conclusion

    The basic principle of debit and credit governs the classification of profit as a debit or credit. Since profit increases our equity, it is a credit.

    In the case of a company, it belongs to the shareholders. It is usually recorded in the retained earnings account. Profit can be reinvested in the business or can be distributed as a dividend. In the case of a sole proprietorship, the profit belongs to the owner and is recorded in the owner’s capital account.

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