AccountingQA Latest Questions

Bonnie
BonnieCurious
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  2. Ayushi Curious Pursuing CA

    ‘Reserve and surplus’ is a heading under ‘Equities and Liabilities’ in which various reserves and surplus of profit of an enterprise appear. Reserve are the amount set aside to meet with uncertainties of the future. They have credit balance as they are internal liabilities of an enterprise. While ‘sRead more

    ‘Reserve and surplus’ is a heading under ‘Equities and Liabilities’ in which various reserves and surplus of profit of an enterprise appear. Reserve are the amount set aside to meet with uncertainties of the future. They have credit balance as they are internal liabilities of an enterprise. While ‘surplus’ generally means the surplus amount in the profit and loss A/c or the operating surplus in case of a non-profit organisation, reserves are of many types:

    1. Revenue reserve
    2. Specific reserves
    • Reserves created from shareholder’s contribution
    1. Capital reserve
    2. Secret reserves

    Let’s discuss each of the above:

    1. Revenue reserves:

    Revenue reserve has two different definitions.

    First – Revenue reserves are the reserves that are created out of the profit made by an enterprise in the ordinary course of business. As per this definition, the examples of revenue reserves are:

    • General reserve: There is no restriction on the purpose for which this reserve can be used. It is a free reserve. Generally, this reserve is used to pay dividends.
    • Debenture Redemption Reserve: This reserve is mandatory to be created by law. The purpose is to ensure the timely redemption of debentures.
    • Dividend Equalisation Reserve: This reserve is created to maintain a steady rate of dividend every year even if the enterprise reports loss in any financial year.
    • Capital Redemption Reserve: This reserve can be solely used to issue bonus shares to fill the void created in total capital by redemption of preference shares.
    • Workmen Compensation Reserve: This reserve is created to pay for uncertain compensation that an enterprise may be liable to pay to its employees.
    • Investment Fluctuation Reserve: This reserve is created out of the profit of

     

       Second: Revenue reserve is a reserve from which can be used to any use. It can be the payment of dividends, creation of other reserves or reinvestment in the business. It is another name for general reserve.

    1. Specific reserves

    These are the reserves that are restricted to specific purposes only. These reserves are not free reserves i.e. dividends cannot be declared out of these reserves. However, if in case such reserve is not a statutory reserve, an enterprise can very well use such reserves for other purposes too. Specific reserves can be further classified into two types:

    • Statutory specific reserves: These are reserves that are mandatory to be created to comply with legal provisions applicable to an enterprise. Use of such reserves is restricted to some specific purposes.

    If such reserves are not created whenever applicable or if the amount in such reserves is used for a purpose other than the purpose for which it is created, the enterprise can invite face legal consequences. The examples of statutory reserves are as follows:

    • Capital Redemption Reserve
    • Debenture Redemption Reserve
    • Securities Premium Reserve
    • Non – Statutory specific reserves: It is not mandatory to create such reserves. They are created to meet with specific uncertainties of the future.
    • Workmen Compensation Reserve
    • Investment Fluctuation Reserve

    Important Note: Statutory reserve in the context of insurance companies means the minimum amount of cash and marketable securities to be set aside to comply with legal requirements.

    • Reserves created from shareholder’s contribution

    This is a reserve that is created out of a shareholder’s contribution. Securities premium reserve is the only such reserve that is created out of such shareholder’s contribution.

     

    Securities Premium Reserve: It is a reserve that is created when securities of a company such as shares or debentures are issued at a premium. The share or debenture premium money is created for this reserve. The purposes of which this reserve may be used as per section 52 of the Companies Act, 2013 are as follows:

    • For the issue of fully paid bonus shares.
    • For meeting preliminary expenses incurred by the company
    • For meeting the expense, commission or discount allowed on the issue of securities of the company.
    • In providing premium payable on the redemption of preference shares.
    • For the purchase of its own shares or other securities under section 68.
    1. Capital Reserve:

    Capital reserve is a reserve that is created out of the profit made by an enterprise from its non-operating activities like

    • selling of capital assets(fixed assets) at a profit
    • buying a business at profit (where net assets acquired is more than the purchase consideration)

    This reserve is used to finance long term projects of a company like buying or construction of fixed assets, writing off capital losses( selling of fixed assets at loss).

    1. Secret Reserve:

    A secret reserve is a reserve that exists but its existence is not shown in the balance sheet of an enterprise. An enterprise creates such reserves to hide from its competitor that it is in a better financial position than it appears in its balance sheet. Although the creation of secret reserves is prohibited by law, there are provisions for banking companies to create such reserves.

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

    Definition Contingent Asset is an asset the existence, ownership, or value of which may be known or determined only on the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events. However, the difference between Contingent assets is not disclosed whereas Contingent liabilities are discloRead more

    Definition

    Contingent Asset is an asset the existence, ownership, or value of which may be known or determined only on the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events.

    However, the difference between Contingent assets is not disclosed whereas Contingent liabilities are disclosed by way of notes they do have different criteria for recognition which are discussed below.

    For example:– a claim that an enterprise is pursuing through the legal process, where the outcome is uncertain, is a contingent asset.

    Contingent liabilities are defined as obligations relating to existing conditions or situations which may arise in the future depending on the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain events.

    For example:- Billis discounted but not yet matured, arrears of dividend on cum –preferences-shares, etc.

    Meaning as per AS – 29

    Now let me try to explain to you the meaning according to Accounting Standard 29 of the above contingent assets and liabilities which is as follows:-

    • Contingent asset

    A contingent asset is a possible asset that arises from past events the existence of which will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events.
    Not wholly within the control of the enterprise.

    It usually arises from unplanned or unexpected events that give rise to the possibility of an inflow of economic benefits to the enterprise.

    • Contingent liability

    A possible obligation that arises from past events the existence of which will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events.
    Not wholly within the control of the enterprise.

    A present obligation that arises from past events but is not recognized because it is not probable that the outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation or,
    A reliable estimate of the amount of obligation cannot be made.

    Recognition In Financial Statements

    Contingent assets and liabilities are recognized as follows:-

    • Contingent Assets

    As per the prudence concept s well as present accounting standards, an enterprise should not recognize a contingent asset.

    It is possible that the recognition of contingent assets may result in the recognition of income that may never be realized.

    However, when the realization of income is virtually certain, the related asset no longer remains contingent.

    • Contingent liability

    As per the rules, it is not recognized by an enterprise.

    When recognized?

    Contingent assets are assessed continually and if it has become virtuality an outflow of economic benefits will arise.

    The assets and the related income are recognized in the financial statements of the period in which the change occurs.

    Contingent liability is assessed continually to determine whether an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits has become probable.

    And if it becomes probable that an outflow or future economic benefits will require for an item previously dealt with as a contingent liability.

    A provision is recognized in financial statements of the period in which the change probability occurs except in extremely rare circumstances where no reliable estimate can be made.

    Disclosure

    Now we will see how contingent assets and liability are disclosed which is mentioned below:-

    • Contingent asset

    These contingent assets are not disclosed in financial statements.
    A contingent asset is usually disclosed in the report of the approving authority ( ie.e., Board Of Directors in the case of a company, and the corresponding approving authority in case of any enterprise), if ab inflow of economic benefits is probable.

    • Contingent Assets

    A contingent liability is required to be disclosed by way of a note to the balance sheet unless the possibility of an outflow of a resource embodying economic benefit is remote.

     

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Astha
AsthaLeader
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  2. Naina@123 (B.COM and CMA-Final)
    This answer was edited.

    Return inwards in simple terms means sending back goods by the customer to the seller. Simply speaking when your customer purchases items from your business but is not satisfied with the items so received they return those items back to you. Some of the reasons for sending back the items are statedRead more

    Return inwards in simple terms means sending back goods by the customer to the seller. Simply speaking when your customer purchases items from your business but is not satisfied with the items so received they return those items back to you. Some of the reasons for sending back the items are stated below:

    • Incorrect items delivered by the seller
    • The excess amount delivered to the buyer
    • Return of expired/ spoiled good

     

    In such a case, the return is initiated by the buyer and a credit note is issued to the buyer, and the same is recorded in the books of accounts. Also, this return inward is deducted from the total sales.

    Example: M/s Pest ltd sold 4 units of fertilizers spraying tools of Rs 10,000 each to Mr. Zen. On inspection, he found 1 unit worth Rs 10,000 so received to be defective. Therefore the return of Rs 10,000 was initiated and goods were returned to the seller. A credit note of Rs 10,000 will be raised by the seller (M/s Pest ltd) to the buyer (Mr. Zen). The following adjustment will be shown in the trading account.

     

    Return outwards means returning the goods by the buyer to the supplier. In layman language, when you purchase items for your business and you are not happy with the items then you may decide to return them.

    In this case, a debit note is issued to the seller and is recorded in the books of accounts, and the same is reduced from the total purchases in the trading account so prepared.

    Example: Suppose you are dealing in a business of clothing. You purchased 20 shirts for Rs.10,000 from a wholesale market. When you sold these shirts, you found 10 shirts worth Rs 5,000 to be defective which were returned by your customer. Therefore you will return these shirts to the wholesale market from where you purchased them. The following adjustment will be shown in the trading account.

     

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AbhishekBatabyal
AbhishekBatabyalHelpful
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  2. Ayushi Curious Pursuing CA
    This answer was edited.

    The term ‘bad debt’ and ‘write off’ are often used together in a sentence but they have different meanings. First, we will discuss them in brief to understand the differences between them. Bad debts We know, debtors for a business are their assets because the business has the right to receive moneyRead more

    The term ‘bad debt’ and ‘write off’ are often used together in a sentence but they have different meanings. First, we will discuss them in brief to understand the differences between them.

    Bad debts

    We know, debtors for a business are their assets because the business has the right to receive money from the debtors due to the goods supplied to them.

    But if due to circumstances, there appears no probability that the amount due to one or more debtors will be realised to the business, then such debts are categorised as bad debts.

    In short, bad debts refer to the amount of money that will not be received from some debtors of the business due to some circumstances like insolvency of debtor etc.

    Bad debt is deducted from debtors account by the following journal entry:

    Bad debts A/c Dr. Amt
    To Debtors A/c Cr. Amt
    (Being bad debts written off from debtors)

    As bad debts are losses to a business, it is ultimately written off from the profit and loss account.

    Profit and loss A/c Dr. Amt
    To Bad debts A/c Cr. Amt
    (Being bad debts written off to profit and loss account)

    Write off

    In layman terms, write off means to deduct something out from something. In accounting, write off means to deduct or reduce value of assets by crediting it to a liability account which is usually a reserve account or the profit and loss account.

    It also refers to the elimination of an item from the books of accounts particularly losses and expenses.

    Generally, writing off is associated with the following:

    1. Bad debts.
    2. Damaged Inventories.
    3. Loss on issue or redemption of debentures.
    4. Preliminary expenses.
    5. Bad loans and advances.

    Write off can be done in one of the following methods:

    1. Direct write-off: The write off is directly done by crediting asset account or loss account and debiting the reserve or P/L account.
    2. Indirect write-off: Here, an intermediate account is involved between the asset account and liabilities account. A common example is writing off of bad debts where the bad debts account is the intermediate account.

    Hence, the following differences can be observed between bad debts and write off or writing off:

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Anushka Lalwani
Anushka Lalwani
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  2. Saurav

    Brands can be considered as an Intangible asset as they are a long-term investment done by the company and it gives benefit to an entity in future periods. Like any other intangible asset, brands require long-term investment and will pay over time. Like any other asset, these brands can be bought anRead more

    Brands can be considered as an Intangible asset as they are a long-term investment done by the company and it gives benefit to an entity in future periods.

    Like any other intangible asset, brands require long-term investment and will pay over time. Like any other asset, these brands can be bought and sold. Brands are best used when they serve the vision and mission of the company.

    So, we can definitely consider an organization brand as an intangible as it is expected to increase sales volume in the future period.

    Further, we can understand both terms to get a deep understanding-

     

    BRAND

    Brand means a product, or service which has a unique identification and can be distinct from other products in the market. Branding is a process by which expenditure is incurred by an entity to create awareness towards the product in the customer’s eyes.

    For example- Maggie, Coca-Cola, BMW

    Brands can be created through these elements-

    • Design
    • Packaging
    • Advertisement

     

    INTANGIBLE ASSETS

    Intangible asset are assets that can’t be seen or touched but the benefit of it occur in future periods for the entity. Even though intangible assets have no physical form but their benefits will accrue in future years. Businesses commonly hold intangible assets. Intangible assets can be further bifurcated in

    Definite– Intangible assets that stay and give benefit for a limited or specific period of time covered under this

    For example- An agreement is entered with an entity to patent a product for 5 years so this will stay for a definite period only

    Indefinite– Intangible assets that stay and  give benefit for an unlimited  period of time covered under this

    For example- A brand which is made by an entity will stay for an indefinite period

    Intangible assets can be in various forms these are the following –

    Trademark– A trademark is a sign, design, and expression that distinguish the company’s product or services from other company. Trademark is considered an Intellectual Property Right.

    Goodwill– Goodwill refers to the value of the company that the company gets from its brand, customer base, and brand Reputation associated with its intellectual property.

    Patents– A patent refers to a right reserved for a product exclusively by a person or entity. Under this the right of such making of the product gets reserved by the company and other person or entity can’t make this product.

    Copyright– Copyright refers to an intellectual property right that protects the work of the original owner from being copied by some other person.

    Brand– Brand means a product, or service that has a unique identification and can be distinct from other products in market

    So, we can definitely consider that brand is a subpart of an intangible asset and can be considered as an intangible asset as it also can’t be touched or seen. Still, its benefit will accrue till future time. These both help an entity to grow its business till the future

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Karan
Karan
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Difference BetweenFixed CapitalFluctuating Capital
  2. Radhika
    This answer was edited.

    Capital Accounts record transactions of owners of a business and typically includes amount invested, retained, and withdrawn from the business. In the case of a partnership firm, there are multiple capital accounts as multiple people own the business. Capital Accounts in a partnership firm can be ofRead more

    Capital Accounts record transactions of owners of a business and typically includes amount invested, retained, and withdrawn from the business. In the case of a partnership firm, there are multiple capital accounts as multiple people own the business.

    Capital Accounts in a partnership firm can be of two types:

    • Fixed Capital Account
    • Fluctuating Capital Account

    A fixed Capital Account is one where only non-recurring transactions related to capital accounts are recorded. For example:

    • Capital introduced
    • Capital withdrawn/ Drawings

    For transactions that are recurring in nature like interest on capital, the interest of drawings a separate account called Partner’s Current Account is created.

    Fluctuating Capital Accounts are the ones where there is a single account to record all types of transactions related to the partner’s capital account, whether recurring or nonrecurring.

    Fixed Capital Accounts are usually created in cases where there are numerous recurring transactions and partners want to keep a record of the fixed amount invested in the business by all the partners at any point in time.

    Fluctuating Capital Account is usually created in cases where the number of recurring transactions is not high or partners want to keep a record of the amount due to all the partners in business at any point in time.

    However, the decision to choose what kind of capital account should be implemented in the firm is complete with the partners. They may choose whatever they think is a more suitable fit.

    To summarise the difference between the two following table can be used:

    Fixed Capital Account Fluctuating Capital Account
       
    Non-recurring transactions are recorded. Recurring transactions are recorded.
    Created where the number of recurring transactions is high to maintain a separate record. Created where the number of recurring transactions is low.
    Examples:

    ·       Capital introduced

    ·       Capital withdrawn

    		 Examples:

    ·       Interest on capital

    ·       Interest in drawings

     

     

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Anushka Lalwani
Anushka Lalwani
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  2. Akash Kumar AK
    This answer was edited.

    Expenses are of two types, are Direct Expenses Indirect Expenses   Direct Expenses Direct expenses are those expenses are which are directly related to the manufacturing or production of the final goods. These expenses are also known as Manufacturing expenses. Manufacturing or production of gooRead more

    Expenses are of two types, are

    1. Direct Expenses
    2. Indirect Expenses

     

    Direct Expenses

    Direct expenses are those expenses are which are directly related to the manufacturing or production of the final goods. These expenses are also known as Manufacturing expenses.

    Manufacturing or production of goods indicates the conversion of Raw material into finished goods. the expenses incurred in the stage of conversion are treated as Direct expenses or Manufacturing expenses.

    Direct expenses are shown on the Debit side of the Trading Account.

     

    Indirect Expenses

    Indirect expenses are those expenses that are incurred to run a business day-to-day and maintenance of the company.  In other words, they are not directly related to making a product or service or buying a wholesale product to resell.

    Indirect expenses are classified into three types, which are

    1. Factory Expenses
    2. Administrative Expenses
    3. Selling & Distribution Expenses

    Indirect Expenses are shown on the Debit side of the Profit and Loss Account.

     

    Presentation of Direct Expenses in Trading Account

     

    Examples of Direct Expenses

    1. Gas, water, and Fuel: Gas, water, and fuel are the essentials to run a factory and are used in machinery to manufacture its final goods.
    2. Wages: Wages are the daily payments to the workers or Labours working in the factory premises on a daily or weekly payment basis.
    3. Freight and Carriage: Freight and Carriage are the expenses related to the importing of raw materials from the godown or from the outsiders to the Factory.
    4. Factory Rent: Rent paid for the factory area or any payment related to the place of the factory is known as factory rent.
    5. Factory Lighting: The expenses related to the uniform distribution of light over the working plane are obtained in the factory premises.
    6. Factory Insurance: The payment of insurance related to the factory will come under direct expenses.
    7. Manufacturing Expenses: Any other expenses related to the manufacturing process of finished goods are manufacturing expenses.
    8. Cargo Expenses: These are the expenses related to goods or freight being shipped or carried by the ocean, air, or land from one place to another.
    9. Upkeep and Maintenance: These are the expenses related to the maintenance of the factory for smooth running.
    10. Repairs on Machinery: The expenses related to any repair on machinery which is used in the production.
    11. Coal, Oil, and Grease: Coal, oil, and grease are the essentials to run machinery which results in the conversion of raw material to finished goods.
    12. Custom Charges: The expenses related to the payment of any Customs duty for the material imported.
    13. Clearing Charges: A clearing charge is a charge assessed on securities transactions by a clearing house for completing transactions using its own facilities.
    14. Depreciation on Machinery: Generally it is a nonmonetary expense but recorded in the trading account as a direct expense as per the accrual accounting.
    15. Import duty: any payment related to the importing of any machinery or any material from other countries is known as import duty.
    16. Octroi: this is the tax levied by a local political unit, normally the commune or municipal authority, on certain categories of goods as they enter the area.
    17. Shipping expenses: any expense related to the shipment charges of the raw material is known as shipping expenses.
    18. Motive power: Motive Power basically means any power, such as electricity or steam energy, etc, used to impart motion to any source of mechanical energy.
    19. Dock dues: a payment that a shipping company must pay for the use of a port.
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