AccountingQA Latest Questions

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  2. Ayushi Curious Pursuing CA

    In trial balance, the treatment of the general reserve is that it is presented on the credit side. A trial balance is a statement prepared to check the arithmetical accuracy of the books of accounts. It features the closing balances of all the assets, liabilities and equity of a business. General reRead more

    In trial balance, the treatment of the general reserve is that it is presented on the credit side.

    A trial balance is a statement prepared to check the arithmetical accuracy of the books of accounts. It features the closing balances of all the assets, liabilities and equity of a business.

    General reserve is a free reserve created out of revenue profits of a business to meet future needs and uncertainties. By free reserve, we mean dividends can be freely declared and distributed out of it.

    Since the general reserve is an internal liability i.e. liability to the owner or owners or the business, it has a credit balance and is hence shown on the credit side of the trial balance.

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  2. GautamSaxena Curious .
    This answer was edited.

    Starting of the business The starting of the business, in accounting terms, is called the commencement of the business. There are three types of businesses that can be commenced, they are, sole proprietorship, partnership, and joint-stock company. In order to start the business, in companies, commenRead more

    Starting of the business

    The starting of the business, in accounting terms, is called the commencement of the business. There are three types of businesses that can be commenced, they are, sole proprietorship, partnership, and joint-stock company.

    In order to start the business, in companies, commencement is a declaration issued by the company’s directors with the registrar stating that the subscribers of the company have paid the amount agreed. In a sole proprietorship, the business can be commenced with the introduction of any asset such as cash, stock, furniture, etc.

    Journal entry

    In this entry, “Started business with cash $60,000”

    As per the golden rules of accounting, the cash a/c is debited because we bring in cash to the business, and as the rule says “debit what comes in, credit what goes out.” Whereas the capital a/c is credited because “debit all expenses and losses, credit all incomes and gains”

    As per modern rules of accounting, cash a/c is debited as cash is a current asset, and assets are debited when they increase. Whereas, on the increment on liabilities, they are credited, therefore, capital a/c is credited.

     

     

     

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Simerpreet
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  2. Mitika

    Straight Line Depreciation Journal Entry Straight-line depreciation refers to the diminishing value of assets over the life of the asset. In other words, the cost of the asset spreads evenly over the useful life of the assets. The salvage value or Residual value of an asset means the estimated valueRead more

    Straight Line Depreciation Journal Entry

    Straight-line depreciation refers to the diminishing value of assets over the life of the asset. In other words, the cost of the asset spreads evenly over the useful life of the assets.

    The salvage value or Residual value of an asset means the estimated value of the asset at the end of its useful life.

    The depreciation can also be charged with another method like Written Down Value (WDV) Method.

     

    Formula

    Depreciation per annum = ( Cost of asset – Salvage Value) / Useful Life

     

    The journal entry for the depreciation is:

    JOURNAL ENTRIES

    		  
    Depreciation on Asset A/C                               DR.
                                To Asset A/C
    (Being depreciation charged on asset)

     

    Now let us understand this with an example, suppose XYZ Ltd. has an asset of value 90,000 with a useful life of 3 years. The company uses the straight-line method of depreciation to depreciate the asset in its book.

     

    So, the depreciation per annum would be calculated as:-

    = 90,000/3

    = 30,000

     

    In Year 1, the depreciation will be charged as 30,000 for this year. It will be debited to the  depreciation account and credited to the asset account. Thus, the value of the asset at the end of year 1 will be 60,000 (90,000-30,000).

    JOURNAL ENTRIES

    		  
      DR CR
    Depreciation on Asset A/C                                                   30,000
              To Asset A/C                                                                                                              30,000
    (being depreciation charged on asset)

     

    In Year 2, the depreciation will be charged as  30,000. The entry would be the same as the previous year. The value of the asset at the end of year 2 will be 30,000 (60,000-30,000).

    JOURNAL ENTRIES  
      DR CR
    Depreciation on Asset A/C                                                   30,000
              To Asset A/C                                                                                                                  30,000
    (being depreciation charged on asset)

     

    At last in Year 3, the depreciation will be charged 30,000. The entry would be the same. The value of the asset at the end of year 3 will be Nil (30,000- 30,000).

    JOURNAL ENTRIES

    		  
      DR

    CR
    Depreciation on Asset A/C                                                30,000
              To Asset A/C                                                                                                            30,000
    (being depreciation charged on asset)

     

    The depreciation will be charged to the profit and loss account for the year as it is an expense for the company.

     

    The entries will be posted into depreciation account as mentioned:

    DEPRECIATION A/C  
    Date Particulars Amount Date Particulars Amount
    Year 1 To Asset A/C 30,000   By Profit and Loss A/C 30,000
        30,000     30,000
               
    Year 2 To Asset A/C 30,000   By Profit and Loss A/C 30,000
        30,000     30,000
               
    Year 3 To Asset A/C 30,000   By Profit and Loss A/C 30,000
        30,000     30,000
               

     

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Ishika Pandey
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  2. SidharthBadlani CA Inter Student
    This answer was edited.

    Yes, accounting is necessary even for not-for-profit organizations. NPOs or not-for-profit organizations are those that are created for the welfare of the society. They intend to advance some social cause. For example charities, orphanages etc Accounting for NPOs becomes necessary as the trustees ofRead more

    Yes, accounting is necessary even for not-for-profit organizations.

    NPOs or not-for-profit organizations are those that are created for the welfare of the society. They intend to advance some social cause. For example charities, orphanages etc

    Accounting for NPOs becomes necessary as the trustees of these institutions are liable to their members, the donors and the government. They discharge this function with documenting activities of the institution.

     

    What is a not-for-profit organization?

    A not-for-profit organization is an entity that undertakes charitable activities. These institutions do not have earning profit as their primary motive. Their focus is on extending social welfare.

    Every not-for-profit organization usually has a group of trustees that are responsible for handling all its operations. These trustees are accountable to the members of the NPO.

    A not-for-profit organization usually relies on donations and grants as its primary source of revenue. They do not charge the stakeholders to whom they extend their services or goods.

     

    What does accounting for Not-for-profit organizations entail

    The professionals undertaking accounting of not-for-profit organizations must have a significant knowledge of statutory provisions and accounting principles. Here is a brief overview of what accounting for a not-for-profit organizations entails

    • Ensuring that the institution fulfills all the legal compliances necessary for it to continue functioning as a NPO.
    • Documenting all the activities of the institution and ensuring that the NPO has the necessary permits to carry out those activities.
    • Accounting for all the revenue receipts and expenses of the institution. The professional must keep in mind that the interests of the members and other stakeholders are not being subjected to any prejudice.
    • In India, every NPO has to compulsorily prepare a receipt and payment account, income and expenditure account and a balance sheet. These have to be submitted to the Registrar of Societies before the due dates.

    • Every professional undertaking the accounting of a not-for-profit organization must keep in mind that a single non-compliance or partial-compliance can result in the NPO losing out on its tax-exempt status.
    • In the past there have been many instances when NPOs have been used for the purpose of money laundering or tax evasion.
    • This has resulted in the government making the compliances for these institutions more stringent. The institutions are now required to be more transparent regarding their operations.

    We can conclude that accounting is an indispensable requirements for not-for-profit organizations to be able to continue their operations and claim the statutory benefits that the government has extended to them.

     

     

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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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Nistha
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Accounting PoliciesAccounting PrinciplesDifference Between
  2. Sandy CMA Final
    This answer was edited.

    To begin with, let me give you a brief explanation of both the terms i.e. Accounting policies and accounting principles- In order to maintain the financial statements, the company’s management adopts various Accounting Policies of its own. This generally includes the rules, the directions as to howRead more

    To begin with, let me give you a brief explanation of both the terms i.e. Accounting policies and accounting principles-

    In order to maintain the financial statements, the company’s management adopts various Accounting Policies of its own. This generally includes the rules, the directions as to how the financial statements will be prepared or how the valuation of depreciation would be done, and so on. These are flexible in nature and vary from company to company.

    For Example 1, Johnson Co. uses FIFO (first in first out) method to value the inventory. That is to say that, while selling its product, it sells those goods or products which it has acquired or produced first.

    It does not consider the LIFO or weighted average cost. The other company may adopt the other method as per its wish.

    Example 2, Johnson Co. uses the straight-line method of depreciating an asset, whereas the other company can opt for a written down value method depending upon the need of the company.

    So what I am trying to explain from this is that the accounting policies are flexible and can be adopted as per the needs of the company.

    Accounting Principles are the rules which the accountants adopt universally for recording and reporting the financial data. It brings uniformity in accounting throughout the practice of accounting. These are generally less flexible in nature.

    For Example, “Cost” is a principle. According to this accounting principle, an asset is recorded in the books at the price paid to acquire it and this cost will be the basis for all the subsequent accounting for the asset.  However, asset market value may change over time, but for the accounting purpose, it continues to be shown at its book value i.e. at which it is acquired.

    Some more examples would be of Matching principle, Consistency principle, Money measurement principle, etc.

    Differences

    Conclusion

    The point is Accounting Principles are the broad direction to reach a goal and to reach that goal helps the accounting policies.

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Jasmeet_Sethi
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  2. prashant06 B.com, CMA pursuing
    This answer was edited.

    Let me brief you about the nature of computers, their parts, laptops according to the companies act 2013. Basically, these are treated as non-current tangible fixed assets. This is because these types of equipment are used in business to generate revenue over its useful life for more than a year. AsRead more

    Let me brief you about the nature of computers, their parts, laptops according to the companies act 2013. Basically, these are treated as non-current tangible fixed assets. This is because these types of equipment are used in business to generate revenue over its useful life for more than a year. As per the companies act 2013, the following extract of the depreciation rate chart is given for computers.

    Giving you a short example, suppose M/s spy Ltd purchased 20 computers worth Rs 30000 each. As per the companies act 2013, the computer’s useful life is taken to be 3 years, and the rate of depreciation rate is 63.16%. Applying the WDV method we can calculate depreciation as follows:

     Depreciation as per WDV = (Cost of an asset – salvage value)* Depreciation rate

    So for the first year, the depreciation amount will be

    Cost of computers = Rs 6,00,000 (20*30000)

    Salvage value = NIL

    Rate of depreciation as per the Act = 63.16%

    Therefore depreciation = (6,00,000 – NIL)* 63.16%

    = Rs 3,78,960

    this amount of depreciation will be shown in the profit & loss account as depreciation charged to computers and the same will be adjusted in the balance sheet. The extract of Profit & Loss and corresponding year Balance sheet is shown below.

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Aadil
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  2. Simerpreet Helpful CMA Inter qualified
    This answer was edited.

    The journal entry for Cash Sales is- Particulars Amount Amount Cash A/c                                                      Dr $$$      To Sales A/c $$$ Sales Account is a Revenue Account and Cash Account is an Asset Account for the business. So, According to the modern approach for Sales account:Read more

    The journal entry for Cash Sales is-

    Particulars Amount Amount
    Cash A/c                                                      Dr $$$
         To Sales A/c $$$

    Sales Account is a Revenue Account and Cash Account is an Asset Account for the business.

    So, According to the modern approach for Sales account:

    • When there is an increase in the Revenue, it is ‘Credited’.
    • When there is a decrease in the Revenue, it is ‘Debited’.

     

    According to the Modern approach for Cash  account:

    • When there is an increase in the Asset, it is ‘Debited’.
    • When there is a decrease in the Asset, it is ‘Credited’.

     

    So, the journal entry here is about cash sales and since there is an increase in Revenue on account of goods being sold, the sales account will be credited as per the modern rule and due to the increase in cash on account of sales, cash account will be debited.

    For Example, Polard sold goods for cash worth Rs 2,000 for his business.

    I will try to explain it with the help of steps.

    Step 1: To identify the account heads.

    In this transaction, two accounts are involved, i.e. Cash A/c and Sales A/c.

    Step 2: To Classify the account heads.

    According to the modern approach: Sales A/c is a Revenue account and Cash A/c is an Asset account.

    Step 3: Application of Rules for Debit and Credit:

    According to the modern approach: As Sales increases, because goods have been sold, ‘Sales A/c’ will be credited. (Rule – increase in Revenue is credited).

    Cash account is an Asset account. As cash has been received on account of goods sold, there is an increase in assets and hence Cash account will be debited (Rule – increase in Asset is debited).

    So from the above explanation, the Journal Entry will be-

    Particulars Amount Amount
    Cash A/c                                                      Dr 2,000
         To Sales A/c 2,000

     

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Karan
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A. Debit balance B. Credit balance C. Either Debit or Credit D. None of these

  2. Ayushi Curious Pursuing CA
    This answer was edited.

    The correct option is C. Either Debit or Credit. Partner’s Current account is prepared when the capital account is of fixed nature. We know that partner’s capital account can be of fluctuating nature or fixed nature. In the case of fluctuating partner’s capital, all the transactions relating to theRead more

    The correct option is C. Either Debit or Credit.

    Partner’s Current account is prepared when the capital account is of fixed nature. We know that partner’s capital account can be of fluctuating nature or fixed nature.

    In the case of fluctuating partner’s capital, all the transactions relating to the appropriation of profit, salary, commission, drawings, the introduction of capital, interest on capital etc. are passed through the partner’s capital account.

    The balance of partner’s capital is generally credit but sometimes it may show debit balance indicating that the business owes to partner.

    But when the partner’s capital account is of fixed nature, then separate partner’ current accounts are prepared. Through this account, all the transactions of revenue nature are passed like appropriation of profits, salary or commission paid to a partner, interest on capital and drawings. The balance of this account may be debit or credit.

    The debit balance means the partner has withdrawn a lot of amount as drawings in anticipation of profits. The credit balance means the partner owes to the business.

    The partner’s capital shows a fixed amount as capital and its balance is affected only when additional capital is introduced or capital is withdrawn. The balance of this account is always credit.

    The partner current account is prepared when the firm wants to show the revenue transactions and capital transactions related to the partner ‘capital separately.

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Bonnie
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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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