AccountingQA Latest Questions

Aadil
AadilCurious
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  2. Pooja_Parikh Aspiring Chartered Accountant

    A contra account is a general ledger account that is used to reduce the value of the account related to it. Basically, a contra account is the opposite of its associated account. If the associated account has a debit balance, then the contra account would have a credit balance. They are used to mainRead more

    A contra account is a general ledger account that is used to reduce the value of the account related to it. Basically, a contra account is the opposite of its associated account. If the associated account has a debit balance, then the contra account would have a credit balance. They are used to maintain the historical value of the main account while all the deductions are recorded in the contra account, which when clubbed together show the net book value.

    For example

    if the cost of machinery was Rs. 50,000 and the company wants to preserve its original cost, then the accumulated depreciation of such machinery is recorded separately. Let’s say Rs 10,000 was the accumulated depreciation. Then such amount is recorded in the contra account named accumulated depreciation account. This makes the net value of the machinery Rs 40,000.

    Types

    There are various types of contra accounts such as contra asset, contra equity, contra revenue, and contra liability.

    • Contra asset: these accounts have credit balances and are used to reduce the balance of an asset. Eg, Accumulated depreciation.
    • Contra Liability: These accounts have debit balances and are used to reduce the balance of liabilities. Eg, discount on notes.
    • Contra equity: These accounts have a credit balance and are used to reduce the number of shares outstanding which in turn reduces equity. Eg treasury stock.
    • Contra revenue: These accounts have a debit balance. They reduce gross revenue which results in net revenue. Eg sales return.

    Accountants make use of contra accounts instead of reducing the value of the actual account to keep the financial statements clean.

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A_Team
A_Team
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  2. ShreyaSharma none
    This answer was edited.

    Prepaid Payable Prepaid payable or prepaid expenses refer to the future expenses that have been paid in advance. It is an advance payment made by the business for the goods and services to be received by the business in the future. A prepaid expense is an asset on the balance sheet. The number of prRead more

    Prepaid Payable

    Prepaid payable or prepaid expenses refer to the future expenses that have been paid in advance. It is an advance payment made by the business for the goods and services to be received by the business in the future.

    A prepaid expense is an asset on the balance sheet. The number of prepaid expenses that will be used up within one year is reported on a company’s balance sheet as a current asset. According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), expenses should be recorded in the same accounting period as the benefit generated from the related asset.

    Example

    ABC Ltd. purchases insurance for the warehouse. It was ₹2,000 per month. The company pays ₹24,000 in cash upfront for a 12-month insurance policy for the warehouse. Each month an adjusting journal entry will be passed, adjusting the amount of insurance used from the prepaid insurance.

    Journal Entry-

    Prepaid Expenses in Balance Sheet-

    Prepaid expenses are shown in the balance sheet under the current assets heading as it’s a short-term asset and to be consumed within one accounting year.

    Balance Sheet (for the year ending…)

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

    Realization is an important principle in accounting. It is the basis of revenue recognition and it gives to accrual accounting. When we used the word realization, it is usually regarding revenue recognition. Realization of revenue means when revenue to be earned from the sale of goods or rendering oRead more

    Realization is an important principle in accounting. It is the basis of revenue recognition and it gives to accrual accounting. When we used the word realization, it is usually regarding revenue recognition.

    Realization of revenue means when revenue to be earned from the sale of goods or rendering of services or any other activity or source becomes absolute and certain. An item is to be shown as revenue in the books of accounts only after it is realized.

    Realization in case of sale of goods

    Realization occurs in the following situations:

    i) When the goods are delivered to the customer for a certain price

    ii) All significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer and the seller retains no effective control over the goods.

    Let’s take an example. Mr Peter received an order of 500 units of goods from Mr Parker on 1st April. The goods were delivered to Mr Parker on 15Th April and payment for goods was received on 30Th April.

    The realization of revenue from the sale of goods will be considered to have occurred on 15th April because the goods were delivered to the customer on that date. The entry of sale of goods will be entered on this day.

    Realization is not considered to have occurred on 1st April i.e the date of order because the seller had effective control on goods on that date.

    Realization in case of rendering of services

    The realization of revenue from the rendering of services occurs as per the performance of service.

    Now there arise two situations:

    • Multiple acts involved in the performance of service: Here, the revenue is realized proportionately on completion of each act.
    • A Single act involved in the performance of service: Here, revenue is realized only when the service is completely rendered or provided.

    Realization of income from other sources:

    • Interest Income: It is realized on a time proportion basis as per the amount outstanding and rates applicable.
    • Dividends: It is realized when the shareholder’s right to receive is established and when it is declared.

    Realization with regards to other sources of income is considered to have occurred only when there exist no significant uncertainty as to measurability or collectability.

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Radhika
Radhika
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  2. PriyanshiGupta Graduated, B.Com
    This answer was edited.

    Plant and Machinery are the equipment attached to the earth that supports the manufacturing of the company or its operations. These are tangible non-current assets to the company and as a result, have a debit balance. Depreciation is the decrease in the value of an asset that is spread over the expeRead more

    Plant and Machinery are the equipment attached to the earth that supports the manufacturing of the company or its operations. These are tangible non-current assets to the company and as a result, have a debit balance.

    Depreciation is the decrease in the value of an asset that is spread over the expected life of the asset. Not depreciating an asset presents a false image of the company as the asset is recorded at a higher value and profit is overstated as depreciation expense is not provided for.

    There are two ways that a company provide depreciation:

    • By reducing the balance of an asset in the Asset Account by passing a journal entry.
    • By maintaining a separate account for depreciation called Accumulated Depreciation A/c. The nature of this account is naturally credit since it is created to reduce the value of an asset.

    For most of the depreciation methods, we need a rate to provide for depreciation every year. Now, for accounting purposes, the management can use a rate they think is suitable depending on the use and expected life of the machinery.

    Depreciation is calculated on the basis of the Companies act, 2013 for the purpose of book-keeping. According to Schedule 2 of the Companies Act, depreciation on plant and machinery is calculated on the basis of either SLM or WDV.

    Plant and machinery for those special rates are not assigned useful life is considered to be 15 years and depreciation is calculated @ 18.10% on WDV and @6.33% on SLM.

    According to the Income Tax Act, 15% depreciation is provided every year on Plant and Machinery and, an additional 20% depreciation is provided in the first year of installation of machinery.

    Depreciation on Machinery is charged on the basis of usage of such machinery. if it is used for 180 days or more then full depreciation is allowed and if it is used for less than 180 days then only 50% depreciation is allowed.

     

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Atreya
AtreyaCurious
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  2. Ishika Pandey Curious ca aspirant

    Definition Not-for-profit organizations are also known as non-profit organizations set up to further cultural, educational, religious, professional, or public service objectives. Its  aim is not to earn profit Accounting done by non-profit organizations is fund based.   Type of accounting Non-pRead more

    Definition

    Not-for-profit organizations are also known as non-profit organizations set up to further cultural, educational, religious, professional, or public service objectives. Its  aim is not to earn profit

    Accounting done by non-profit organizations is fund based.

     

    Type of accounting

    Non-profit organizations do Fund Based Accounting.

    Donations received or funds set aside for specific purposes are credited to a separate fund account and are shown on the liabilities side of the balance sheet.

    The income from or donations for these funds are credited to the respective fund account. On the other hand, expenses or payments out of these funds are debited.

    Accounting when done on this basis is known as Fund Based Accounting.

    Let me explain to you with an example :

    The sports fund has a balance of Rs 100000 which is invested as a fixed deposit in a bank earning 8% interest. A further donation of Rs 10000 is received towards it. Expenses incurred towards prizes are Rs 7000; Rs 3000 towards trophies and Rs 4000 distribution of cash prizes. The accounts are shown as follows :

    Categories of funds

    In the case of non-profit organizations, funds may be classified under the following heads :

    Unrestricted fund :

    The unrestricted fund does not carry any restriction with respect to its use. In other words, management can use the amounts in the funds as it deems appropriate, but to carry out the purpose for which the organization exists.

    This is known as the general fund or the capital fund to which the surplus for the year is added and in case of deficit, deducted.

    Restricted fund :

    A restricted fund is a fund, the use of which is restricted either by the management or by the donor for a specific purpose.

    Examples of such funds are endowment funds, annuity funds, loan funds, prize funds, sports funds, etc.

    • Government grant: grant received from the government for a specific purpose is restricted to be used for the purpose it is granted. It is accounted for in the books following fund-based accounting.
      • For example, a grant received from the government for ‘the polio eradication program is credited to the polio eradication fund, and income earned relating to the fund is credited to the fund while expenses are debited.

     

    • Endowment fund: it’s a fund usually a non-profit organization, arising from a bequest or gift, the income of which is devoted to a specific purpose.

     

    • Annuity fund: an annuity fund is established when a non-profit organization receives assets from a donor with a condition to pay

     

    • Loan fund: loan fund is set up to grant loans for specific purposes say loans to pursue higher studies.

     

    • A fixed assets fund is a fund earmarked for investment in fixed assets or already invested in fixed assets.

     

    • Prize funds: it is a fund set up to use for distribution as prizes say for achievements or contributions to the welfare of society.
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A_Team
A_Team
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  2. PriyanshiGupta Graduated, B.Com
    This answer was edited.

    The reserves created for specific purposes in business are called specific reserves. According to the Companies Act, 2013, these reserves cannot be used for any other purposes. However, if the Article of Association of a company allows, these reserves can be used for other purposes as well. Amount tRead more

    The reserves created for specific purposes in business are called specific reserves. According to the Companies Act, 2013, these reserves cannot be used for any other purposes. However, if the Article of Association of a company allows, these reserves can be used for other purposes as well.

    Amount to any specific reserve is generally transferred from the Profit and Loss Appropriation Account.

    Various specific reserves are:

    • Debenture Redemption Reserve

    Debentures are debt instruments of a company and they have to be redeemed, that is, paid back after the expiry of the specified period. According to Accounting Standards, companies are required to set aside a specific amount in Debenture Redemption Reserve, when they are due for redemption.

    • Securities Premium Reserve

    When shares or debentures are issued at a price higher than its book value/face value, the difference between the market value and book value is called Securities Premium. The amount of Securities Premium is transferred to Securities Premium Account. This amount is utilized to issue fully paid bonus shares, write off preliminary expenses, write off commission discounts, etc., to provide a premium on redemption of debentures.

    • Investment Fluctuation Reserve

    The investments made by a company are subject to fluctuations in its market value. Company Law and Accounting Standards require companies to provide for such fluctuations by creating a reserve called Investment Fluctuation Reserve.

    • Dividend Equalisation Reserve

    Companies are required to pay a dividend to their shareholders. It is often difficult for a company to maintain a consistent rate of dividend as the dividend paid is equivalent to the profit made by a company during the financial year which is not consistent. So, Dividend Equalisation Reserve is created to maintain a consistent rate of dividend on shares over time, in the event of both high and low profits.

     

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