AccountingQA Latest Questions

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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Radha
Radha
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  2. Vijay Curious M.Com
    This answer was edited.

    The difference between a ledger & a trial balance is as follows: Basis Ledger Trial Balance Meaning Ledger is a book/register in which all the accounts are put together. A Trial Balance is a statement showing the debit and credit balance of all the accounts to ascertain the arithmetical accuracyRead more

    The difference between a ledger & a trial balance is as follows:

    Basis Ledger Trial Balance
    Meaning Ledger is a book/register in which all the accounts are put together. A Trial Balance is a statement showing the debit and credit balance of all the accounts to ascertain the arithmetical accuracy of the books of accounts.
    Basis of preparation Journal is the basis for recording transactions in the ledger. The closing balances of different accounts in the ledger are the basis for preparing the trial balance.
    Objective It is prepared to see the net effect of various transactions affecting a particular account. It is prepared to check the arithmetical accuracy of the books of accounts.
    Format A ledger has four identical columns on the debit and credit sides: 1. Date, 2. Particulars, 3. Journal Folio, 4. Amount. A Trial Balance has five columns: 1. S.No, 2. Name of Accounts, 3. Ledger Folio, 4. Debit Balance, 5. Credit Balance.
    Stage of Recording A ledger is prepared after recording the transactions in the journal. A trial balance is prepared after posting the transactions in the ledger.
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Aadil
AadilCurious
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  2. Ayushi Curious Pursuing CA
    This answer was edited.

    The term ‘contra’ means  'opposite'. Therefore, a contra revenue account is an account that is opposite of the revenue accounts of a business i.e. sales account. It has the opposite balance of the revenue account i.e. debit balance. The purpose of the contra revenue account is to ascertain the actuaRead more

    The term ‘contra’ means  ‘opposite’. Therefore, a contra revenue account is an account that is opposite of the revenue accounts of a business i.e. sales account. It has the opposite balance of the revenue account i.e. debit balance.

    The purpose of the contra revenue account is to ascertain the actual amount of sales and record the items which have reduced the sales.

    These are the contra revenue accounts commonly seen in businesses:

    • Sales return account: This account records the amount of goods sold returned by customers. The journal entry for recording sale return is as follow:

    The total sales return is deducted from the sales in the balance sheet. Though being opposite of the sales account, the sale return account is not an expense account. It is considered an indirect loss as it reduces sales.

    • Sale Discount account: This account records the amount of discount allowed to customers. The journal entry for recording sale discounts is as follows:

    Sales discount is an expense hence it is debited to the profit and loss account.

    Sales returns and sales discounts are shown in the trading and profit and loss account in the following manner:

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Naina@123
Naina@123
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  2. prashant06 B.com, CMA pursuing

    A cash discount is a discount allowed to customers when they make payments for the items they purchased. This type of discount is generally based on time. The early the payment is made by the debtors, the more discount they earn. To be more precise cash discount is given to simulate or encourage earRead more

    A cash discount is a discount allowed to customers when they make payments for the items they purchased. This type of discount is generally based on time. The early the payment is made by the debtors, the more discount they earn. To be more precise cash discount is given to simulate or encourage early payment by the debtors.

    Trade discount is a discount allowed by traders on the list price of the goods to the customer at specified rate. Unlike cash discount, trade discount is based on number of sale i.e, more the sale more the discount earned. This is mainly given on bulk orders by the customers.

    To understand trade discount and cash discount let me give you simple example

    Mr. X purchased goods from Mr. Y of list price Rs 10,000. Mr. Y allowed a 10% discount to Mr.X on the list price for purchasing goods in bulk quantity. Further, he was provided with cash discount of Rs 500 for making an immediate payment. Therefore the entry for the above transaction in the books of Mr. X would be

    Purchase A/c                                                        ……Dr 9,000
               To Cash A/c 8,500
               To Discount received 500
    (Being goods purchased from Mr. Y worth Rs. 10,000@ 10% trade discount and cash discount of Rs. 500)
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AbhishekBatabyal
AbhishekBatabyalHelpful
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  2. Radhika
    This answer was edited.

    Capital maintenance is a principle that states profit should not be recorded until its cost or capital has been maintained. In other words, profit should not be recognized unless net assets have been maintained. Capital maintenance states that profit recognized is the increase in the value of net asRead more

    Capital maintenance is a principle that states profit should not be recorded until its cost or capital has been maintained. In other words, profit should not be recognized unless net assets have been maintained.

    Capital maintenance states that profit recognized is the increase in the value of net assets. However, there are two exceptions to it:

    • Cash increased because of sale of stock to shareholders
    • Cash decreased because of dividend payout to its shareholders

    It is important because:

    • It protects the interest of shareholders
    • It protects the interest of creditors
    • Accurately analyzing the performance of the company

    Capital maintenance is of two types:

    • Financial Capital Maintenance

    It is measured by the value of assets at the beginning and end of the financial year.

    • Physical Capital Maintenance

    It is measured by the production capacity at the beginning and end of the financial year.

    Capital maintenance is concerned with keeping proper account balances of assets and not the physical assets.

    Inflation is the increase in the economic value of goods due to the lower purchasing power and not an actual increase in the value of assets. So, if the value of an asset is increased due to inflation it does not depict the right picture for the company.

    Hence, if the value of assets increases due to inflation, companies need to adjust the value of assets to assess if capital maintenance has occurred. 

     

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A_Team
A_Team
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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. Sometimes debtors are unable to pay the amount due either partially or fully. the amount that is not receivableRead 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.

    Sometimes debtors are unable to pay the amount due either partially or fully. the amount that is not receivable is a loss and is called bad debt.

    Bad debts are neither assets nor liabilities they are expenses that are debited to the profit and loss account and reduced from debtors in the balance sheet.

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

     

    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 are 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.

     

    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. 

     

    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 the 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 expenses and debited to the profit and loss account.
      • For example, as I have explained above, before transferring to the balance sheet, bad debt will be debited to the profit and loss account as an expense.

    Now let me show you the extract of the profit and loss account and balance sheet showing bad debts and bad debts recovered which are as follows:-

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

    Workmen Compensation Reserve as the name suggests is a reserve created by the company to compensate its employees in the event of any uncertainty in future. It is created to protect the interest of workers in the company. Workmen Compensation Reserve Account is generally given effect in case of admiRead more

    Workmen Compensation Reserve as the name suggests is a reserve created by the company to compensate its employees in the event of any uncertainty in future. It is created to protect the interest of workers in the company.

    Workmen Compensation Reserve Account is generally given effect in case of admission, retirement of partners or dissolution of firm.

    If there is a change in the estimated value of reserve it is given effect during the revaluation of assets and liabilities.

    Journal entry if the existing reserve is less than the new estimated amount:

    Revaluation A/c (Dr)

    To Workmen Compensation Reserve A/c

    The reserve is credited because we need to create more than the existing reserve, since the new estimated liability is more than the existing.

    Journal entry if the existing reserve is more than the new estimated amount:

    Workmen Compensation Reserve A/c (Dr)

    To Revaluation A/c

    The reserve is debited because we need to decrease the existing reserve, since the new estimated liability is less than the existing.

    If a worker claims compensation, it is said to be a liability against the reserve. In case of dissolution, any such liability against workmen compensation reserve takes priority to be paid off according to the law.

    Journal entry in case of claim against reserve is:

    Workmen Compensation Reserve A/c (Dr)

    To Workmen Compensation Claim

    The amount is transferred from the reserve to a new liability, hence the reserve is debited and the claim is credited.

    If there are not sufficient funds in the firm to pay the liability, partners will have to bring funds from their personal assets to pay the workers.

    Journal entry when partner’s have to bring funds:

    Partner’s Capital Account (Dr)

    To Workmen Compensation Reserve A/c

    Partner’s need to bring funds to fulfill the liability, hence there account is debited and since the reserve is increased, hence it is credited.

    If there is no liability against the Workmen Compensation Reserve then it is distributed amongst the partners in their existing profit-sharing ratio.

    Journal entry for distribution of reserve is:

    Workmen Compensation Reserve A/c (Dr)

    To Partner’s Capital Account

    Since, reserve is more than required it is distributed among partners, hence their account is credited and as the reserve decreases, it is debited.

     

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A_Team
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  2. Saurav

    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 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 furtRead more

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

    For example- Interest of 1,000 for the month of March of the loan amount of 10,000 paid in April then 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.
    • Accrual 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
    • Accrual Expense- Acrrual expense means the amount for any expense paid on a later period than the period when it pertains to be paid
    • Accrual Wages- Accrual wages means the amount which is paid to employees on a later period than the period when the wages get due
    • Accrual Loan Interest– Loan Interest means the amount of interest on a loan which is paid on a later period than the period when it is due on

     

    Accrual Revenue-

    Accrual Revenue means any transaction that takes place in a particular period but the amount for it will be received in the 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

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

    • Accrual Income- Acrrual expense means the amount for any income received on a later period than the period when it pertains to be received
    • Accrual Rent– Accrual rent means the amount for using the land of the entity by the other party is received at a later period than the period when it is 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
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Rahul_Jose
Rahul_Jose
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  2. Pooja_Parikh Aspiring Chartered Accountant

    Any person, company, or organization that owes us money is a debtor. The amount that is owed to us is called debt. When you are unsure if a debtor is going to pay back the amount owed to you, then a provision for doubtful debts is created. Here, the debtor may or may not pay back the amount owed. WhRead more

    Any person, company, or organization that owes us money is a debtor. The amount that is owed to us is called debt. When you are unsure if a debtor is going to pay back the amount owed to you, then a provision for doubtful debts is created. Here, the debtor may or may not pay back the amount owed. When the debts owed to us is irrecoverable, it is termed as bad debts.

    Provision for doubtful debts may become a bad debt at some point. Usually, companies keep a small portion of their debtors as a provision for doubtful debts in accordance with the prudence concept that tells us to account for all possible losses. Provision for doubtful debts is a liability whereas bad debts are recorded as an expense.

    Journal entries for Doubtful debts and bad debts are as follows:

    EXAMPLE

    If the balance in the debtors’ account shows an amount of Rs 20,000 and 5% of debtors are treated as doubtful, then Rs 1,000 is recorded as a provision for doubtful debts. This amount is deducted from debtors in the balance sheet.

    Now if Rs 400 was recorded as actual bad debts, then it is deducted from the provision for doubtful debts instead of debtors. Further another 400 is added back to provision for doubtful debts to maintain the percentage.

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Simerpreet
SimerpreetHelpful
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  2. Mitika

    Types of Partnership A partnership is an agreement between two or more people who comes together to run a business. There are different types of partnerships formed with different perspectives as mentioned: General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Partnership at will ParRead more

    Types of Partnership

    A partnership is an agreement between two or more people who comes together to run a business.

    There are different types of partnerships formed with different perspectives as mentioned:

    General Partnership

    Limited Partnership

    Limited Liability Partnership

    Partnership at will

    Partnership for a fixed term

     

    General Partnership

    It refers to the partnership where all partners actively manage the business and have unlimited legal liability. Generally, all the partners share equal profit and loss in the business and are also equally liable for the outsider’s loan.

    All the partners are responsible for the business’s day-to-day operations and managerial responsibility.

    If the partners decided to share profit and loss in any other ratio (unequal ratio), then they have to disclose this in a agreement called a partnership deed.

    In this, debts are equally borne by selling the partners assets of all the partners. In case of dissolution, if the partnership firm has taken a loan from outsiders and does not have sufficient funds to repay the amount then the payment can be done by selling the partner’s personal property.

    It can be formed by signing the partnership agreement that would be proved as evident in case of disagreement among partners. For instance, if any partner dies or leaves the firm then they should follow the content of the agreement.

    A general partnership does not pay the tax instead the partners personally report their income tax return.

     

    Limited Partnership

    In a Limited partnership, all the partners contribute capital but not necessarily all of them manage the business.

    The old partners add a new partner into the partnership to fulfill the financial needs of the business i.e. for capital. The rights of decision-making are issued to new partners on the basis of their contribution of capital. The new partner is not associated with day-to-day business activities. He /She is called a limited partner or silent partner.

    The liability partner has limited liability to the extent of his capital. The personal assets of the limited partner can not be used for the payment of the firm’s liability.

     

    Limited Liability Partnership

    It is a more popular type of partnership in today’s world. To form an LLP you have to register under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008.

    In this, all the partners have limited liability to the extent of the capital investment in the business. The personal assets of the partners can not be used to discharge the liability of the partnership.

    A Minimum of 2 partners are required to form an LLP. However, no maximum limit on a number of partners.

    It has also some features of the company. It has a separate legal entity. The LLP can buy property in its own name and sue and be sued in its name.

    LLPs are often formed by professionals like Chartered Accountants, doctors and Legal firms.

     

    Features

    • It has a separate legal entity.
    • The cost of forming is low.
    • It requires less compliance and regulations.
    • Minimum two partners are required, no limit on the maximum number of partners.
    • The partners has limited liability.

     

    Partnership at will

    Partnership at will is a form of business where there is no fixed tenure of the partnership. That means there is no expiration of the partnership. But if the partnership is formed for a fixed duration and its period has expired and still continues then it will become a partnership at will.

     

    Partnership for a fixed term

    The partnership is created for a fixed duration of the interval. After the expiration of such duration, the partnership may come to an end.

    If the partners share profit and loss even after the expiration of the duration of the partnership then it will become a partnership at will.

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