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. 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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A_Team
A_Team
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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
SimerpreetHelpful
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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
Ishika PandeyCurious
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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
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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Manvi
Manvi
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External Users
  2. Karan B.com and Pursuing ACCA
    This answer was edited.

    External users are people outside the business or entity who use accounting information. They do not have a direct link with the organization but can influence or can be influenced by the organization's activities. For example - Tax Authorities, Banks, Customers, Trade Unions, Government, Investors,Read more

    External users are people outside the business or entity who use accounting information. They do not have a direct link with the organization but can influence or can be influenced by the organization’s activities.

    For example – Tax Authorities, Banks, Customers, Trade Unions, Government, Investors, or Creditors.

    External Users:

    • Investors – Investors are interested in the past performance and future earnings of the business. They want to track the performance of their business whether it is giving them any benefit or not. A business’s past information helps investors in assessing their investments.
    • Creditors or Suppliers – Some suppliers provide goods and services on credit, and before providing any credit they check the company’s ability to pay. Creditors are interested in the company’s liquidity i.e to see if a company can fulfill short-term obligations.
    • Customers – Customers are more interested in a company’s financial statement as they rely on them for goods and services. They check the ability of the company whether it is providing them good quality goods and will continue to provide them in future.
    • Banks – Banks are most likely interested in the liquidity and profitability of the company. They keep track of whether the company can pay the debt when it is due along with interest.
    • Government – The company’s activities are central to the economy and must be met by them. The government controls a company’s actions if they break a law or damage the environment.
    • Environmental agencies – They keep an eye on organizations whether their activities are harming the environment or not.
    • Trade unions – They take an active part in the decision-making process. They want to see the financial statements of the company and want to decide the compensation of the employees they represent.
    • Tax authorities – They determine whether the business has declared the correct amount of tax in its tax returns. They conduct audits of the tax returns to verify them with the accounting records disclosed.

    Here is a summary of external users

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Naina@123
Naina@123
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  2. Radha M.Com, NET
    This answer was edited.

    Buildings S.No. Particulars Rate 1 Buildings which are used mainly for residential purposes except hotels and boarding houses. 5% 2 Buildings other than those used mainly for residential purposes and not covered by sub-items (1) above and (3) below. 10% 3 Buildings acquired on or after the 1st day oRead more

    Buildings
    S.No. Particulars Rate
    1 Buildings which are used mainly for residential purposes except hotels and boarding houses. 5%
    2 Buildings other than those used mainly for residential purposes and not covered by sub-items (1) above and (3) below. 10%
    3 Buildings acquired on or after the 1st day of September, 2002 for installing machinery and plant forming part of water supply project or water treatment system and which is put to use for the purpose of business of providing infra- structure facilities. 40%
    4 Purely temporary erections such as wooden structures. 40%
    Furniture & Fittings
    S.No. Particulars Rate
    Furniture and fittings including electrical fittings. 10%
    Machinery & Plant
    S.No. Particulars Rate
    1  Machinery and plant other than those covered by sub-items (2), (3) and (8) below. 15%
    2 (i) Motor cars, other than those used in a business of running them on hire, acquired or put to use on or after the 1st day of April, 1990 except those covered under entry (ii). 15%
    2 (ii) Motor cars, other than those used in a business of running them on hire, acquired on or after the 23rd day of August, 2019 but before the 1st day of April, 2020 and is put to use before the 1st day of April, 2020. 30%
    3 (i) Aeroplanes – Aero engines. 40%
    3 (ii) (a) Motor buses, motor lorries and motor taxis used in a business of running them on hire other than those covered under entry (b). 30%
    (b) Motor buses, motor lorries and motor taxis used in a business of running them on hire, acquired on or after the 23rd day of August, 2019 but before the 1st day of April, 2020 and is put to use before the 1st day of April, 2020. 45%
    3 (iii) Commercial vehicle which is acquired by the assessee on or after the 1st day of October, 1998, but before the 1st day of April, 1999 and is put to use for any period before the 1st day of April, 1999 for the purposes of business or profession. 40%
    3 (iv) New commercial vehicle which is acquired on or after the 1st October, 1998, but before the 1st April, 1999 in replacement of condemned vehicle of over 15 years of age and is put to use for any period before the 1st day of April, 1999 for the purposes of business or profession. 40%
    3 (v) New commercial vehicle which is acquired on or after the 1st April, 1999 but before the 1st April, 2000 in replacement of condemned vehicle of over 15 years of age and is put to use before the 1st April, 2000 for the purposes of business or profession. 40%
    3 (vi) New commercial vehicle which is acquired on or after the 1st April, 2001 but before the 1st April, 2002 and is put to use before the 1st day of April, 2002 for the purposes of business or profession. 40%
    3 (via) New commercial vehicle which is acquired on or after the 1st January, 2009 but before the 1st October, 2009 and is put to use before the 1st October, 2009 for the purposes of business or profession. 40%
    3 (vii) Moulds used in rubber and plastic goods factories. 30%
    3 (viii) Air pollution control equipment. 40%
    3 (ix) Water pollution control equipment. 40%
    3 (x) Solid waste control equipments & solid waste recycling and resource recovery systems. 40%
    3 (xi) Machinery and plant, used in semi-conductor industry covering all integrated circuits (ICs). 30%
    3 (xia) Life saving medical equipment. 40%
    4  Containers made of glass or plastic used as re-fills. 40%
    5 Computers including computer software. 40%
    6 Machinery and plant, used in weaving, processing and garment sector of textile industry, which is purchased & put to use under TUFS on or after the 1st April, 2001 but before the 1st April, 2004. 40%
    7 Machinery and plant, acquired and installed on or after the 1st September, 2002 in a water supply project or a water treatment system and which is put to use for the purpose of business of providing infrastructure facility. 40%
    8 (i) Wooden parts used in artificial silk manufacturing machinery. 40%
    8 (ii) Cinematograph films – bulbs of studio lights. 40%
    8 (iii) Match factories – Wooden match frames. 40%
    8 (iv) Mines and quarries. 40%
    8 (v) Salt works – Salt pans, reservoirs and condensers, etc., made of earthy, sandy or clayey material or any other similar material. 40%
    8 (vi) Flour mills – Rollers. 40%
    8 (vii) Iron and steel industry – Rolling mill rolls. 40%
    8 (viii) Sugar works – Rollers. 40%
    8 (ix) Energy saving devices: (a) Specialised boilers and furnaces. 40%
    (b) Instrumentation and monitoring system for monitoring energy flows. 40%
    (c) Waste heat recovery equipment. 40%
    (d) Co-generation systems. 40%
    (e) Electrical equipment. 40%
    (f) Burners. 40%
    (g) Other equipment. 40%
    8 (x) Gas cylinders including valves and regulators. 40%
    8 (xi) Glass manufacturing concerns – Direct fire glass melting furnaces. 40%
    8 (xii) Mineral oil concerns: (a) Plant used in field operations (above ground) distribution – Returnable packages. 40%
    (b) Plant used in field operations (below ground), but not including kerbside pumps including underground tanks and fittings used in field operations (distribution) by mineral oil concerns. 40%
    (c) Oil wells not covered in clauses (a) and (b). 15%
    8 (ix) Renewal energy devices. 40%
    9 (i) Books owned by assessees carrying on a profession. 40%
    9 (ii) Books owned by assessees carrying on business in running lending libraries. 40%
    Ships
    S.No. Particulars Rate
    1 Ocean-going ships including dredgers, tugs, barges, survey launches and other similar ships used mainly for dredging purposes and fishing vessels with wooden hull. 20%
    2 Vessels ordinarily operating on inland waters, not covered by sub-item (3) below. 20%
    3 Vessels ordinarily operating on inland waters being speed boats. 20%
    Intangible Assets
    S.No. Particulars Rate
    1 Know-how, patents, copyrights, trademarks, licences, franchises or any other business or commercial rights of similar nature not being goodwill of business of profession. 25%

     

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Vijay
VijayCurious
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  2. Radha M.Com, NET
    This answer was edited.

    Outstanding expenses are those expenses that have been incurred during the accounting period but are yet to be paid. Basically, any expense which has become due for payment but is not paid will be called an outstanding expense. Outstanding expenses are treated as a liability as the business is yet tRead more

    Outstanding expenses are those expenses that have been incurred during the accounting period but are yet to be paid. Basically, any expense which has become due for payment but is not paid will be called an outstanding expense.

    Outstanding expenses are treated as a liability as the business is yet to make payment against them. Examples of outstanding expenses include outstanding rent, salary, wages, etc.

    At the end of the accounting year, outstanding expenses have to be accounted for in the book of accounts so that the financial statements reflect the accurate profit/loss of the business.

    Journal entry for recording outstanding expenses:

    Expense A/c Debit
       To Outstanding Expenses A/c Credit
    (Being expenses outstanding at the end of the year)

    The concerned expense A/c is debited as there is an increase in expenses. Outstanding expenses are a liability, hence they are credited.

    Let me give you a simple example,

    Max, a sole proprietor pays 1,00,000 as salary for his employees at the end of every month. Due to the Covid-19 lockdown, he could not pay his employees’ salaries for March month. So the salary for March (1,00,000) will be treated as an outstanding expense. The following entry is made to record outstanding salaries for the year.

    Salary A/c   1,00,000
       To Outstanding Salaries A/c   1,00,000
    (Being salaries outstanding at the end of the year)

    At the end of the year, outstanding salary will be adjusted in the P&L A/c and it will be shown as a Current Liability in the Balance Sheet.

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Karan
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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