Accountancy MCQs
Topic Notes: Accountancy
General Description
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
To which account is the balance of the Bad Debts Recovered account typically transferred at the end of the period?
Answer:
Either B or C above
When previously written-off bad debts are recovered, the amount represents a gain. This gain can be credited to the Profit and Loss Account as other income, or it can be credited to the Provision for Doubtful Debts account to offset the existing provision balance, thereby reducing the net expense for the period.
2
During the preparation of final accounts, to which account is the 'Bad Debt Recovered' balance transferred?
Answer:
Profit & Loss A/c
Bad debt recovered represents the recovery of an amount previously written off as a bad debt. Since this recovery is considered a gain for the business, it is credited to the Profit and Loss Account during the finalization of accounts to reflect the increase in net income for the period.
3
According to general accounting principles, what is the likely outcome for a debt that remains outstanding for an extended period?
Answer:
bad debt
As a debt ages, the probability of collection decreases significantly. Accounting principles suggest that the longer a receivable remains unpaid beyond its due date, the higher the risk that the debtor will default. Consequently, such debts are increasingly likely to be classified as bad debts, requiring write-offs or increased provisions.
4
How should the recovery of previously written-off bad debts be treated in the financial statements?
Answer:
Credited to P&L A/c
When a debt previously written off as bad is recovered, it is treated as a gain for the business. Therefore, it is credited to the Profit and Loss account. This reflects the recovery of an amount that was previously considered a loss, thereby increasing the net profit for the period.
5
When a debt is definitively determined to be uncollectible, which accounting entry is required?
Answer:
Account receivable is credited
When a specific debt is confirmed as uncollectible, the asset 'Accounts Receivable' must be reduced. This is achieved by crediting the Accounts Receivable account and debiting the Bad Debts Expense account (or the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts if a provision was previously established). Crediting the receivable account removes the asset from the books as it no longer holds future economic value.
6
If a trader accepts $500 from a debtor to settle a $650 debt, how does this transaction impact the owner's capital?
Answer:
decrease it by $150
The difference of $150 represents a discount allowed or a bad debt, which is an expense to the business. Since expenses reduce net profit, they ultimately lead to a decrease in the owner's equity or capital. The cash received is an asset increase, but the loss of the receivable value exceeds the cash inflow.
7
Where should bad debts listed in the trial balance be recorded in the final accounts?
Answer:
Profit and loss account
Bad debts that appear within the trial balance represent losses already recognized during the accounting period. Consequently, they are treated as an expense and debited to the Profit and Loss account to reflect the reduction in net profit.
8
What is the accounting term for debts owed by customers that are deemed uncollectible?
Answer:
Bad debts
Bad debts represent the portion of accounts receivable that a business determines it will not be able to collect from its customers. This amount is treated as an expense in the income statement, as it represents a loss of potential revenue due to the customer's inability to pay.
9
If a business entity fails to record bad debts in its financial statements, what is the resulting impact on the reported net profit?
Answer:
Net profit would increase
Bad debts represent an expense for the business. When an expense is omitted from the accounting records, the total expenses for the period are understated. Since net profit is calculated by subtracting total expenses from total revenue, understating expenses leads to an artificial inflation or increase in the reported net profit for that accounting period.
10
What is the term for the amount that a business is entitled to receive from its customers?
Answer:
Debts
Amounts owed to a business by customers for goods or services sold on credit are referred to as trade debts or accounts receivable. These represent a claim on the customer's assets and are recorded as current assets on the balance sheet.