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CHAPTER:1 FUNDAMENTALS
Special Aspects of Final Accounts of Partnership
1. Fixed and Fluctuating Capital Accounts
The partners of a firm have the option to decide whether their capital accounts may remain fixed or
fluctuating. This aspect is not much relevant in a sole trading business, where the capital account is
usually fluctuating. Stability in capital balances is important in a firm, because the capital investment is
usually one of the major aspects of partners business relationship. When the capital accounts are said to
be fixed it implies that the capital accounts will remain steady for a reasonably long time. In other
words the daily items of credit and debit to partners will not be recorded in the capital accounts. They
will open current accounts in each partners name. These current accounts are regarded as subsidiary
capital accounts. Daily transactions related to a partner are recorded in his current account, instead of
capital account. Thus the current account keeps on changing as the transactions are posted into it, while
the capital balance stays the same. However, if there is any additional capital investment by a partner or
capital withdrawal, other than minor routine drawings, it will be recorded in the capital account, not in
the current account. In the event of rescheduling of capitals transfers can be made from current
accounts to capital or vice versa to adjust the capital balances.
When the capital accounts are fluctuating there will not be a current account in the name of partner. All
transactions related to a partner, such as salary to a partner, interest on capital, additional capital
investment and similar items are directly credited to the capital accounts of partner. Drawings, interest
on drawings capital withdrawal etc. are debited to the capital accounts. Thus the balance in the capital
account keeps on changing with every transaction posted into it.
The following comparative table shows the difference between fixed and fluctuating capital accounts:
Fixed Capital

1. Opening and Closing balances in

the capital account will remain
the same.
2. Current Accounts will be opened
in the name of partners when
capitals are fixed.
3. Regular transactions related to
partners are not entered in the
capital accounts.
4. Fixed capital accounts always
have credit balance

Fluctuating Capital

Opening and closing balances

rarely remain the same.
Current accounts are not required.

All regular transactions related to

partners are recorded in their
capital accounts.
Fluctuating capital accounts can
sometimes have debit balance

The following accounts with imaginary figures show the difference between Fixed and Fluctuating
Capital Accounts.
a. Fixed Capital
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Illustration 1.01
Abrahams Capital Account
Date
2002
Dec
31

Particulars

Amount

To Balance c/d

30,000-

Date
2002
Jan1

Particulars

Amount

By Balance b/d

30,000

30,000

30,000

Abrahams Current Account

Date
2002
Dec 31
Dec 31

Dec 31

Particulars

Amount

Date

2002
18,100 Jan 01
200
Dec 31
Dec 31
5,000 Dec 31
Dec 31

To Drawings A/c
To interest on
drawings
To balance c/d

23,300

Particulars
By Balance b/d
By Salary
By Commission
By
Interest
on
capital
By Net divisible
profit

Amount
2,000
6,000
1,500
1,800
12,000
23,300

b. Fluctuating Capital
Abrahams Capital Account

Date
2002
Dec 31

Particulars
To Drawings
To
Interest
Capital
To Balance c/d

Amount

on

Date

2002
18,100 Jan 01
200 Dec 31
35,000 Dec 31
Dec 31
53,300

Particulars

Amount

By Balance b/d *

32,000

By Salary
By Commission
By
Interest
on
capital
By Net divisible
profit

6,000
1,500
1,800
12,000
53,300

* Note: Opening balance of capital account in part (b) includes current account balance also.
2. Division of Profit among Partners
Profit making and profit sharing are the main objectives of partnership business. When the partners do
not have any special conditions regarding the profit distribution the task of profit sharing is a simple,
one-step operation of dividing the profit in the given ratio. But in actual practice the partners are
compelled to include many conditions such as interest on capital, interest on drawings, salaries,
commission on profit etc. The purpose of these special conditions is to fairly compensate extra capital,
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extra effort or similar additional factors contributing to the profitability of the firm. Thus the profit
distribution becomes little more complex. A profit and loss appropriation account is prepared with full
details of profit distribution. This is prepared as a supplementary account to the profit and loss account,
prior to preparing the balance sheet.
https://sites.google.com/site/makecarrier/ Illustration 1.02
A & B are equal partners in a firm with capitals of Rs.75,000 and Rs.50,000 on 1st January 2002. A is
entitled to a salary of Rs.24,000 per annum and B is entitled to a salary of Rs.18,000 per annum. They
have withdrawn 50% of their salaries during the year. A and B are entitled to commissions at the rate of
5% and 3% respectively on the net profit after salary.
Net profit during the year 2002 before partners salary amounted to Rs.84,000. Prepare:
a. Profit and Loss Appropriation Account
b. Capital Accounts of partners (assuming capitals are fluctuating)
c. Capital Accounts and Current Accounts of partners (assuming capitals are fixed)

Profit & Loss Appropriation A/c

Particulars
To Salary A
To Salary B
Commission to A
(42,000x5/100)
Commission to B
(42,000x3/100)
Net Divisible Profit
A

Amount
Particulars
24,000 By P & L Accountprofit
18,000
2,100
1,260
19,320
19,320
84,000

Amount
84,000

84,000

Note: when profit sharing ratio is not given in the question; it should be shared equally.

a. When capital accounts are fluctuating.

Capital Accounts
Particulars
To Cash
To Balance c/d

A
12,000
108,420
120,420

Particulars

9,000 By Balance b/d

By Salary
79,580 By Commission
By Net Divisible
88,580 Profit

75,000
24,000
2,100
19,320
120,420

50,000
18,000
1,260
19,320
88,580

b. When capital accounts are fixed

Capital Accounts
Particulars
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Particulars

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By Balance b/d
To Balance c/d

75,000 50,000
75,000 75,000

75,000 50,000

75,000 50,000

Current Accounts
Particulars
To Cash
To Balance c/d

Particulars

12,000

9,000 By Salary
By Commission
33,420 29,580 By Net Divisible
45,420 38,580 Profit

24,000
2,100
19,320

18,000
1,260
19,320

45,420

38,580

Illustration 1.03
A & B started business on 1st January 2001 with capitals of Rs.75,000 and Rs. 50,000 respectively. On 31st
December 2001, the drawings account of A showed a debit balance of Rs.8,000 and that of B showed a
debit balance of Rs.5,000. The partnership deed provided for interest on capital @6%. Interest on
drawings is to be charged @3% on the closing balance of the year irrespective of the date of drawing.
Their firm earned a profit of Rs.22,110 for the year 2001. Prepare profit and loss appropriation account
and capital accounts of the partners.
Profit & Loss Appropriation A/c

Particulars
To Interest on Cap A
B

Amount
Particulars
4,500 By P&L account
3,000 By Interest on Drawings
A

Amount
22,110
240
150

B
To Net Divisible Prof. A

7,500
7,500

B
22,500

Particulars

To Drawings
To Int. on
drawings
To balance c/d

5,000 By Cash - Op
Capital
240
150 By Interest on
capital
78,760 55,350 By Net Divisible
Profit

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8,000

Capital Accounts
B
Particulars

22,500

75,000 50,000
4,500

3,000

7,500

7,500

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87,000 60,500

87,000 60,500

Illustration 1.04
A & B started business with Rs.15,000 each on 1st January, 2001. A made monthly drawings of Rs.750
and B made monthly drawings of Rs.500 from the business. Their profit for the year 2001 amounted to
Rs.18,000. The partners are entitled to interest on capitals @6% p.a. No interest is charged on drawings.
Prepare profit and loss appropriation account and the capital accounts of partners.
Profit & Loss Appropriation A/c

Particulars
To Interest on capital
A

Amount
Particulars
900 By Profit & Loss A/c

Amount
18,000

900
B
To Net Profit
A

8,100
8,100

B
18,000

18,000

A's Capital Account

Particulars
To Drawings
To balance c/d

Amount
Particulars
9,000 By Cash - Op Capital
By Interest on capital
15,000 By Net profit
24,000

Amount
15,000
900
8,100
24,000

B's Capital Account

Particulars
To drawings
To balance c/d

Amount
Particulars
6,000 By Cash - Op Capital
By Interest on capital
18,000 By Net profit
24,000

Amount
15,000
900
8,100
24,000

Illustration 1.05
A & B started business with capitals of Rs.75,000 and Rs.50,000 respectively. They have agreed to share
profits and losses in the ratio 3:2. A is entitled to salary of Rs.12,000 p.a. and B is entitled to Rs.18,000
p.a. Interest at a flat rate of 5% would be charged on the drawings exceeding the amount of salary
allowed. Interest on capital is allowed @ 12%.
The total drawings of A amounted to Rs.20,000 and B Rs.23,000. Profit prior to partners salary
amounted to Rs.44,000.
Prepare profit and loss appropriation account and the capital accounts of partners.
Profit & Loss Appropriation A/c
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Particulars
To Salary

A
-B
To Int. on Capital A
-B

Amount
Particulars
12,000 By P&L Account
18,000 By int on drawings - A
9,000
-B
6,000 By Net loss transferred
A - 210
B - 140
45,000

Amount
44,000
400
250

350
45,000

A's Capital Account

Particulars

To Drawings
To Int on drawings
To Net loss
To balance c/d

Amount

Particulars

Amount

20,000 By Cash - Op
Capital
400 By Salary
210 By Interest on
capital
75,390
96,000

75,000
12,000
9,000

96,000

B's Capital Account

Particulars

To Drawings
To Int on drawings
To Net loss
To balance c/d

Amount

Particulars

Amount

23,000 By Cash - Op
Capital
250 By Salary
140 By Interest on
capital
50,610
74,000

50,000
18,000
6,000

74,000

3. Past Adjustments
3.1. Omission of Interest on Capital / Interest on Drawings
This step is almost like rectification of errors that you studied last year. Let us first consider omission of
interest on capital. Interest on capital is taken out of the available net profit and distributed to partners.
Thereafter the balance of net profit is distributed in the profit sharing ratio. So, when the interest on
capital is omitted in the first place it means that the entire net profit is distributed.
Now how do we correct it?
Simple, take out the total amount required for paying interest on capital from the capital accounts of
partners in the profit sharing ratio, and give it back to them as interest.
What is the use of taking out from partners and give them back the same?
We usually do not give back exactly what we take out. The profit sharing ratio plays a very important
role here. See the next illustration. We take out the total interest divided equally from the three partners,
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and redistribute them as interest according to capital balance. The point to notice here is, that there is
no definite relationship between profit sharing ratio and capital balance. In the illustration the partners
are sharing profits and losses equally even though their capitals are not equal.
Illustration 1.06
A, B and C who are equal partners in a firm have capitals of Rs.30,000; Rs.30,000 and Rs.15,000 respectively. The
profit for the year 2001 was distributed equally. However, interest on capital @10% was omitted. Pass a journal
entry to rectify the error.
Details

Interest to be
credited

Total

3,000

3,000

1,500

7,500

2,500

2,500

2,500

7,500

The amount to be
debited
500(Cr.) 500 (Cr.) 1,000(Dr)

(7500/3)

Net adjustment

Journal Entry
Cs Capital account Dr. 1,000
To As Capital account 500
To Bs Capital account 500
(Capital adjustment for rectification of omission)
Illustration 1.07
A, B and C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:2:1 had capitals of Rs.50,000 each.. The profit for the year 2001
was distributed without providing for interest on capital @10% as agreed in the Partnership Deed. Pass a journal
entry to rectify the error.
Details

Interest

to

be

credited
The amount to be
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Total

5,000

5,000

5,000

15,000

6,000

6,000

3,000

15,000

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debited
(15000 at 2:2:1
1,000(Dr.)

1,000(Dr.)

2,000(Cr)

Net adjustment

Journal Entry
As Capital Account Dr.1,000
Bs Capital Account Dr.1,000
To Cs Capital Account 2,000
(Capital adjustment for rectification of omission)
Illustration 1.08
A, B and C have distributed their profit for the year 2001 in the ratio 2:1:1. However they left out the interest
@10% on their fixed capitals of Rs.40,000, Rs,40,000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively. Pass a journal entry to rectify the
omission.

Details

Total

Interest to be credited

4,000

4,000

2,000

10,000

The

5,000

2,500

2,500

10,000

amount

to

be

debited
(10,000 at 2:1:1

1,000(Dr.) 1,500(Cr.) 500(Dr)

Net adjustment

Journal Entry
As Current Account Dr. 1,000
Cs Current Account Dr.

500

To Bs Current Account

1,500

(Adjustment for rectification of omission

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Note: When capitals are fixed, all adjustment should be done through current account.

Illustration 1.09
A, B and C have distributed their profit for the year 2001 in their profit sharing ratio 2:1:1 after crediting interest
on capitals @10% instead of 8% on their fixed capitals of Rs.40,000, Rs.40,000 and Rs.20,000 respectively. Pass
journal entry to rectify the error.
A

Details

amount

Total

800

400

2,000

1,000

500

500

2,000

200(Cr.)

300(Dr.)

100(Cr)

(2%)
total

800

Excess interest to debit

The

to

credit
(2000 at 2:2:1

Net adjustment
Journal Entry
Bs Current Account Dr.300
To As Current Account 200
To Cs Current Account 100
(Adjustment for rectification of omission)
Illustration 1.10

A, B and C started business with capitals of Rs.100,000 Rs.80,000 and Rs.60,000 respectively. They agreed to share
profits and losses equally. Their partnership deed provided for interest on capital @ 10%. Interest on drawings
have been estimated to be Rs.250 on A, Rs.200 on B and Rs.150 on C. Interest on capital had been credited to
partners at 8% instead on 10%. Interest on drawings had been completely omitted. Pass a journal entry to rectify
the above errors.
Details

Interest to credited
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+2,000

+1,600

+1,200

Total

4,800

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@2%

-250

-200

-150

-600

-1400

-1,400

-1,400

Interest on Drawings

Total
reversed
(in

4,200

amount
350(Cr.)

profit

350(Dr)

sharing

ratio)
Net adjustment

Journal Entry
Cs Capital Account Dr. 350
As Capital Account 350
(Capital adjustment for rectification)

3.2 Redistribution of Profit in a Different Ratio

Illustration 1.11
A B and C have distributed their profits and losses in the ratio 3:2:1. They have decided to share profits and losses
equally with effect from the last three years. The previous three years profits have been Rs.21,000, Rs.18,000 and
Rs. 24,000. You are required to pass a journal entry to give effect to the above arrangement.
Details

Profit

for

the

years

reversed Dr.
The

Total

31,500

21,000

10,500

63,000

21,000

21,000

21,000

63,000

redistributed

equally

Cr.
10,500(Dr.)

Net Adjustment
Journal Entry
As Capital Account Dr.10,500
To Cs Capital Account 10,500
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10,500(Cr)

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(Adjustment to effect redistribution of profit)

3.3 Omission of Outstanding Expenses and Incomes

Outstanding expenses and outstanding incomes have direct effect on the net profit. Outstanding expense is an
expense in the first place and a liability as well. When it is omitted it means a higher profit is distributed to
partners and a liability is not provided in the books. Outstanding income has the opposite effect. Rectification of
these errors is a simple procedure.

i)

If the number of items is less, correct it by passing simple rectification entry, by debiting outstanding income,
crediting outstanding expense and passing the difference into capital account. This way you are creating asset
account in the books for the outstanding income, creating liability account for the outstanding expense, and
transferring the net loss or gain into capital accounts.

ii)

When the number of items involved is more or when it is specifically asked in the question, you should open
a profit and loss adjustment account.

iii)

P&L adjustment account can be safely assumed as a combined capital account of partners. When you want
debit partners capital account you can debit P&L adjustment account instead.

iv)

When there is an outstanding expense, we usually debit capital accounts and credit outstanding expense
account. Now you debit P&L adjustment account for any outstanding expense and credit it for the
outstanding income.

v)

The net balance of profit and loss adjustment account is transferred to the capital accounts of partners in the
profit sharing ratio.

Illustration 1.12
A, B and C have distributed their profit for the year ended 31st December, 2001 in their profit sharing ratio of 2:1:1.
However it was found out in January, 2002 that outstanding expenses of Rs.3,500; and prepaid expenses Rs.1,500
have been left out while preparing the profit and loss account for the year 2001.
You are required to rectify this error by:
a) Passing Journal Entry (without Profit and Loss Adjustment Account)
b) Through Profit and Loss Adjustment Account.
a. Rectification without opening P&L Adjustment Account
Details

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Credit Outstanding Exp (Rs.3500)

1,750

875

875

750

375

375

-------------------------

--------------------------

-------------------------

1,000(Dr)

500(Dr.)

500(Dr.)

and Dr.>
Debit

Prepaid

and

Cr.>

Exp

(Rs.1,500)

Rectification Entry:
Prepaid Expenses Account Dr. 1,500
As Capital Account

Dr. 1,000

Bs Capital Account

Dr.

500

Cs Capital Account

Dr.

500

To Outstanding Expenses

3500

(Rectification of omission)

b. Rectification through P&L Adjustment Account

Journal Entries
Profit and loss adjustment account Dr. 3,500
To Outstanding Expenses

3,500

(Outstanding expenses brought into books)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Prepaid expenses account Dr.1,500
To Profit and Loss Adjustment Account 1,500
(Omission of prepaid expenses brought into books)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As Capital Account Dr. 1,000
Bs Capital Account Dr. .500
Cs Capital Account Dr.

500

To Profit and Loss Adjustment Account

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2,000

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(Net balance in account transferred)

Profit and Loss Adjustment Account
Particulars

Amount

To Outstanding

Particulars

Amount

3,500 By Prepaid expense

expense

1,500

By Net adjustment
A
1,000

3,500

500

500

2,000
3,500

Illustration 1.13
A, B and C have distributed their profit for the year ended 31st December, 2001 equally as provided in the
partnership deed. However it was subsequently found out that commission received and credited in P& L account
included Rs. 6,000 received in advance and interest accrued on investment Rs.4,500 are unaccounted.
Pass a journal entry to give effect to the above items in the books and prepare profit and loss adjustment
account.
Journal Entries
P&L Adjustment account Dr. 6,000
To Commission Recd in Advance

6,000

(Omission of advance income rectified)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Accrued Interest Account Dr. 4,500
To P& L Adjustment Account

4,500

(Omission of accrued income rectified)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As Capital Account

Dr. 500

Bs Capital Account

Dr.500

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Cs Capital Account

Dr.500

To P&L Adjustment Account

1,500

(Net difference transferred)

Profit and Loss Adjustment Account

Particulars
To Commission

Amount

Particulars

Amount

6,000 By Acc. Interest

Advance

4,500

By Net adjustment
A
500

6,000

500

500

1,500
6,000

4. Guarantee of Profits
Sometimes partners agree to guarantee minimum profit to a partner as a special privilege. There can be
many reasons for granting such a privilege. Attracting a reputed individual, who is unwilling to bear the
risk of income fluctuations to become a partner, is one of such reasons. If the share of profit for such a
partner falls short of the minimum amount guaranteed, the other partners will adjust that shortage form
their share of profit according to the agreed conditions. If the share of profit of the partner holding
guarantee privilege comes equal or more than the guaranteed sum, that actual share will be given
without any adjustments.
Illustration 1.14
A, B and C have agreed to share their profits and losses in the ratio 3:3:2 in which C is guaranteed a
minimum profit of Rs.12,000. The divisible profit for the year 2001 amounted to Rs.42,000. Show
distribution of profit.
Profit & Loss Appropriation A/c

Particulars
Amount
To A's Capital
15,750
less adjusted to C
15,000
750
To B's Capital
15,750
less adjusted to C
15,000
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Particulars
By P & L
Account

Amount
42,000

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750
To C's Capital
10,500
add share adjusted
1,500
from A & B

12,000

42,000

42,000

If the entries of deduction and subtraction seem confusing, you can directly put C's share of 12,000 in
his name and divide the balance amount of 30,000 in the ratio 3:3 (equally). The next illustration is
done that way. But remember when you do this way in the examination don't forget to show the
steps/workings to convince the examiner that you know the concept clear.
Illustration 1.15
A, B and C sharing profits and losses in the ratio of 3:2:1 in with C having a minimum guarantee of
Rs.8,000. The profit available for distribution at the end of the year was found to be Rs.42,000. Show
distribution of profit.
Profit & Loss Appropriation A/c

Particulars
To A's Capital
(34,000x3/5)
To B's Capital
(34,000x2/5)
To C's Capital

Amount
Particulars
20,400 By P & L Account

Amount
42,000

13,600
8,000
42,000

42,000

You can divide 42,000 in the ratio 3:2:1 and then rearrange the amount. But here we are directly crediting
C's share and dividing the balance of Rs.34,000 in the ratio 3:2.
Illustration 1.16
A, B and C are partners sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1:1, with capitals of Rs.40,000, Rs.30,000
and Rs.20,000 respectively. Cs minimum profit after interest on capitals @6% has been guaranteed to
be not less than Rs.10,000. A & B have agreed that if Cs profit falls below the guaranteed sum such
deficiency would be shared by them equally. The net profit before interest on capitals is estimated to be
Rs.38,400. Prepare profit and loss appropriation account.
Here you cannot adopt direct distribution as in the previous case since the partners will bear the loss equally. When you distribute balance of
profit after paying the partner with guarantee, the loss is automatically gets distributed in the profit sharing ratio. If any other ratio is to be
applied for sharing the loss, you must adopt 'subtraction and addition' method.

Profit & Los Appropriation A/c

Particulars
To Interest on Capitals: A
B
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Amount
Particulars
2,400 By P&L Account
1,800

Amount
38,400

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1,200

Profit to
A
16,500
Less: C's Share Adj.

875

15,625

Profit share to B
Less: C's Share Adj.

8,250
875

7,375

Profit Share to C
8,250
Add: Share Adj A+B
1,750

10,000
38,400

38,400

Illustration 1.17
A, B and C are partners sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1:1, with capitals of Rs.40,000, Rs.30,000
and Rs.20,000 respectively. Cs minimum profit after interest on capitals @6% has been guaranteed to
be not less than Rs.10,000. A & B have agreed that if Cs profit falls below the guaranteed sum such
deficiency would be shared by them in the ratio 3:2. The net profit before interest on capitals is
estimated to be Rs.38,400. Prepare profit and loss appropriation account.
Profit & Los Appropriation A/c

Particulars
To Interest on Capitals:
A

Amount
Particulars
2,400 By P&L Account
1,800
B
1,200

C
Profit to
A
16,500
Less: C's Share Adj.
1,050
Profit share to B
8,250
Less: C's Share Adj.
700
0Profit Share to C
8,250
Add: Share Adj A+B
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15,450

7,550

10,000

Amount
38,400

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1,750
38,400

38,400

Illustration 1.18
A, B and C are partners sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1:1, with capitals of Rs.40,000, Rs.30,000
and Rs.20,000 respectively. A has personally guaranteed that he shall bear the deficiency if Cs share of
profit after interest on capitals of partners @6% falls below Rs.10,000. The net profit before interest on
capitals is estimated to be Rs.38,400. Prepare profit and loss appropriation account.
Profit & Los Appropriation A/c

Particulars
To Interest on Capitals:
A

Amount
Particulars
2,400 By P&L Account

Amount
38,400

1,800
B
1,200
C
Profit to
A
16,500
Less: C's Share Adj.
1,750
Profit share to B
0Profit Share to C
8,250
Add: Share Adj A
1,750

14,750

8,250

10,000
38,400

38,400

5. Accounting for Joint Life Policy

A partner ceases to be a partner either by retirement or death. At the time of retirement or death of a
partner the continuing partners, have to settle his dues. Since retirement is a pre-planned event proper
arrangement for this settlement can be made. Death comes unexpectedly. The firm suffers the loss of an
experienced partner and it has the added burden of settling a huge amount of capital and other dues to
the deceased partner. Unlike retirement, death of a partner results in a financial emergency, as the
amount due cannot be delayed for long time. Unless adequate precautions are made, this emergency
can turn into deep financial crisis.
(Please refer Chapter 4 Retirement of Partners for details on Joint Life Policy)
Interest on Capital
Interest is allowed on partners capitals only if there is a specific agreement in the partnership deed. When interest
is allowed on partners capital it should be calculated on the basis of period of capital investment. Suppose a

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partner makes additional investment after three months from the starting of a year, interest on this additional
capital is allowed for nine months only, not for the full year.
Illustration - 1.19
A & B started business on 1st January 2001, with capitals of Rs.50,000 each. A introduced additional capital of
Rs.25,000 on 1st July 2001 and B introduced the same amount on 1st October 2001.
Calculate interest on capital @12%, payable to A and B at the end of the year.
Interest on capital - A
Opening capital for 12 months (50,000 x 12%)
On Additional Capital 6 months

6,000

(25,000x 12%x6/12) =

1,500

Total interest payable to A

7,500

Interest on capital - B
On opening capital for 12 months (50,000 x 12%)

6,000

On additional capital for 3 months (25,000x12%x3/12)

750
6,750

Illustration 1.20
On 1st January 2001 the capital accounts of A & B showed balances of Rs.70,000 and Rs.50,000 respectively. A
introduced additional capital of Rs.50,000 on 31st March 2001 and B introduced additional capital of Rs.30,000 on
1st September, 2001. Interest on capital is allowed @ 12% p.a.
Calculate interest on capital payable at the end of 2001.

When interest is allowed on the net monthly balance of capital account, interest on drawings will not be charged,
because the drawings becomes deduction from capital, and the interest on capital is automatically reduced.
Interest on As Capital
On Opening capital for 12 months (70,000 x 12%)
On Additional Capital 9 months

(50,000x 12%x9/12) =

Total interest payable to A

8,400
4,500
12,900

Interest on Bs Capital
On opening capital for 12 months (50,000 x 12%)=
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On additional capital for 4 months (30,000x12%x 4/12) =

1,200
7,200

Illustration 1.21: A & B started business with Rs.100,000 each on 1st January, 2001. A introduced additional
capital of Rs.50,000 on 1st July and B introduced Rs.50,000 on 1st September. A withdrew Rs.12,000, drawn in 4
installments of Rs.3000 each at the end of each quarter. B withdrew Rs.1,000 per month, at the end of each
month.
Interest on capital is allowed on the net monthly balance of capital account @12% p.a. Calculate interest payable
to A & B.
In this question interest is allowed on the net monthly balance of capital. But what is this monthly balance? Is it
opening balance or closing balance? The idea behind interest on net balance is to give interest on the exact
amount of capital used in the business. Suppose A added 10,000 at the end of January, he is not entitled to
interest on this amount in the month of January, simply because it was not used in January. We cannot frame a
that interest is allowed on the opening balance or closing balance. The main point to remember here is that the
interest is allowed only on the capital used.

Net Monthly Balances in Capital accounts of A & B

Month

Interest

Month

On

Interest
on

January

100,000

January

100,000

February

100,000

February

99,000

March

100,000

March

98,000

April

97,000

April

97,000

May

97,000

May

96,000

June

97,000

June

95,000

July

144,000

July

94,000

August

144,000

August

93,000

September

144,000

September

142,000

October

141,000

October

141,000

November

141,000

November

140,000

December

141,000

December

139,000

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1,446,000

Total

1,334,000

As Capital Account
st

April = 100,000-3,000 on 31 March

th

st

July = Rs.97,000-3,000 on 30 June + 50,000 on 1 July

October = 144,000 3000
st

December 31 3,000 has no effect on this years interest

Bs Capital Account
September = 93,000 1,000 + 50,000

Interest Allowed to 1446000 x 12 %, for 1 month Rs. 14,460

A
Interest Allowed to 1334,000 x 12 %, for 1 month
B

13,340

Rs.

Illustration 1.22. The closing balances in the capital accounts of A & B On 31st Dec. 2001 were Rs.78,000 and
Rs.65,000 respectively. During the year A introduced Rs.15000 on 1st July 2001 and withdrew @ Rs.1,000 at the
end of each month. B introduced additional capital of Rs.25,000 on 31st March, 2001 and withdrew Rs.7,000 on
30th June and Rs.3,000 on 30th September. Calculate interest on capital @ 6% p.a. to be credited to each partner
on 31st December, 2001 based on the net monthly capitals.
Read the question carefully. The capital balances given here are not the opening balances, but the closing balances of 2001, and you have the
details of withdrawals during 2001. Now you must reverse to the beginning of the year and calculate the monthly balances to arrive at the
correct interest on capital.

Opening Capital = Closing Capital + drawings additional capital.

Opening Capital of A = 78,000 + 12,000 - 15,000 = 75,000
Opening Capital of B = 65,000 + 10,000 25,000 = 50,000

Net Monthly Balances in Capital Accounts of A & B

As Capital
Month

Bs Capital

Interest
On

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Month

Interest
On

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January

75,000

January

50,000

February

74,000

February

50,000

March

73,000

March

50,000

April

72,000

April

75,000

May

71,000

May

75,000

June

70,000

June

75,000

July

84,000

July

68,000

August

83,000

August

68,000

September

82,000

September

68,000

October

81,000

October

65,000

November

80,000

November

65,000

December

79,000

December

65,000

Total

924,000

Total

774,000

Interest allowed to A = 924,000 x 6% x 1/12 = Rs. 4,620

Interest allowed to B = 774,000 x 6% x 1/12 = Rs. 3,870

Interest on Drawings

Illustration 1.23 Following is the details of drawings made by A & B from their firm during the year 2001.
Calculate interest on drawings @ 6% p.a. to be debited to their accounts at the end of the year.
A's Drawings

Rs.

B's Drawings

Rs.

31-1-2001

1,500

28-2-2001

1,000

31-3-2001

500

1-4-2001

1,500

1-5-2001

2,000

1-7-2001

1,000

30-9-2001

1,000

1-10-2001

1,500

31-12-2001

1,000

1-12-2001

1,000

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6,000

6,000

This question clearly shows the effect of period of drawing on the amount of interest charged.
See that both these partners have withdrawn the same amount during the year 2001. But the interests charged are different, because
of difference in period of drawing.

Interest on As drawings

Interest on Bs drawings

Amount

Period

Equivalent

Withdrawn

till end

1 month

1,500

11

16,500

1,000

10

10,000

500

4,500

1,500

13,500

2,000

16,000

1,000

6,000

1,000

3,000

1,500

4,500

1,000

1,000

1,000

40,000

6,000

6,000

Amount

Period Equivalent

Withdrawn till end

1 month

35,000

Interest on As drawings = 40,000 x 6% x 1/12 = Rs. 200

Interest on Bs drawings = 35,000 x 6% x 1/12 = Rs. 175

Illustration 1.24
The closing balances in the drawings accounts of A, B and C show Rs.12,000 each on 31st December, 2001. They
withdrew this amount in monthly installments of Rs.1,000. As drawings were made at the beginning of each
month, B on 15th and C at the end of each month.
Calculate interest on drawings @6% p.a. to be debited to them on 31st December 2001.

Interest on As Drawings = 12,000 x 6% x 6.5/12 = Rs.390

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Interest on Bs Drawings = 12,000 x 6% x 6/12 = Rs.360

Interest on Cs Drawings = 12,000 x 6% x 5.5 /12 = Rs.330

Commission to Partners
Commission is allowed to a partner for his service if all partners agree to such a payment. Again, in the absence of
a specific condition in the partnership deed, a partner is not entitled to any salary or commission for his service
rendered to the firm.
When commission is allowed it may be stated as payable on the profit before charging commission or payable
on the profit after charging commission. If commission is payable on the profit before charging commission, it
simply means that the commission is to be calculated at the given percent on the given amount of profit. But if it
is a certain percentage after charging such commission, the amount of commission should be exactly the
percentage specified on the balance of profit after deducting such commission, not the total amount. The
following illustration will clarify the point.
The idea of commission on the net profit before charging such commission and after charging commission sounds confusing Butler
English. But read it very carefully. This before charging condition is exactly what we all normally understand. If the profit is 100 and 10%
commission is allowed it simply means the commission is Rs.10 and the balance of profit available is Rs.90. The trouble hare is to take out 10%
of the profit left after taking out such commission. Does this sound confusing again? In the above example Rs.10 is not 10% of the balance of
profit of Rs.90. This is the problem. Now how to solve it? Remember that the commission is 10% of the balance of profit, which means if the
balance is 100 then commission is 10. In other words it is not to be calculated as 10 out of 100 but as 10 out of 110.
Study carefully how Bs commission is calculated in illustration 1.25

Illustration 1.25
A & B are equal partners in a firm. Their partnership deed provided for commission to A @5% of the net profit
before charging any commission. B is entitled to 5% commission on the profit after charging all commissions. Net
profit before any such commission was Rs.42,000. Calculate commissions and profit share of each partner.
Commission payable of to A = 5% of 42,000 ie. Rs.2,100.
Commission payable to B = 5% of the N/P after all commissions.
Net profit available after charging As commission = Rs.39,900 (42,000 2,100)
Which is Bs commission + N/P after all commissions
Now Bs commission is to be 5% of the balance after deducting Bs commission.
If Bs commission is Rs.5, the balance available should be Rs.100
Which means the total should be 105.

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Again, if the total available is 105, B will get a commission of 5 and the balance of Rs.100 will remain. ie. for every
105, B will get a commission of Rs.5.
Therefore Bs commission is Rs.39,900 x 5/105 = Rs.1,900
Notice that the balance available is Rs.38,000 and Bs commission of Rs.1,900 is exactly 5% of Rs.38,000.

Calculation of Capital Ratio

Capital ratio should be understood as investment ratio. Money is considered an important working factor in the
business. When the capital contribution of a partner is higher, it also means that his money worked more in
making the profit. In calculating the capital ratio the amount and the period of investment are to be considered.
Suppose A contributes 10,000 in January and B contributes the same amount on 1st July, A's capital has worked
double that of B due to earlier investment, even though both the amounts are the same at the end of the year.
Therefore, capital ratio should be based on the amount of capital multiplied by the number of months the
investment remained with the firm.
Illustration 1.26
A started business on 1st January 2001, with a capital investment of Rs.50,000. B joined on 1st May with a capital
contribution of Rs.75,000 and C joined with 1st July with Rs.50,000 as capital.
They made a profit of Rs.25,000 in the first year. Distribute profit in the capital ratio.

Date & Amount

Months
for which

Effective
Amount

money was
used
A on 1st Jan

12

600,000

600,000

300,000

Rs.50,000

B on 1st may
Rs.75,000

C on Ist July
Rs.50,000

Capital Ratio between A, B & C = 600000:600000:300000 ie. 2:2:1

Illustration 1.27
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A & B started business on 1st January 2001. They have decided to share profits and losses in the capital ratio.
Calculate their capital ratio form the following details

A's Capital Account

Particulars
Mar 1

To Cash

Amount

Particulars

9,000 Jan 1

Amount

By Cash

65,000

By Cash..addl. Cap.

40,000

Drawing..
Oct 1

To Cash

10,000 Jul 1

Drawing.
Dec 31

To bal c/d

86,000
105,000

105,000

B's Capital Account

Date

Particulars

Apr 1

To Cash Drwng.

Oct 1

To Cash Drwng.

Dec 31

To bal c/d

Amount

Date

Particulars

Amount

Jan 1

By Cash

50,000

19,500

5,500

Jul 1 By Cash.. addl. Cap.

25,000

Sept 1 By Cash addl. Cap.

10,500

60,500
85,500

85,500

This question is worked out twice. The first answer is based on the capital balances multiplied by the number of months for which
such balances are maintained. Even though this method looks very simple, you may make mistake in calculating the number of
months for which the capital balances are maintained as there are no definite sequence or order followed in the question.
Most of the books follow the first method. I suggest the second; because there is very little chance of mistake this way.

Remember that the date of introduction or withdrawal is important. Capital for a month means capital available for use in that month.
If capital is withdrawn at the beginning of a month, it means that the remaining balance only is available for that month. But if the
capital is withdrawn at the end of the month that withdrawal has no effect on the capital for that month.

Answer (i) for Q.1.27

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A's Capital
Date & Amount

Actual

Months

Balance
Jan 1 Op Cpital

Effective
Amount

65,000

130,000

56,000

224,000

96,000

288,000

86,000

258,000

65,000
Mar

Drawing

9,000

Jul 1 Addl Cap

40,000
Nov

Drawings

10,000
900,000

B's Capital
Date & Amount

Actual

Months

Balance

Effective
Amount

Jan 1 Op Cpital

+ 50,000

50,000

150,000

Apr 1 Drawing

- 19,500

30,500

91,500

Jul 1

Addl Cap

+ 25,000

55,500

111,000

Sept1 Addl Cap

+ 10,500

66,000

66,000

Nov 1 Drawings

60,500

181,500

5,500

600,000
Capital Ratio = 900:600
= 3:2
Answer (ii) for Q.1.27

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Bal.- A

Bal B

Jan

65,000

50,000

Feb

65,000

50,000

Mar

56,000

50,000

Apr

56,000

30,500

May

56,000

30,500

Jun

56,000

30,500

Jul

96,000

55,500

Aug

96,000

55,500

Sep

96,000

66,000

Oct

86,000

60,500

Nov

86,000

60,500

Dec

86,000

60,500

900,000

600,000

Month

Total

Illustration 1.28

The capital accounts of A & B on 31 December 2007 show balances of Rs.48,750 and

Rs.56,000. The capital accounts for the year 2007 are given below. Calculate capital ratio (ratio in which their
money was used in business).

Particulars

Feb 1 To Cash

12,500

Mar 1 To Cash

---

Jul 1

8,750

To Cash

Particulars
--- Jan 1

14,000 Apr 1
--- Sept
1

Oct 1 To Cash

10,000 10,000

Dec

48,750 56,000

To bal c/d

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- By Cash
By Cash
By Cash

50,000 25,000
-

30,000

30,000 25,000

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31
80,000 80,000

Month

Total

Bal.- A

80,000 80,000

Bal B

Jan

50,000

25,000

Feb

37,500

25,000

Mar

37,500

11,000

Apr

37,500

41,000

May

37,500

41,000

Jun

37,500

41,000

Jul

28,750

41,000

Aug

28,750

41,000

Sep

58,750

66,000

Oct

48,750

56,000

Nov

48,750

56,000

Dec

48,750

56,000

500,000

500,000

Capital Ratio = 1:1

Manager Admitted as a Partner

Illustration 1.29
A & B sharing profits and losses equally have decided to admit their manager C as a new partner. They have
agreed to give him 1/5th share in future profits as well as the profits for the previous three years. His salary for the
last three years is to be adjusted against his profit share. The profits for the last three years were Rs.76,000;
Rs.83,000 and Rs.81,000 and his salary was Rs.1,500 p.m.
Recalculate the profit distribution and pass a journal entry to adjust the same in accounts.

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Total Profit for the last three

240,000

years
Salary to Manager for three

54,000

years

Total Profit for redistribution

Details

Profit distributed taken

back

120,000

294,000

120,000

(Dr.)

54,000

Salary paid to C taken back

(Dr.)
117,600

117,600

58,800

Profit redistribution in new

ratio

(Cr.)

(294,000 in 2:2:1)

Amount to readjust

2,400(Dr)

2,400(Dr)

4,800 (Cr).

Journal entry
As Capital Account Dr .2 400
Bs Capital Account Dr. 2,400
To Cs Capital Account 4,800
(Profit readjustment)
Illustration 1.30
A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1, have decided to admit their manager C as a partner, giving him
1/4th share in profits with retrospective effect for the past three years. His salary during this period is to be
adjusted against his profit share. The profit for the last three years have been Rs.48,000; Rs.43,000 and Rs.44,000.
His salary was Rs.1,200 p.m.

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Recalculate the profit distribution and pass a journal entry to give effect to the same in accounts.

Total Profit for the last three

years

135,000
43,200

Salary to Manager for three

years

Total Profit for redistribution

Details
Profit

distributed

out

A
taken

90,000

178,200

B
45,000

Dr

C
0
43,200

Salary Paid to C
Dr.
89,100
Total

Amount

the

Cr.

Redistributed

44,550

44,550

in

(178,200 at 2:2:1)
Net Adjustment

Journal entry
As Capital Account Dr .900
Bs Capital Account Dr. 450
To Cs Capital Account 1,350
(Profit readjustment)
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900
(Dr.)

450 (Dr.) 1,350(Cr.)

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Illustration 1.31 A & B are partners sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1. On 31st December,2001 they have
decided to take C, their manager as partner for 1/4th share with retrospective effect from 1st January 1999. As
manager he had been paid annual salary of Rs.18,000, which is reduced to annual salary of Rs.6,000 as partner. He
had advanced a loan of Rs.50,000 to the firm at 10% interest which is converted as his capital carrying interest
@6% per annum. Profits and losses for the last three years are as follows:
1999

Rs. 54,000

2000

Rs.19,000

2001

Rs.47,000

Recalculate the profit distribution and pass adjustment entry to give effect to the same.

Total Profit for the last three

120,000

years
Excess

36,000
Salary

to

Manager

6,000

(12000x3)
Excess interest paid to C
Total Profit for redistribution

Details
Profit redistribution in new ratio

162,000

+81,000

+40,500

+40,500

(Cr.)

(162000 at 2:1:1)

-80,000

Profit already distributed (120000at

2:1)

(Dr.)

-40,000
-

- 6,000

Excess Salary given to C

(12000x3)

-36,000

(Dr.)

Excess Interest given to

C

(Dr.)

Amount to readjust

Journal Entry
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1,000(Cr)

500(Cr)

1,500
(Dr)

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Cs Capital Account Dr.1,500

To As Capital Account 1,000
To Bs Capital Account 500
(Profit readjustment)

Calculation of Capital Contribution

Illustration 1.32
A & B sharing profits and losses equally have agreed to admit C as a partner for 1/4th share from 1st January, 2002
who agreed to pay proportionate share of the total capital of the firm after necessary adjustments and
appropriations at the end of the year 2001. The capital accounts of A & B on 1stJanuary 2001 stood at Rs.40,000
and Rs.30,000 respectively. Drawings during the year 2001 amounted to Rs.3,000 by A and Rs.4,000 by B.
Calculate the capital to be invested by C.

Cs Share is of the total Capital of the firm.

Therefore, combined capital of A& B is 3/4th of the total capital.

Net Capital of A (40,000-3000)

37,000

Net Capital of B (30,000-4000)

26,000

Total capital of A & B

63,000

Ie. 3/4th of the total capital = 63,000

Total capital = 63000 *4/3 = 84,000
Cs Capital = 21,000

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Chapter:2 Reconstitution Of Partnership

(Changing Ratio or Admission of a New Partner)
A partnership business may undergo several structural changes during its lifetime. New partners
may join or existing ones may leave the business. While making such major changes in the
structure of business, partners carefully evaluate their accounts. They have to reset the system on a
correct starting point. They check the values of assets and liabilities appearing in the books. If there
are discrepancies they have to be rectified before introducing a major change. Reconstitution of a
partnership business can take place under the following situations:

Admission of a new partner

Changing profit sharing ratio among existing partners
Retirement / death of a partner
Amalgamation of two partnership firms

The most important accounting adjustment is resetting of old accounts. It is a common adjustment
in all cases of reconstitution. In this chapter you will find reconstitution by admission and
reconstitution by changing ratios. Reconstitution by admission is more important on examination
point of view. The following are the common adjustments at the time of reconstitution of a
partnership business.
1. Revaluation of assets and liabilities
2. Distribution of reserves and accumulated profits
3. Calculation of new ratio, sacrificing ratio and gaining ratio
4. Treatment of goodwill
5. Readjustment of capital accounts

1. Revaluation of Assets and Liabilities

Assets and liabilities are often shown in the accounts at their historical value rather than realisable
value. Due to conservatism the partners usually do not revise the values of assets even when their
actual market values are much higher than book values. Similarly inadequate depreciation, change
in technology etc. make the book values of certain assets more than their realisable value. It is not
practical for the partners to keep on changing the book values of their assets every time there is a
change in their market values. The difference between book value and market value is not a
problem as long as the partnership business goes on normally. But when they change the structure
of the partnership in the form of revision in profit sharing ratio, admission of a new partner,
retirement or death of a partner, amalgamation of two partnership firms or absorption of a firm by
another, the values of assets and liabilities are to be reassessed and difference if any, should be
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accounted.

What is the purpose of revaluation?

When the realisable value of asset or liability is different from the book value there is a profit or loss
hidden in the difference in value. The partners should distribute all the profits and losses in the
existing profit sharing ratio before changing the ratio. If the ratio remains unchanged there is
practically no use in estimating the hidden profit or loss. However, if this profit or loss is not
distributed prior to changing profit sharing ratio some partners will lose and others gain due to the
change in ratio.
For example: A&B, who were equal partners purchased land for Rs.10,000 in Jan 1975. They
decided to share profits and losses in the ratio 2:1 from 1st January 2001. The actual market value of
land on 1st January was Rs.70,000; whereas the book value remains at the purchase price of
Rs.10,000. There is a hidden profit of Rs.60,000 in the value of land which A & B are entitled to
share equally. Suppose they just ignored this factor and changed the profit sharing ratio to 2:1 and
sold the land for Rs.70,000 next day, the profit on sale of land Rs.60,000 will go to A and B in the
new ratio 2:1, which means A will get 40,000 and B will get only 20,000. In other words Rs.10,000
belonging to B will go to A. Vice versa can happen in case of a hidden loss. To prevent such
problems the partners revalue the assets and liabilities and transfer the profit or loss into their
capital accounts in the existing ratio before making a change.

Revaluation Account
When the value of one asset is to be increased in the books it can be easily done by debiting the
asset and crediting the profit to partners capital accounts in the profit sharing ratio. But when there
is a major shake up, values of almost every asset and liability have to be revised. Distributing each
change to the partners would be a lengthily process. For the sake of convenience, all those profits
and losses on change in values of assets and liabilities are brought into a temporary account called
revaluation account. The revaluation account summarises the effect of revaluation of assets and
liabilities.
Revaluation account is a special profit & loss account representing the combined capital accounts
of partners. Any gain on revaluation of asset or liability, to be credited to partners, will be credited
in the revaluation account. Similarly any loss on revaluation will be debited in revaluation account
instead of debiting the capital accounts. The final balance in revaluation account indicates the profit
or loss on the entire revaluation process. The revaluation account is closed by transferring this
profit or loss to partners capital accounts in the ratio before revision (old profit sharing ratio). All
assets and liabilities will appear at their revised values in the books and in all future balance sheets.
When the partners want to adjust the profit or loss on revaluation process without actually
changing the values of assets and liabilities in the books they can do so by opening a
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memorandum revaluation account. This revaluation account has two parts. The first part is a
normal revaluation account and the profit or loss on this part is transferred in the old profit sharing
ratio. The second part of memorandum revaluation account is almost a mirror image of the first
part. Whatever debited in the first section is credited in the second and whatever credited is
debited. Naturally if there was profit in the first section, there will be loss in the second and vice
versa. The profit or loss in the first part is transferred to capital accounts in the old ratio, and that at
the second part will be transferred to capital accounts new profit sharing ratio. As a result of this
exercise the effect of profit or loss on revaluation will be fairly embedded in the capital accounts of
partners.
2. Distribution of Reserves and Accumulated Profits

Distribution of reserves and accumulated profits is the first step in any reorganisation process. They
include general reserves, credit balance in P & L accounts or any other fund that are retained in the
business. These are profits earned in the past, but not taken out by the partners, or profits kept aside.
Therefore, when the partners decide to change their future profit sharing ratio, the past profits retained
in the above accounts should be distributed to partners in the old ratio as a first step.
3. Calculating new ratio, sacrificing ratio and gaining ratio

When a new partner comes into the business, old partners have to give him his profit share from their
portion. Thus change in profit sharing ratio is an important aspect to be considered on reconstitution by
admission. In academic accounting, change in profit sharing ratio can be presented in various ways. The
existing partners may decide to change their profit sharing ratio for various reasons. When the profit
sharing ratio is revised among existing partners, there ought to be a partial sacrifice of profit share by
some partners in favour of others. The sacrifice of one or a group of partners becomes the gain of the
remaining partners. Following is the formula for calculating sacrificing ratio:
Sacrificing ratio = Old ratio new ratio
When the profit sharing ratio is revised it is important to calculate the sacrificing ratio and gaining ratio.
These ratios are required to adjust the value of goodwill of a firm without raising goodwill account in the
books.
Gaining ratio is the opposite of sacrificing ratio. This is the ratio gain to the existing partners of a firm
when they revise the profit sharing ratio, or when the profit share of the deceased or retired partner is
shared by the other partners. This ratio is calculated by deducting the old ratio from the new ratio. The
new share will be higher than the old when there is a gain.
Gaining ratio = New ratio old ratio

Examples of ratio calculations on reconstitution by admission

a. The new partners share is mentioned without specifying the old partners profit sharing
arrangement.
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In this case it is to be assumed that the profit available after paying the new partners share is to be
divided by the old partners in their old profit sharing ratio. In other words the even though the
overall profit sharing ratio changes, the old ratio is still maintained between the old partners,
within the new ratio.
Illustration 2.1
Calculate new profit sharing ratio in the following cases:
i) A & B sharing profits and losses equally admit C for 1/5th share in future profits
Cs Share of profit = 1/5th of the profit of the firm.
Balance of profit available for A & B = 4/5th of the profit, which is shared by them equally.
As New share = 4/5 x 1/2 = 4/10
Bs New share = 4/5 x = 4/10
Ratio between ABC = 4/10:4/10:1/5
= 2:2:1
ii) A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:1 admit C for 1/5th share in future profits.
Cs share of profit = 1/5
Balance available for A & B = 1-1/5 = 4/5 of the profit which is shared by them in the ratio 3:1
As New share = 4/5 x 3/4 = 3/5
Bs New share = 4/5 x = 1/5
New Ratio = 3/5 : 1/5 : 1/5
= 3:1:1
iii) A &B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2 admit C for 1/5th share in future profits.
Cs Share = 1/5
Balance available for A & B = 4/5 which is shared by them in the ratio 3:2
As new share = 4/5 x 3/5 = 12/25
Bs new share = 4/5 x 2/5 = 8/25
Cs share
= 1/5
New profit sharing ratio = 12/25 : 8/25 : 1/5
12:8:5
iv) A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2/3 and 1/3 admit C into partnership giving
him 1/4th share in future profits
Cs share of profit = 1/4
Balance available for A & B = 3/4
As new share = 3/4 x 2/3 = 2/4
Bs new share = 3/4 x 1/3 = 1/4
New profit sharing ratio = 2/4:1/4:1/4 ie. 2:1:1

v) A & B who are equal partners admit C for 1/6th share in future profits
Cs share of profits = 1/6
Balance available to A & B = 5/6
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As new share = 5/6 x 1/2 = 5/12

Bs new share = 5/6 x 1/2 = 5/12
New profit sharing ratio = 5/12: 5/12: 1/6
= 5:5:2
The old partners give part of their share to the new partner (focus on the old partner)

Illustration .2.2
Calculate profit sharing ratio and sacrificing ratios in the following cases:

i) A & B who are equal partners admit C for which A surrenders of his share and B surrenders 1/4th
of his share in favour of C
a. As Old share = 1/2
b. Portion surrendered for C 1/2 of 1/2
i.e. 1/2x1/2 = 1/4
c. Balance available for A = 1/4 (a-b)
d. Bs old share = 1/2
e. Portion surrendered for C = 1/4th of 1/2
i.e. 1/2x1/ 4 = 1/8
f. Balance available for B = 3/8 (1/2-1/8)
g. Cs share = As contribution + Bs contribution
i.e. 1/4 +1/8 = 3/8
g. New profit sharing ratio = 1/4:3/8:3/8
i.e. 2:3:3
ii) A & B sharing profits and losses in the ration 3:2 admit C for which each partner surrenders of his
respective share.
a. As Old share = 3/5
b. Portion surrendered for C 1/2 of 3/5
i.e. 3/5x1/2 = 3/10
c. Balance available for A = 3/10(a-b)
d. Bs old share = 2/5
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e. Portion surrendered for C = 1/2 of 2/5

ie. 2/5x1/2 = 2/10
f. Balance available for B = 2/10(d-e)
g. Cs share = As contribution + Bs contribution
i.e. 3/10+2/10= 5/10
h. New profit sharing ratio = 3/10:2/10:5/10
i.e. 3:2:5

iii) A & b sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2 admit C into partnership for which A surrenders
1/4th of his share and B surrenders 1/2 of his share.
a. As Old share = 3/5
b. Portion surrendered for C 1/4th of 3/5
i.e. 3/5x1/4 = 3/20
c. Balance available for A = 9/20(a-b)
d. Bs old share = 2/5
e. Portion surrendered for C = 1/2 of 2/5
i.e. 2/5x1/2 = 2/10
f. Balance available for B = 2/10(d-e)
g. Cs share = As contribution + Bs contribution
i.e. 3/20+2/10= 7/20
h. New profit sharing ratio =9/20:2/10:7/20

i.e. 9:4:7

iv) A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 4:1 have admitted C by surrendering 1/2 of their
respective shares.
a. As Old share = 4/5
b. Portion surrendered for C 1/2 of 4/5
i.e. 4/5x1/2 = 4/10
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c. Balance available for A = 4/10(a-b)

d. Bs old share = 1/5
e. Portion surrendered for C = 1/2 of 1/5
i.e. 1/5x1/2 = 1/10
f. Balance available for B = 1/10(d-e)
g. Cs share = As contribution + Bs contribution
i.e. 4/10+1/10= 5/10
h. New profit sharing ratio = 4/10:1/10:5/10
i.e. 4:1:5

The new partner acquires his share from old partners (focus on the new partners share)
Illustration.2.3
Calculate sacrificing ratio and new profit sharing ratio in the following cases:
i) A & B sharing profits and losses equally admit C into partnership for 1/3rd share in future profits,
which 2/3rd is acquired from A and 1/3rd is acquired from B
a. Cs share = 1/3rd of future profits
b. As contribution (sacrifice) = 2/3rd of 1/3rd
i.e. 2/3 x 1/3 = 2/9
c. Balance available for A = As old share As sacrifice
i.e. 1/2 2/9 = 5/18
d. Bs contribution =1/3rd of 1/3rd
i.e. 1/3 x 1/3 = 1/9
e. Balance available for B = Bs old share Bs Contribution
i.e. 1/2 1/9 = 7/18
Cs share = 2/9 +1/9 = 3/9
f. New profit sharing ratio = 5/18 : 7/18 : 6/18
i.e. 5:7:6
g. Sacrificing Ratio = 2/9 : 1/9 ie.2:1

ii) A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1 admit C as a new partner. C acquired 1/18th from
and 1/9 from B
a. As contribution (sacrifice) to C = 1/18 of the total profit
b. Balance available for A = As old share As contribution / sacrifice
i.e. 2/3 1/18 = 11/18
c. Bs contribution =1/9
d. Balance available for B = Bs old share Bs Contribution
i.e. 1/3 1/9 = 2/9
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e. Cs share = 1/18 +1/9 = 3/18

f. New profit sharing ratio = 5/18 : 7/18 : 6/18
i.e. 11:4:3
g. Sacrificing ratio = 1/18:1/9 i.e.1:2

iii) A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2 admit C for 1/4th share which is acquired equally
A and B
As Contribution (sacrifice) to C = of =1/8
Bs Contribution (sacrifice) to C = of = 1/8
As new share = 3/5 1/8 = 19/40
Bs new share = 2/5 1/8 = 11/40
New ratio = 19/40:11/40:10/40
Sacrificing ratio = 1/8 :1/8 ie. 1:1

iv) A & B sharing profits in the ratio 3:1 admit C for 1/5th share in future profits. C acquires 7/8th of
share from a and 1/8th from B
As contribution to C = 7/8th of 1/5
ie. 7/40
Bs Contribution to C = 1/8th of 1/5
ie. 1/40
As new share = 3/4-7/40 = 23/40
B's new share = 1/4 1/40 = 9/40
Cs share = 7/40+1/40 =8/40
New ratio = 23:9:8
Sacrificing ratio 7:1

v) A & B who are equal partners admit C for 1/3rd share in future profits. C acquired 1/3rd of his sh
from A and 2/3rd of his share form B.
As sacrifice 1/3rd of 1/3rd = 1/9
Bs sacrifice 2/3rd of 1/3rd = 2/9
As new share = 1/2 1/9 = 7/18
Bs new share = 1/2 2/9 = 5/18
Cs share
= 1/9+2/9 = 6/18
New ratio = 7:5:6

The entire sacrifice is made by one partner

Illustration.2.4
Calculate new profit sharing ratio in the following cases:
i) A & B sharing profits and losses equally admit C for 1/4th share. B has made the entire sacrifice
for Cs share of profit.
Bs new share = 1/2 1/4 = 1/4
New profit sharing ratio = 1/2:1/4:1/4
ii) A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2 admit C for 1/5th share in future profit which is
fully contributed by A.
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As contribution = 1/5
As new share = 3/5 1/5 = 2/5
New profit sharing ratio = 2/5:2/5:1/5
iii) A & B who are equal partners admit C into partnership. B has contributed of his share in
favour of C
New profit sharing ratio = 2:1:1
iv) A & B who are sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:1 admit c by contributing of As share
in favour of C.
As contribution for C = of = 3/8
New profit sharing ratio = 3/8 : 1/4: 3/8 = 3:2:3
v) A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1 admit C by contributing 1/3rd portion of As
share of profits.
As contribution (Cs share) = 1/3rd of 2/3rd = 2/9
As new share = 2/3 2/9 = 4/9
New profit sharing ratio = 4:3:2

c. An entirely new profit sharing ratio is given

Illustration.2.5:
Calculate sacrificing ratio in the following cases
i) A & B sharing profits and losses equally admit C into partnership and decide to share future
profits and losses in the ratio 3:2:2
As sacrifice = 1/2 3/7 =7/14 - 6/14 = 1/14
Bs sacrifice = 1/2 2/7 = 7/14 4/14 = 3/14
Sacrificing ratio = 1:3
ii) A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:1 admit C and decide to share future profits
and losses in the ratio 3:2:4
As sacrifice = 3/4 - 3/9 = 27/36 12/36 = 15/36
Bs sacrifice = 1/4 2/9 = 9/36 8/36 = 1/36
Sacrificing ratio = 15:1
iii) A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2 admit C and change their profit sharing as
3:2:3.
As sacrifice = 3/5-3/8 = 24/40-15/40 = 9/40
Bs sacrifice = 2/5 2/8 = 16/40 10/40 = 6/40
Sacrificing ratio = 9:6 ie.3:2
iv) A &B having equal partnership admit C and change their profit sharing as 4:3:2
As sacrifice = 1/2 - 4/9 = 9/18 8/18 = 1/18
Bs sacrifice = 1/2 3/9 = 9/18 6/18 = 3/18
Sacrificing ratio = 1:3
v)
A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 4:3 admit C and decide to share future
profits and losses equally.
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As sacrifice = 4/7 1/3 = 12/21 7/21 = 5/21

Bs sacrifice = 3/7 1/3 = 9/21 7/21 = 2/21
Sacrificing ratio = 5:2
At the time of reconstitution by admission, the old partners generally sacrifice for the new partner. In
other words, new partner is the gaining partner and the old partners are the sacrificing partners.
However when the partners restructure the entire profit sharing arrangement even some of the old
partners could turn out to be gaining partners. When reconstitution takes place by changing ratio among
existing partners (without any admission or retirement) sacrifice by one or more partners will match with
the gain of other partners.
Calculation of sacrifice and gain are significant for several other adjustments on reconstitution.
What about a situation where there is sacrifice as well as gain. If you simply apply the formula without knowing
what exactly is sacrifice or gain there will be lot of confusion while working out the problems. In many cases your
common sense is more useful than the text book principles. For example if you find the new share of a partner is less
than his old share for whatever reason, it is called SACRIFICE and if the new share is higher than the old it is called
GAIN. Now you decide how to find out sacrificing ratio or gaining ratio.

Shortcut to calculate sacrificing ratio and gaining ratio

When there is a revision of profit sharing ratio by existing partners, there will be sacrifice as well as gain
within the same partnership. Therefore it is easier to stick to one formula. Take the result of new ratio
minus old ratio. If the result is negative it is sacrifice; and positive it is gain.
Notice the steps once again:
a. Write the new ratio in the first line (because I like to see sacrifice as negative and gain as positive
number)
b. Write the old ratio in the second line (remember to adjust the ratios to add up to the a
convenient total)
c. Deduct the old from new
d. Negatives result indicates sacrifice; positive result indicates gain

a. Old and new ratios are given

Illustration 2.06
A,B,C and D sharing profits and losses in the ratio 4:3:2:1 have decided to share future profits and
losses in the ratio 2:1:1:1. Find out the sacrifice or gain in the arrangement.
(Note: When you have to compare two different ratios, it will be easier if both add up to the same total)

New Ratio(adjusted out of

10)
Old Ratio
(Sac) /Gain
Bs Sacrifice 1/10; As Gain 1/10
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Total

4
4
0

2
3
-1

2
2
0

2
1
1

10
10

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Illustration 2.07
A, B, C and D sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:3:2:2 have decided to share future profits and
losses in the ratio 4:3:2:1. Find out the sacrifice or gain in the arrangement.

New Ratio(revised to add up to

10)
Old Ratio
Sac /Gain
As Gain 1/10; Ds Sacrifice 1/10

Total

4
3
1

3
3
0

2
2
0

1
2
-1

10
10

Illustration 2.08
A, B, C and D sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1:1:1 have decided to share future profits and
losses in the ratio 3:3:3:1. Find out the sacrifice or gain in the arrangement.

New Ratio
Old Ratio(converted to add up to
10)
Sac /Gain

A
3
3

B
3
3

C
3
2

D
1
2

-1

Total
10
10

Cs gain 1/10; Ds sacrifice 1/10

Illustration 2.09
A, B, C and D sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1:2:1 have decided to share future profits and
losses in the ratio 2:2:1:1. Find out the sacrifice or gain in the arrangement.
A
2
2
0

New Ratio
Old Ratio
Sac /Gain

B
2
1
1

C
1
2
-1

D
1
1
0

Total
6
6

Bs Gain 1/6; Cs sacrifice 1/6

Illustration 2.10
A, B, C and D sharing profits and losses in the ratio 4:3:2:1 have decided to share future profits and
losses equally. Find out the sacrifice or gain in this arrangement.

New Ratio
Old Ratio
Sac /Gain
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A
5
8
-3

B
5
6
-1

C
5
4
1

D
5
2
3

Total
20
20

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As Sacrifice 3/20; Bs Sacrifice 1/20; Cs Gain 1/20; Ds Gain 3/20

Illustration 2.11
A, B, C and D sharing profits and losses equally have decided to share future profits and losses in the
ratio 2:2:1:1. Find out the sacrifice or gain in the arrangement.
A
4
3
1

New Ratio
Old Ratio
Sac /Gain

B
4
3
1

C
2
3
-1

D
2
3
-1

Total
12
12

As Gain 1/12; Bs gain 1/12; Cs sacrifice 1/12; Ds sacrifice 1/12

Illustration 2.12
A, B and C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 4:3:3 have decided to share future profits and losses
in the ratio 2:2:1. Find out the sacrifice or gain in the arrangement.

New Ratio
Old Ratio
Sac /Gain

A
4
4
0

B
4
3
1

C
2
3
-1

Total
10
10

Bs gain 1/10; Cs sacrifice 1/10

Partners sacrifice is specified

Illustration 2.13
A, B and C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2:1 have decided to change their ratios, to give
more profit share to C who has agreed to work as managing partner. Both A and B have agreed to
sacrifice 1/4th of their respective share in favour of C. work out the new ratio and the sacrificing ratio.
As old share 3/6
As sacrifice = 1/4th of 3/6
= 3/6 x 1/4 = 1/8
As new ratio = 3/6 1/8 = 3/8
Bs old share = 2/6
Bs sacrifice = 1/4th of 2/6
= 2/6 x 1/4 = 1/12
Bs new share= 2/6 1/12 = 3/12
Cs new share = 1/6 +1/8 +1/12
= 4/24 + 3/24 + 2/24
= 9/24
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New profit sharing ratio of AB and C = 3/8 : 3/12 : 9/24

=9:6:9
Sacrificing ratio of A & B = 1/8 : 1/12 = 3/24 : 2 / 24 = 3:2
Cs Gain = 3/24 + 2/24 = 5/24
Illustration 2.14
A, B and C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2:1 have decided to rearrange their profit sharing
ratio. A & B have agreed to contribute 1/5th of their respective shares in favour of C. Find out the
sacrifice or gain the arrangement.
As old share 3/6
As sacrifice = 1/5th of 3/6
= 3/6 x 1/5 = 3/30
As new ratio = 3/6 3/30 = 12/30
Bs old share = 2/6
Bs sacrifice = 1/5th of 2/6
= 2/6 x 1/5 = 2/30
Bs new share= 2/6 2/30 = 8/30
Cs new share = 1/6 +3/30 +2/30
= 5/30 + 3/30 + 2/30
= 10/30
New profit sharing ratio of AB and C = 12 : 8 : 10
=6:4:5
Sacrificing ratio of A & B = 3 : 2
Cs Gain = the total sacrifice made by A & B; ie. 3/30 + 2/30 = 5/30
Illustration 2.15
A, B and C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2:1 have decided that Cs future share of profit
shall be doubled. A & B have agreed to sacrifice this portion equally. Work out the details of new
profit sharing arrangement.
As old share 3/6
As sacrifice = 1/2 of 1/6 = 1/12
As new ratio = 3/6 1/12 = 5/12
Bs old share = 2/6
Bs sacrifice = 1/2 of 1/6 = 1/12
Bs new share= 2/6 1/12 = 3/12
Cs new share = 1/6 +1/12 +1/12 = 2/6
New profit sharing ratio of AB and C = 5/12 : 3/12 : 2/6
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=5:3:4
Sacrificing ratio of A & B = 1/12 : 1/12
Illustration 2.16
A, B & C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1:1 have decided to share future profits and losses
equally. Their goodwill was estimated to be worth Rs.18,000. Pass adjustment entry for treating
goodwill.

Answer i (using ratios)

Sacrifice / Gain
Old Ratio
New Ratio
Sac /Gain

A
6
4

B
3
4
1

C
3
4
1

Total
12
12

A has a sacrifice of 2/12 portion of goodwill or which is Rs.3,000 (18,000 x2/12)

This is becomes the gain of B and C equally.

Adjustment entry:
Bs Capital Account Dr. 1,500
Cs Capital Account Dr.1,500
To As Capital Account 3,000.
(The gaining partners margin of gain is adjusted to sacrificing partner)

Answer ii (using the value of goodwill directly, in place of ratios)

Goodwill in old ratio cr.

Goodwill in new ratio dr.
Dr./cr.

Total

9000
6000
Cr. 3000.

4500
6000
Dr. 1500

4500
6000
Dr. 1500

18000
18000
0

I think the second method is easier. You need not worry about finding out the ratios and distributing them. But if the question wants
you to write the ratios as part of answer, you have no choice other than the first. So learn both.

Illustration 2.17
A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:2:1 have decided to share future profits and losses
equally. Their goodwill was estimated to be worth Rs.30,000 and which they do not want to remain in
the books. Pass necessary Journal entries.

Old Ratio
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A
6

B
6

C
3

Total
15

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New Ratio
Sac /Gain

5
1

5
2

15

Adjustment entry:
Cs Capital Account Dr.4,000
To As Capital Account 2,000
To Bs Capital Account 2,000
(The gaining partners margin of gain is adjusted to sacrificing partners)

Illustration 2.18
A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio equally have decided to share future profits and losses in
the ratio 2:2:1. Their goodwill was estimated to be worth Rs.18,000. Pass necessary Journal entries.

Old Ratio
New Ratio
Sac /Gain

A
5
6

B
5
6
1

C
5
3
2

Total
15
15

Adjustment entry:
As Capital Account Dr.1,200
Bs Capital Account Dr 1,200
To Cs Capital Account 2,400
(The gaining partners margin of gain is adjusted to sacrificing partners)

4. Accounting for Goodwill

Meaning of Goodwill
Goodwill is the monetary value assigned to the advantages of a reputed business in comparison with a
new one. It indicates the extra earning capacity of the business. Goodwill is an intangible asset. But it is not a
fictitious asset. Goodwill has a realisable value. It is acquired in a gradual consistent process of good business.
Ideal location, experience of staff, reputation of owners, faithful customers etc. contribute to the creation of
goodwill.
Usually goodwill is not shown in books due to conservatism. However, it is essential to assess the value of
goodwill and pass appropriate entries in the books prior to any change in profit sharing or ownership structure. If
this step is ignored while making any rearrangement in profit sharing or ownership structure, some partners will
lose and some others will make undue gain, since goodwill is a valuable hidden asset of the business.
Nature of Goodwill
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1.

Goodwill is an intangible asset

2.

Goodwill is a valuable asset.

3.

Goodwill generates extra income for the business

4.

It is acquired in a gradual process

Following are the major situations in which the goodwill of the firm is to be estimated.
a. Change in profit sharing ratio
b. Admission of a new partner
c. Retirement or death of a partner
d. Amalgamation of two partnership firms
Factors Influencing Goodwill
There are several factors that influence the formation of goodwill. The following are some of the important factors
helping the formation of goodwill in a business.
1.

Honest business dealings

A firm builds up its reputation over a long period by consistent good dealing with the customers. Once the
customers start identifying a business for clean and honest dealings they would prefer to stay with the firm,
which in turn help the firm to earn higher profits.

2.

Good quality of products

A manufacturing concern maintaining a very good quality in their production will gradually build up
reputation, which will help them while launching new products. Similarly trading concerns dealing only in
good quality products will gradually build up their reputation.

3.

Ideal Location
Good location of the business is another favourable factor enhancing the profitability and thereby goodwill
of the business. A business which is centrally located will naturally attract more business and more profit.

4.

Special skill or Technical Know-how

The business builds up skill in dealing with their product line, dealing with the clients
specific requirements, problems associated with the geographical location of their business
etc. through experience. The problems are wide and varied, and solutions are also equally
diverse. Thus the actual experience help develop skill in dealing with similar situations in
future, which is naturally promote efficiency and goodwill of the business.
5.

Monopoly of Business

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Some established business concerns manage to build up their monopoly simply by being
the first one in the market. This enables them to establish its position in and to some
extent, restrict future competition. Even though, monopolies are undesirable from the
customers point of view, they are unavoidable and harmless at a limited scale.

Methods of Valuation of Goodwill

Following are the most commonS methods adopted for valuation of Goodwill.
a. Average Profit Method
Average profit method, as the name suggests, is based on the average profit of the business. Under this method,
average profits for the past three or four years as agreed by the partners will be taken. Goodwill is estimated as
twice or thrice of this average profit.
Illustration 2.19
ABC earned profits of Rs.20, 000, Rs.15,000 and Rs.25,000 in the past three years. They have decided that the
Goodwill to be estimated at twice the average profit for the past three years. Estimate Goodwill.

Average profits = 45000

Value of Goodwill being twice the average = 45000 x2 = 90,000
b. Super Profit Method
The existence of Goodwill is recognised in a firm only when its profitability is beyond the level of a new firm. Such
excess profit earned by the firm is termed as super profit. Goodwill under super profit method is calculated in one
of the following ways:
i. Simple Super Profit

Illustration 2.20
The net profit earned by ABC in the previous year was Rs.50,000. The capital employed by the firm is Rs.400,000. The
normal rate of return for similar business is 10% on capital. Goodwill is considered to be the value of 3 years
purchase of Super Profit.
Calculate Goodwill.
Capital Employed = 400,000
Normal rate of return = 10%
Normal profit on the capital employed = 400,000 x 10% = Rs. 40,000
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Actual profit = Rs.50,000

Super profit = 50000 40000 = 10,000
Goodwill being 3 years purchase of super profit = Rs.30,000
ii. Average Super Profit

Illustration 2.21
The firm ABC earned R.17,500, Rs.22,500 and Rs.20,000 in the last three years. The mount of capital employed by
the firm was Rs.150,000 and the normal rate of return for similar business is 10%.
Goodwill is considered 5 times the value of average super profits.
Calculate goodwill.

Average profit for the last three years = Rs.20,000

Normal profit on the capital employed = Rs.15,000
Average super profit = Rs.5,000
Value of Goodwill = 5000 x 5 = Rs. 25, 000
iii. Capitalisation of Simple Super Profit

Illustration 2.22
ABC earned a profit of Rs.20,000 during the year 2001. The capital employed by the firm was Rs.120,000 and the
normal rate of return on similar business is 10%. Calculate goodwill by capitalising super profit.
Actual Profit = Rs.20,000
Normal profit on capital investment = 120000 x 10% = Rs.12,000
Super profit = 20,000 12,000 = Rs.8,000
Capitalised value of super profit =80000 x 100 / 10 = Rs.80,000

c. Capitalisation Method (Goodwill based on capital saved)

Capitalisation method considers goodwill as the value of capital saved due to higher profitability. Under this
method the amount of effective capital is estimated on the basis of market condition. This effective capital is
always higher than the actual capital due to better profitability. The excess of effective capital over the actual
capital is regarded as capital saved which is considered the goodwill of the firm. Capitalisation of super profit and
capitalisation of actual profit and estimation of capital saved as goodwill are practically the same.
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Illustration 2.23
ABC earned a profit of Rs.20,000 on a capital investment of Rs.175,000. Normal rate of return is 10%. Goodwill is
considered the value of capital saved based on normal rate of return.
Estimate the value of Goodwill.
(This sum is worked out in two ways to illustrate that both the methods are same)
Estimation of Capital Saved
Actual profit = Rs.20,000
Estimated capital for earning this profit = Rs.200,000
Actual capital employed = Rs.175,000
Capital saved = 200,000 175,000 = Rs.25,000
Capitalisation of Super Profit
Actual profit = Rs.20,000
Normal profit on capital employed = 175,000 x 10% = Rs. 17,500
Super profit = 20,000-17,500 = Rs.2,500
Capitalised value of super profit = Rs.25,000

Accounting Treatment of Goodwill on Admission

Once the value of goodwill is estimated it should be properly accounted prior to the admission of a new partner.
There are basically three methods of treatment of goodwill on admission, which are:
Premium method
Margin Adjustment
Revaluation method
Memorandum revaluation method
Premium Method
Under premium method the new partner pays cash for his share goodwill along with his capital. Cash account is
debited for both these payments. The total amount brought in by the new partner (Capital + Goodwill) is credited
to his capital account. The goodwill part of this payment belongs to the old partners. This amount is transferred to
their capital accounts IN THE SACRIFICING RATIO. Since goodwill account is not opened in the book of the firm
it will not appear in the balance sheet.
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If there is any goodwill partly appearing in the balance sheet of the firm and the new partner is willing to
contribute for his share, there are two options available for its treatment.

First, the existing goodwill may be left intact, and collect the new partners share of the remaining value of
goodwill only.
Alternatively, write off the existing goodwill against the capital accounts of old partners in their old profit sharing
ratio and collect the share for full value of goodwill from the new partner.
Margin Adjustment Method
This method is practically a variation of premium method. Here the new partner does not bring in money
specifically for his share of goodwill. The best option in this situation is to raise goodwill. For unreasonable
reasons, raising goodwill is not allowed. The last resort is margin adjustment. Here the goodwill is adjusted only
through the capital accounts. This method will work fine for all cases of reconstitution. When profit sharing ratio is
changed at reconstruction something is added or deducted from their old profit share. In other words the
partners retain a major part of their old profit share for which no adjustment is required. Goodwill under this
method is adjusted on the basis of marginal increase or decrease of profit share. The basic rule is that the gaining
partner shall compensate the sacrificing partner.
Following are the steps involved in goodwill adjustment.
i) Find out the partners sacrifice / gain
ii) Debit gaining partner and credit the sacrificing partner with the proportionate value of goodwill.

If you find the ratios bit difficult, you can arrive at the margin values by following memorandum revaluation in a different format in the
workings. This is basically crediting full value of goodwill to partners capital accounts in the old ratio and debiting it in the new ratio. The
net result is premium being adjusted in the account. You are not allowed to show these entries in the capital account. But the examiner has
no problem if you do it in the workings.

Revaluation Method
When the new partner does not pay cash for his share of goodwill the old partners will RAISE full value of
goodwill in the books, by debiting goodwill account and crediting the capital accounts of old partners in the OLD
PROFIT SHARING ratio. This method is termed as revaluation method. As a new goodwill account is opened in
the books it will appear in the balance sheet of the firm.
If a part of the goodwill is already appearing in the books of the firm the old partners are allowed to raise the only
the remaining balance of goodwill to bring it to the full value. In other words, the value of goodwill the books
should not exceed its estimated full value. (This method is explained in the previous chapter also)

Difference between
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Premium Method and Revaluation Method

Premium Method
1. The new partner pays for his share of goodwill
2. Only the share of goodwill not the full value taken for distribution
3. Cash account, not the good will account is debited upon receiving the goodwill payment
4. Sacrificing ratio is applied for distribution of goodwill money.
5. Goodwill will not appear in the balance sheet after admission.

Revaluation Method
1. The new partner does not pay for his share of goodwill
2. Full value of goodwill is taken for distribution to old partners
3. Goodwill account is debited for raising the goodwill. Cash is not affected by goodwill.

4. Old profit sharing ratio is applied of distribution of full value of goodwill

5. Full value goodwill will appear in the balance sheet after admission.

Memorandum Revaluation Method

Memorandum revaluation method is basically same as revaluation method with a minute variation. Under this
method the goodwill is raised in the books of the firm by debiting goodwill account and crediting the old
partners capital accounts in the old profit sharing ratio same as the revaluation method. Thereafter the goodwill
is written off against capital accounts of all partners (including the new partner), in the new profit sharing ratio. In
this case goodwill will not appear in the balance sheet after admission.
Illustration 2.24
A, B & C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1:1 have decided to share future profits equally from 1 st January
2003. Their Balance Sheet on that date stood as follows:

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

14,000 Machinery

20,000

Capital B

10,000 Furniture

11,000

Capital C

10,000 Cash

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General reserve

2,000

Creditors

4,000
40,000

40,000

The assets and liabilities have been revalued as follows:

Machinery 10% less; Furniture valued at Rs.13,000; Creditors include Rs.400 not to be paid. Pass necessary
adjustment entries, make revaluation account and prepare new balance sheet of the firm.

Journal Entries:
General Reserve a/c Dr. 2000
As Capital Account 1,000
Bs Capital Account

500

Cs Capital Account

500

(General reserve account transferred to partners capital account in the old ratio)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Revaluation Account Dr. 2,000
To Machinery Account

2,000

(Value of machinery reduced)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Furniture Account Dr.2,000
To Revaluation

2,000

(Value of furniture raised)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Creditors Dr. 400
To Revaluation 400
(Value of Creditors reduced)

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Revaluation Account
Particulars

Amount

To machinery

Particulars

Amount

2,000 By Furniture

To Profit

2,000

Creditors

400

A-200
B-100
C-100

400

2,400

2,400

Capital Accounts
Particulars

To balance c/d

15,200

15,200

B
12,600

12,600

Particulars

10,600 By Balance b/d

14,000

12,000

10,000

By General Res

1,000

500

500

By Revaluation

200

100

100

15,200

12,600

10,600

10,600

Balance Sheet
Liabilities
Capital A

Amount

Assets

Amount

15,200 Machinery

18,000

12,600 Furniture

13,000

10,600 Cash

Creditors

3,600
40,000

Illustration 2.25
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The following is the balance sheet of A & B. They have decided to revalue the machinery 10% more and furniture
Rs.1,000 less for the purpose of admitting C as a new partner. Revise the balance sheet prior to admission.
Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Capital A

10,000 Machinery

Capital B

10,000 Furniture

Creditors

Amount
15,000
6,000

2,500 Cash

1,500

22,500

22,500

Here we have to do three things.

1. Prepare a revaluation account to summarise the effect of revaluation.
ii. Prepare capital accounts
iii. Prepare new balance sheet.

Revaluation Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars

Amount

1,000 By Machinery

To Furniture

1,500

To Revaluation
Profit
A
250
B

500

250
1,500

1,500

As Capital Account
Particulars

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Amount

Particulars

Amount

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By Balance b/d

10,000
250

By Revaluation
a/c

To balance c/d

10,250
10,250

10,250

Bs Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

Amount
10,000
250

By Revaluation
a/c

To balance c/d

10,250
10,250

10,250

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

10,500 Machinery

16,500

Capital B

10,500 Furniture

5,000

Creditors

2,500 Cash
23,000

1,500
23,000

Notice that the values of the two assets have changed and the effect is transferred to the capital account in the form
of revaluation profit]

Illustration 2.26
A, B & C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:2:1 have decided to share future profits equally 1st January 2003.
Their Balance Sheet on that date stood as follows:

Balance Sheet
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Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

15,000 Machinery

20,000

Capital B

10,000 Furniture

15,000

Capital C

10,000 Cash

General reserve

5,000

Creditors

4,000
44,000

9,000

44,000

The assets and liabilities have been revalued as follows:

Machinery 10% less
Furniture valued at Rs.13,000
Creditors should include an additional bill for Rs.500.

Pass necessary adjustment entries and prepare new balance sheet of the firm.

Journal Entries:

General Reserve a/c Dr. 5,000

As Capital Account

2,000

Bs Capital Account

2,000

Cs Capital Account

1,000

(General reserve account transferred to partners capital account in the old ratio)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Revaluation Account Dr. 2,000
To Machinery Account

2,000

(Value of machinery reduced and the loss debited to revaluation)

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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Revaluation Account Dr.2,000

To Furniture Account

2,000

(Value of furniture reduced and the loss debited to the revaluation account)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Revaluation Account Dr. 500
To Creditors

500

(Creditors raised and loss transferred)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As Capital Account Dr.1,800
Bs Capital Account Dr.1,800
Cs Capital Account Dr. 900
To Revaluation Account 4,500
(Revaluation loss transferred to capital accounts)

Revaluation Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars

Amount

To machinery

2,000 By Loss transferred

To Furniture

2,000

A 1,800

To Creditors

500

B 1,800
C

900

4,500

4,500

4,500

Capital Accounts
Particulars
To Revaluation

1,800

1,800

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Particulars

900 By Balance b/d

A
15,000

B
10,000

C
10,000

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By General Res

Balance c/d

15,200

10,200

2,000

2,000

1,000

10,100

17,000 12,000 11,000

17,000 12,000 11,000

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Capital A

Assets

Amount

15,200 Machinery

18,000

10,200 Furniture

13,000

10,100 Cash

Creditors

9,000

4,500
40,000

40,000

Illustration 2.27 (Memorandum Revaluation)

A, B & C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:2:1 have decided to share future profits equally 1st January 2003.
Their Balance Sheet on that date stood as follows:

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

25,000 Buildings

40,000

Capital B

20,000 Machinery

25,000

Capital C

20,000 Debtors

14,000

General reserve

15,000 Stock

7,000

Creditors

14,000 Cash

8,000

94,000

The assets and liabilities have been revalued as follows:

Buildings appreciated to Rs.50,000
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Machinery appreciated by Rs.4,000

Create provision for bad debts @10% on debtors.
Stock to be valued at Rs.9,400.
The partners want the values of assets and liabilities to remain the same.
Prepare Memorandum Revaluation Account; Capital Accounts of Partners and the Balance Sheet of the firm after
the necessary adjustments are carried out.

Memorandum Revaluation Account

Particulars

Amount

To Prov. For bad debts

Particulars

Amount

1,400 By Buildings

To profit Transferred
A 6,000

10,000

By Machinery

4,000

By Stock

2,400

B 6,000
C 3,000

16,000
16,400

16,400

10,000 By provision reversed

To Buildings reversed

1,400

4,000 By Loss Transferred

To Machinery reverse

A 5,000

2,400

To Stock - reversed

B 5,000
C 5,000
16,400

15,000
16,400

Capital Accounts
Particulars

Particulars
By Balance b/d

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25,000

20,000

20,000

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To Mem Reval.

5,000

5,000

5,000

To balance c/d

32,000

27,000

21,000

By General Reserve
ByMem.

6,000

6,000

3,000

6,000

6,000

3,000

37,000

32,000

26,000

Revaluation

37,000

32,000

26,000

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount Assets

Amount

32,000 Buildings

40,000

27,000 Machinery

25,000

21,000 Debtors

14,000

Capital Accounts A

Creditors

Stock

7,000

14,000 Cash

8,000

94,000

94,000

5. Adjustment of Capital Accounts

When the partners change their profit sharing ratio, they may also change their capitals. Contribution of capital is
not essentially the basis of profit sharing. But in most cases capital contribution is considered the most important
factor in determining profit sharing ratio. Capital balances are usually adjusted by bringing in or taking out cash.
However as a temporary measure capital balances can be adjusted by transferring the differences through current
accounts.

Reconstitution by admission
The illustrations given below are carefully planned to explain each concept we discussed before. Work out each one of them. They will help
you focus on each aspect of this chapter. They will also help you have a fresh look at the theory section.

Illustration 2.28
The following Balance Sheet shows the financial position of A & B sharing profits and losses equally before
admission of C.
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Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Capital A

10,000 Machinery

Capital B

10,000 Furniture

Creditors

Amount
15,000
6,000

2,500 Cash

1,500

22,500

=SUM(ABOVE)
22,500

C paid Rs.12,000 as his capital and Rs.3,500 as his share of goodwill for equal partnership in future.
Pass necessary journal entries; Prepare revaluation account, capital accounts of partners and the new balance
sheet of the firm after Cs admission.

Journal Entries
1.. Cash Account Dr. Rs.12,000
To Cs Capital Account Rs.12,000
( Cs share of capital credited to his account)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------2. Cash Account Dr. Rs.3,500
To As Capital Account Rs.1,750
Bs Capital Account

Rs.1,750

(Cs goodwill contribution credited to old partners in the sacrificing ratio)

As Capital Account
Particulars
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Amount

Particulars

Amount

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By Balance b/d

To balance c/d

11,750 By Cash G/w prem

11,750

10,000
1,750
11,750

Bs Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To balance c/d

11,750 By Cash G/s prem

11,750

Amount
10,000
1,750
11,750

Cs Capital Account
Particulars
To balance c/d

Amount

Particulars

Amount

12,000 By Cash Account

12,000

12,000

12,000

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

11,750 Machinery

15,000

Capital B

11,750 Furniture

6,000

Capital C

12,000 Cash

Creditors

17,000

2,500
38,000

38,000

Nothing is mentioned about the future profit sharing arrangement between A & B. Therefore it should be
understood that they will continue to remain equal partners for the future as well.

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Here C pays for his share of goodwill which has to be given to A & B in their sacrificing ratio. When the ratio
between old partners remains the same for future; the old ratio itself will be the sacrificing ratio. (As Sac 1/2
1/3; Bs sacrifice is also the same. which means their sacrifice is equal]

Goodwill account will not appear in the books after admission.

Illustration 2.29
The following Balance Sheet shows the financial position of A and B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1.

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Capital A

10,000 Machinery

Capital B

10,000 Furniture

Creditors

2,500 Cash
22,500

Amount
16,000
5,000
1,500
22,500

They have decided to admit C and to share future profits and losses equally. C agreed to contribute Rs. 10,000 as
his capital and Rs.2,500 as his share of goodwill. Pass necessary journal entries and prepare the new balance sheet
after admission.

Here new partners share of goodwill is given to the old partners in the sacrificing ratio. This aspect is repeated
because of its importance. Here you have a new ratio. Whenever there is a new ratio given in the question you
must check if the ratio between old partners is still the same. For example suppose the old ratio was equal (1:1)
and the new ratio is 2:2:1 here the ratio between old partners remains the same, even though 2/5 is smaller than
their old 1/2. If the old partners continue to remain in the same ratio as before you need not calculate the
sacrificing ratio, See the previous illustration, There you find the old partners were equal, getting each before
admission and after admission they are getting 1/3rd each. Therefore we say their sacrifice also is same.

Here in this illustration you will really see the effect of sacrificing ratio. The old ratio was 2:1. This means As share
was 2/3 and Bs share 1/3. The future profit sharing arrangement is agreed to be equal; which means all will get

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1/3rd share. Now notice that A is the only loser in this arrangement. B continues to get his old 1/3rd. Therefore,
goodwill is given only to A.

Journal Entries

1. Cash account Dr.12,500

To Cs Capital Account 12,500
(Cash contribution for Capital and Goodwill by C)
-------------2. Cs Capital account Dr. 2,500
To As Capital

2,500

(Goodwill contribution transferred to the sacrificing partner)

You can credit the full contribution of the new partner to his capital and transfer it to the sacrificing
partners afterwards.

As Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To Balance C/d

12,500 By Cs Capital goodwill

12,500

Amount
10,000
2,500
12,500

Bs Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To balance c/d

10,000

10,000
10,000

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Amount

10,000

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Cs Capital Account
Particulars
To As Capital Goodwill
To balance c/d

Amount

Particulars

2,500 By Cash

Amount
12,500

10,000
12,500

12,500

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

12,500 Machinery

16,000

Capital B

10,000 Furniture

5,000

Capital C

10,000 Cash

Creditors

14,000

2,500
35,000

35,000

Illustration 2.30
Following balance sheet shows the financial position of A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2.

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Capital A

10,000 Machinery

Capital B

10,000 Furniture

Creditors

2,500 Cash
22,500

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Amount
15,000
6,000
1,500
22,500

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They have decided to admit C for 1/6th share in the future profits for which C brings in Rs.10,000 as his capital and
Rs.2,500 as his share of goodwill.

Pass necessary journal entries and present the balance sheet of the firm after Cs admission.
You know this is also premium method of goodwill. The old partners share after admission is not specifically
mentioned. You must understand the portion of profit left after paying Cs share will be divided in the old ratio. Here
Cs share is 1/6th. The balance available for A & B is 5/6th. This portion will be shared in the ratio 3:2 which makes
the new ratio 3:2:1. As the ratio between old partners continues to be 3:2, the sacrificing ratio also will be the same.
Study the small illustrations on ratios carefully.
Journal Entries

1. Cash Account Dr.12,500

To Cs Capital Account 12,500
(Capital and goodwill contribution by C is credited to his account)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2.

Cs Capital account Dr. 2,500

To As Capital Account 1,500
To Bs Capital Account 1,000

(Goodwill contribution is transferred to old partners in sacrificing ratio)

As Capital Account
Particulars

To balance c/d

Amount

Particulars

Amount

By Balance b/d

10,000

11,500 By Cs Capital-

1,500

Goodwill
11,500

Bs Capital Account

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11,500

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Particulars

To balance c/d

Amount

Particulars

Amount

By Balance b/d

10,000

11,000 By Cs Capital

1,000

goodwill
11,000

11,000

Cs Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars

To As Capital

1,500 By Cash

To Bs Capital

1,000

To balance c/d

10,000

Amount
12,500

12,500

12,500

Balance Sheet
Particulars

Amount

Particulars

Amount

As Capital

11,500 Machinery

15,000

Bs Capital

11,000 Furniture

6,000

Cs Capital

10,000 Cash

Creditors

14,000

2,500
35,000

35,000

Illustration 2.31
The following balance sheet shows the financial position of A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2.

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

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Assets

Amount

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Capital A

10,000 Machinery

Capital B

10,000 Furniture

Creditors

15,000
6,000

2,500 Cash

1,500

22,500

22,500

They have decided to admit C into partnership, who agreed to pay Rs.15,000 as his share of capital for 1/4 share
in future profits. He also paid premium for his share of goodwill Rs.2,500.

Pass necessary journal entries, open ledger accounts and prepare balance sheet after admission.

Journal Entries
1. Cash Account Dr.15,000
To Cs Capital Account 15,000
(Capital contribution by the new partner)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------2. Cash Account Dr.2,500
To As Capital

1,500

To Bs Capital

1,000

(Full value of goodwill raised in the books on admission)

As Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To balance c/d

11,500 By Cash goodwill

11,500

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Amount
10,000
1,500
11,500

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Bs Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To Balance c/d

11,000 By Cash goodwill

11,000

Amount
10,000
1,000
11,000

Cs Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Cash a/c

To Balance c/d

Amount
15,000

15,000
15,000

15,000

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Capital A

11,500 Machinery

Capital B

11,000 Furniture

Capital C

15,000 Cash

Creditors

15,000
6,000
19,000

2,500
40,000

Illustration 2.32
The following balance sheet shows the financial position of A & B.

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Amount

40,000

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Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Capital A

10,000 Machinery

Capital B

10,000 Furniture

Creditors

2,500 Cash
22,500

Amount
15,000
6,000
1,500
22,500

They have decided to admit C for 1/4th share in future profits. C pays Rs.15,000 as his capital. The goodwill of the
firm is estimated to be worth Rs.12,000, C contributes for his share of goodwill.
Pass journal entries; prepare ledger and present balance sheet after admission.

Journal Entries

1. Cash account Dr. 15,000

To Cs Capital Account 15,000
(Being capital contribution of new partner credited to his account)

2. Cash Account Dr. 3,000

To Premium Account

3,000

(Cs share of goodwill contribution)

3. Premium account Dr. 3000

To As Capital Account
To Bs Capital Account

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1,500
1,500

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As Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To Balance c/d

11,500 By Premium g/w a/c

11,500

Amount
10,000
1,500
11,500

Bs Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To balance c/d

11,500 By Prem G/w a/c

11,500

Amount
10,000
1,500
11,500

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

11,500 Machinery

15,000

Capital B

11,500 Furniture

6,000

Capital C

15,000 Cash

Creditors

19,500

2,500
40,500

40,500

Illustration 2.33
The following balance sheet shows the financial position of A & B sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2. They
have decided to admit C into partnership for 1/4th share in future profits.

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As Capital Account
Particulars
Capital A

Amount

Particulars

Amount

11,500 Machinery

15,000

11,500 Furniture

6,000

Capital B
Creditors

2,500 Equipment

3,000

Cash

1,500

25,500

25,500

C has agreed to pay Rs.15,000 as his share of capital. He also agreed to pay for his share of goodwill Rs.2000. A
and B agreed that they will divide their portion of profit equally.

Show the ledger accounts and the balance sheet after admission.

Note: Here the old partners are not continuing in the old ratio. The old partners are sharing their portion equally,
which means they will give to C and the remaining will be shared equally. Their new profit sharing ration will
be 3/8:3/8:1/4 ie.3:3:2. The sacrificing ratio here is 9:1

As Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To Balance c/d

13,300 By cash g/w

13,300

Amount
11,500
1,800
13,300

Bs Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To Balance c/d
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11,700 By Cash- Goodwill

Amount
11,500
200

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11,700

11,700

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

13,300 Machinery

15,000

Capital B

11,700 Furniture

6,000

Capital C

15,000 Equipment

3,000

Creditors

2,500 Cash

18,500

42,500

42,500

Illustration 2.34
The following balance sheet shows the financial position of A & B sharing profits and losses equally.

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

11,500 Machinery

15,000

Capital B

11,500 Furniture

6,000

Creditors

2,500 Equipment

3,000

Cash

1,500

25,500

25,500

They have decided to admit C as a partner and to share future profits and losses in the ratio 2:1:1. C agreed to pay
Rs.15000 as his share of capital. The full value of goodwill is estimated to be worth Rs.8,000. C paid for his share of
goodwill.

Pass journal entries and prepare capital accounts and the balance sheet of the firm after Cs admission.
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Journal Entries
Cash Account Dr. 15,000
To Cs Capital 15,000
(Cs capital contribution)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. Cash Account Dr.2,000
To Bs Capital

2,000

(Cs goodwill contribution credited to B)

Note: B is the only sacrificing partner

As Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To balance c/d

Amount
11,500

11,500
11,500

`11,500

Bs Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To Balance c/d

13,500 By Cash goodwill

13,500

Amount
11,500
2,000
13,500

Cs Capital Account
Particulars
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Amount

Particulars

Amount

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By Cash Account

To Balance c/d

15,000

15,000
15,000

15,000

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

11,500 Machinery

15,000

Capital B

13,500 Furniture

6,000

Capital C

15,000 Equipment

3,000

Creditors

2,500 Cash

18,500

42,500

42,500

Illustration 2.35
The balance sheet of A & B sharing profits and losses equally is given below.

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

11,500 Machinery

15,000

Capital B

11,500 Furniture

6,000

Creditors

2,500 Goodwill

3,000

Cash
25,500

1,500
25,500

They have decided to admit C for 1/4th share in the future profits. C has agreed to pay Rs.15,000 as his capital. The
goodwill is valued at Rs.8000 and C pays Rs.2,000 for his share of goodwill. The old partners want the value of
goodwill shown in the books shall remain unchanged.

Pass necessary journal entries, open ledger accounts and the new balance sheet after admission.
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This is a complicated arrangement. Cs 1/4th share of goodwill is estimated at Rs.2,000. The new partner pays for
goodwill on condition that the old partners do not raise their goodwill in the books. In fact the new partner is buying
his share of that hidden asset of goodwill. Here the goodwill is appearing at Rs.3000 which means the old partners
have already added that portion into their capital accounts. The new partner is required to pay only for the portion
that is still hidden. If the new partner pays for his full share of goodwill, the old partners must remove the goodwill
from accounts. If they insist on keeping it, the next option is to give them what is due for the hidden portion only. In
this illustration, Cs contribution of Rs2000 is credited to his capital account and from there Rs.1,250 representing
Rs.5000 of the goodwill not raised is transferred to old partners in their sacrificing ratio.

Is this explanation enough? Please read this slowly, carefully. Write down all the numbers above, and study the
relation between them.

Journal Entries
1. Cash account Dr. 17,000
To Cs Capital account 17,000
(Cs share of capital and goodwill contribution credited to his capital account)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------3. Cs Capital account Dr.1,250
As Capital Account

675

Bs Capital Account

675

(Proportionate amount for the hidden part of goodwill transferred in the sacrificing ratio)

As Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars
By Balance b/d

To balance c/d

12,175 By Cs Capital a/c

12,175

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Amount
11,500
675
12,175

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Bs Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars

Amount

By Balance b/d
To balance c/d

11,500

12,175 By Cs Capital a/c

675

12,175

12,175

Cs Capital Account
Particulars

Amount

Particulars

Amount

To As Capital

675 By Cash a/c

15,000

To Bs Capital

675 By Cash a/c

2,000

To Balance c/d

15,650
17,000

17,000

Balance Sheet
Liabilities

Amount

Assets

Amount

Capital A

12,175 Machinery

15,000

Capital B

12,175 Furniture

6,000

Capital C

15,650 Goodwill

3,000

Creditors

2,500 Cash
42,500

CHAPTER:3 retirement or death of a partner

1. Change in profit sharing ratio
2. Treatment of goodwill
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18,500
42,500

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3. Revaluation of assets and liabilities

4. Accumulated profits; reserves; losses etc.
5. Adjustment of Joint Life Policy
6. Adjustment of capital

1. Change in profit sharing ratio

Retirement or death reduces the number of partners to share future profits or losses. Naturally the share of profit
for the continuing partners will increase by the retirement or death of a partner. Recalculation of ratios is the first
step in for further accounting procedures. Revision in ratio may be indicated in any of the following ways in a
question:

a.

Old ratio is given and nothing is mentioned about the new arrangement after

retirement.
This is practically the easiest way of presenting new profit sharing arrangement. The new ratio under this
method is found out simply by canceling the outgoing partners share of profit assuming that the ratio between
the continuing partners does not change. When this method is followed the outgoing partners share merges
into the continuing partners share in their profit sharing ratio.

Example: A, B and C have been sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2:1. B has retired from the business. Find
out new ratio between A & C.

Here B is retired and nothing is mentioned about the arrangement between A & C. The new ratio is found out
by simply canceling the Bs share of profit.
New ratio = 3:1
Here Bs share of 2/3 of profit is merged in the shares of A and C in the ratio 3:1.

b.

The outgoing partners share is taken over by the continuing partners in a

certain ratio.
A & B have been sharing profits and losses in the ratio 3:2:1. B retired from the firm. His share of profit is divided
equally between A & C. Find out new ratio.

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Here Bs share of 2/6 is shared between A & C equally. The new share of A is his old share of 3/6 + 1/6 from B.
Thus his new share is 4/6. Cs new share is his old share of 1/6 + 1/6 from B. Thus his new share is 2/6. New
profit sharing ratio is 4:2 that is 2:1.

c. The new ratio is directly given.

When the new ratio is directly given, the need for calculating it is taken away. But it is important to remember
that new ratio is only a first step for further adjustments in accounts on retirement or death.

2. Accounting Treatment of goodwill

Accounting treatment of goodwill on retirement and death is very close to that in admission Following are the
different methods followed:

1. The outgoing partners share adjusted in the books

(Margin Adjustment)
This method is similar to the premium method adopted in admission of partners. Under this method the outgoing
partners share of goodwill is credited to his capital account and the continuing partners capital accounts are
debited for the same in the gaining ratio.

Gaining ratio
Gaining ratio is the ratio of gain. You have seen this in the earlier chapters. Retirement or death of partners is one
situation where gaining ratio is applied for adjusting goodwill. When a partner leaves the firm the ratio is revised
and the continuing partners will share the outgoing partners portion of profit in addition to their old ratio. It is
calculated by deducting the old ratio from the new.

Calculation of gaining ratio is important when the partners decide to adjust the outgoing partners share of
goodwill without raising the goodwill account in the firm.

[Notice that we use sacrificing ratio when the new partner brings in cash for the share of goodwill on admission. Compare the two situations
carefully learn thoroughly the difference in accounting treatment.]

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2. Goodwill raised in the books

This is the revaluation method of treatment of goodwill. Goodwill is raised in the books of the firm by debiting
goodwill account and crediting all partners capital accounts in the old ratio.
With this journal entry goodwill account is actually opened in the books and will appear in the future balance
sheets at its full value. The outgoing partner gets his share of goodwill along with the continuing partners.
If the continuing partners decide to reduce the value of goodwill or to write it off completely they can do so by
debiting their capital accounts in the new ratio and crediting the goodwill account with the amount to be
reduced. The outgoing partners share or his position is in no way affected due to this step.

3. Revaluation of assets and liabilities

Revaluation of assets and liabilities are done exactly the same way it is done on admission of a partner. The
reason behind revaluation in admission or retirement is to make the balance sheet reflect a true and fair view of
the assets and liabilities of the firm, prior to making any other major changes in the ownership structure of the
business. Any loss or gain in this rearrangement should go to those persons, only to those persons, who are
responsible. In other words the incoming new partner in admission or the outgoing partner in retirement or death
shall not lose or gain due to wrong valuation of assets and liabilities.
Revaluation is done in the books through a revaluation account. Profit or loss on revaluation is transferred to the
capital accounts of all partners (including the outgoing partner) in the old profit sharing ratio.
Remember the rule we follow in admission; old partners in old ratio. Here also we apply the same rule. We dont
call them old partners just because we dont have any new partner in retirement. Also notice that the expression
outgoing partner is used in this book as a convenient term to refer the retiring partner as well as the deceased
partner. Again deceased partner means dead partner. The term deceased sounds less deadly.

4. Reserves and Accumulated profits losses etc.

Accumulated profits, reserves, losses etc. are treated on retirement or death exactly the way they were done in
admission. The profits or reserves are transferred to the credit of capital accounts of all partners in the old profit
sharing ratio. As a result these items will disappear from the books and from future balance sheets as well.
Accumulated losses that are appearing on the asset side of the balance sheet are transferred to the debit side of
all partners in the old profit sharing ratio.

5. Adjustment of Joint Life Policy

Joint life policy is a precautionary measure to protect the firm from financial crisis, on account of death of a
partner. This is a life insurance policy by which more than one life is insured. In case of a partnership firm all
partners are covered usually by a single life insurance policy. The firm, not the partner, pays the premium on
this policy. In the event of death of any one of the partners, the insurance company will

pay the full amount assured sum to the firm. This amount will be regarded as a special income

to the firm and credited to capital accounts of all partners in the profit sharing ratio.
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Does it sound little unfair on the part of the continuing partners to share the insurance amount in the profit
sharing ratio? How can someone share the life insurance money on the death of another man? This doubt is
quite natural.
A person is allowed to take any number of policies on his own life and pay from his private income. Nobody
except the legal heirs will get the insurance amount. But the joint life policy discussed here is different. The
main aim of this policy is not supporting the family of the partner, but to save the firm from landing into
financial crisis due to death of a partner. However this indirectly helps the family of the deceased by quick
settlement of dues. Here all the partners (including the deceased one) decided together to insure their lives
jointly and pay the premium from the firms funds. There is another aspect also to this problem. Suppose the
entire insurance claim is credited only to the deceased partner. This will defeat the very purpose for which
the policy is taken. The capital account or the amount payable to the executors will directly increase to the
extent of the insurance claim. Now firm has to find out other sources of finance to settle original capital
investment and reserves. Therefore it is perfectly logical to consider the insurance amount as a business
income and share the amount in the normal profit sharing ratio.

Sometimes the partners insure their lives separately and pay the premium from the firm. This will help the
continuing partners to keep their life insurance policy valid even after the death of a partner. When there are
separate life insurance policies, the full amount due on the policy of deceased partner and the surrender values of
the policies of the continuing partners will be credited to all partners in their profit sharing ratio. The surrender
values will appear in the subsequent balance sheets.
The following are the three methods of accounting treatment of joint life policies:

i. The insurance premium treated as normal business expense

When insurance premium is treated as normal business expense, the premium paid will be initially debited to
the premium account and later on transferred to the profit and loss account just like any other business
expense.

Journal entries
a)

For payment of premium:

Joint life insurance premium account Dr.
To Cash

b)

For Transfer of expense to P & L account

P & L account Dr.

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To Joint Life Premium Account

c)

At the time of maturity (claim due to death)

Insurance Claim Account Dr. (full amount of insurance policy)
To All Partners Capital Accounts (in the profit sharing ratio)

d) For cash received

Cash / Bank account Dr.
To Insurance Claim

Illustration 3.01
A, B, and C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1:1 have taken a joint life policy for Rs.100,000 with an annual
premium of Rs.1,000 on 1st January 2000. C died on 10th February 2002. The Insurance Company settled the claim
on 15th Feb 2002..Pass necessary journal entries in the books of the firm and show the Joint Life Premium and
Insurance Claim accounts.
First Year
Jan 1, 2000
JLP Premium account Dr.1,000
To Cash Account

1,000

(JLP premium paid)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dec.31, 2000
Profit and Loss Account Dr.1,000
To JLP premium Account

1,000

(JLP Premium written off as expense)

Second Year
Jan1, 2001
JLP Premium Account Dr.1,000
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To Cash

1,000

(JLP Premium paid)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dec.31, 2001
Profit and Los Account Dr.1,000
To JLP Premium

1,000

(JLP Premium written off)

Third Year
Jan1st, 2002
JLP Premium Account Dr.1,000
To Cash

1,000

(JLP Premium paid)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb10, 2002
Insurance Claim Account Dr.100,00
To As Capital Account

40,000

To Bs Capital Account

40,000

To Cs Capital Account 20,000

(Insurance claim/policy maturity due to Cs death)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb 15, 2002
Bank Account Dr.100,000
To Insurance Claim

100,000

(Insurance claim settled)

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JLP Premium Account

Date

Particulars

1Jan,2000 To Cash

Amount

Date

Particulars

1,000 31 Dec2000 By P&L

Amount
1,000

Account
1,000

1 Jan

To Cash

1,000

1,000 31 Dec,

2001

2001

By P&L
Account

1,000

1 Jan

To Cash

1,000

1,000 31 Dec

2002

1,000

2002

By P &L

1,000

Account

1,000

1,000

Insurance Claim Account

Date
Feb
10,2002

Particulars

Amount

To As Cap
40,000

Date
Feb 10,
2002

Particulars
By Bank

Amount
100,000

To Bs Cap
40,000
To Cs Cap

100,000

20,000

100,000

100,000

ii. The surrender value is retained as asset.

Surrender value of an insurance policy is the amount which the insurance company will pay back to the
insured if he decides to cancel the policy before maturity. The insurance company usually would not pay
anything if the policy is cancelled in the first year. But thereafter, they company will agree to refund a
small portion of the premium paid if the customer decides to discontinue the policy. With each payment
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of premium some portion it is added to the surrender value of the policy. The portion thus added into
the surrender value is not considered a capital expense. Only the remaining part is written off to Profit
and Loss account as expense.
Journal entries:

a. For Payment of Premium

Joint life policy account Dr.
To cash
(Notice that the joint life policy (asset) account, not the premium (expense) account is debited)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

b. For the premium above surrender value is transferred:

P & L account Dr.
To Joint Life Policy Account
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

c. At the time of maturity (claim due to death)

Insurance Claim Account Dr. (full value insured)
To Joint Life Policy
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

d. For the Claim Settlement

Bank/cash Account Dr.
To Insurance Claim
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

e. For Closing JLP account

JLP account Dr. (balance amount)
To All Partners Capital Accounts (Profit sharing ratio)

Illustration 3.02
A,B, and C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1:1 have taken a joint life policy for Rs.100,000 with an
annual premium of Rs.1,000 on 1st January 2000.The surrender values for the policy were:
31st Dec. 2000-nil;
31st Dec. 2001-Rs.300;
31st Dec. 2002- Rs.750
31st Dec. 2003- Rs.1,250
C died on 10th February 2003. The Insurance Company settled the claim on 15th Feb, 2003. Pass
necessary journal entries in the books of the firm and show the Joint Life Policy and Insurance Claim
accounts.
The full amount of premium paid in the first year Rs. 1,000 would be regarded an expense in that year. The
premium paid in the second year resulted in surrender value of Rs300, and therefore only Rs. 700 will be
considered an expense in the second year. The third premium payment resulted in an addition of Rs. 450
to the surrender value and therefore only Rs.550 is considered to be the expense.
Journal Entries
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First Year
Jan1, 2000
Joint life policy account Dr.1,000
To Cash
1,000
(Premium paid on the joint life policy)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31 Dec.,2000
P&L account Dr. Rs.1000
To Joint life policy account Rs.1,000
(Premium paid transferred to the P&L)
Note: There is no surrender value in the first year in the above example.
Second Year
Jan1, 2001
Joint Life Policy account Dr.1,000
To Cash
1,000
(Premium paid on the policy)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31 Dec. 2001
P&L account Dr.700
To Joint Life policy 700
(The premium payment above the surrender value transferred to P&L)
(Note: Here the premium payment is Rs.1,000 out of which only Rs.700 is considered expense
surrender due to value of Rs.300. The joint life policy will appear as asset in the balance sheet.)
Third Year
Jan 1 2002
Joint Life Policy account Dr.1,000
To Cash
(Premium paid on the policy)

1,000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

31 Dec.2002
P&L account Dr.550
To Joint Life policy 550
(The premium payment above the surrender value transferred to P&L)
Fourth Year
10 Feb 2003
Insurance Claim Account Dr.100,000
To Joint Life Policy
100,000
(Insurance Claim credited to policy account)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joint Life Policy Account Dr. 98,250

To As Capital
To Bs Capital
To Cs Capital
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39,300
39,300
19,650

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(Joint Life policy balance transferred to capital accounts)

15 Feb 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bank Account Dr. 100,000

To Insurance Claim 100,000
(Insurance claim settled)

Joint Life Policy Account

Date
Particulars
1Jan,2000 To Cash

1 Jan
2001

To Cash

1 Jan
2002

To balance b/d
To Cash

1 Jan
2003
10 Feb
2003

To balance b/d
To cash
To As Cap
39,300
To Bs Cap
39,300
To Cs Cap
19,650

Amount
Date
1,000 31
Dec2000
1,000
1,000 31 Dec,
2001
1,000
300 31
1,000 Dec.2002
1,300
750 10 Feb
1,000 2003

Particulars
Amount
By P&L Account
1,000

By P&L Account
By Balance c/d
By P& L
Account
By Balance c/d
By Insurance
Claim

1,000
700
300
1,000
550
750
1,300
100,000

98,250

100,000

100,000

Insurance Claim Account

Date
10 Feb
2003

Particulars
To Joint Life
Policy

Amount
Date
100,000 15 Feb
2003
100,000

Particulars Amount
ByBank
100,000
100,000

iii. Joint life policy reserve account is maintained.

Under this method surrender value of Joint life policy is shown as asset (same as the second method). A
joint life policy reserve equivalent to the surrender value is maintained in the books. There are three
steps involved in the accounting.
Journal Entries
Step 1: Debit Join Life Policy and Credit Cash for payment of Premium
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Joint Life Policy Account Dr.

To Cash
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Step 2 Debit P&L Appropriation account and Credit Joint Life policy reserve to create reserve
equivalent to that of policy.
P& L Appropriation Account Dr.
To Joint Life Policy Reserve Account
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Step 3 Debit Joint life policy reserve and Credit Joint life policy account, to adjust the amounts in
both the accounts to the actual surrender value.
Joint Life Policy Reserve Account Dr.
To Joint Life Policy Account

At the time of death of a partner the insurance related accounts are closed in the following way:
Journal Entries
1. Insurance Claim
Insurance Claim account Dr.
To Joint Life policy Account
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. Closing of Reserve
Joint Life Policy Reserve Account Dr.
To Joint Life Policy Account
(There is no strict rule that you must transfer the reserve into the policy account only. You can
transfer this account directly to the capital accounts of partners)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. Closing the Policy Account
Joint Life Policy Account Dr.
To All Partners Capital Accounts
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4. Receiving Claim Amount
Bank/Cash Account Dr.
Insurance Claim
Note: The above section may sound a complicated accounting treatment. More formal explanation will
make more confusion. Just notice that you are creating a joint life policy account on the asset side (first
entry), creating the same amount on the liability side as reserve (second entry), and trim down both the
asset and liability by mutual transfer / elimination (third entry).
Illustration 3.03
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A,B, and C sharing profits and losses in the ratio 2:1:1 have taken a joint life policy for Rs.100,000 with an
annual premium of Rs.1,000 on 1st January 2000.The surrender values estimated for the policy were:
31st Dec. 2000-nil;
31st Dec. 2001-Rs.300;
31st Dec. 2002- Rs.750
31st Dec. 2003- Rs.1,250
C died on on 10th February 2003. The Insurance Company settled the claim on 15 th Feb, 2003. Pass
necessary journal entries and related ledger accounts keeping treating the surrender value of the
insurance policy as asset and maintaining a reserve against the policy.
First Year
Jan1, 2000
Joint life policy account Dr.1,000
To Cash
1,000
(Premium paid on the joint life policy)
31 Dec.,2000
P&L Appropriation Account Dr. Rs.1000
To Joint Life Policy Reserve Account Rs.1,000
(Reserve created for the premium payment)
31st Dec, 200
Joint Life Policy Reserve Account Dr.1,000
To Joint Life Policy Account
1,000
(Balances in reserve and policy accounts eliminated by mutual transfer)

Note: There is no surrender value in the first year in the above example.
Second Year
Jan1, 2001
Joint Life Policy account Dr.1,000
To Cash
(Premium paid on the policy)

1,000

31 Dec. 2001
P&L Appropriation Account Dr 1,000
To Joint Life Policy Reserve Account 1,000
(Reserve created for the premium payment)
31st Dec.2001
Joint Life Policy Reserve Account Dr.700
Joint Life Policy Account
700
(Both JLP and Reserve reduced to the surrender value by mutual elimination)

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(Note: Here the premium payment is Rs.1,000, but Joint life policy and
JLP reserve accounts will appear at Rs.300 on the either side of the
Balance Sheet.)
Third Year
Jan 1 2002
Joint Life Policy account Dr.1,000
To Cash
1,000
(Premium paid on the policy)
31 Dec. 2002
P&L Appropriation account Dr.1,000
To Joint Life policy Reserve Account 1,000
(The reserve created against premium payment)
31st Dec.2001
Joint Life Policy Reserve Account Dr.550
Joint Life Policy Account
550
(Both JLP and Reserve reduced to the surrender value by mutual elimination)
Fourth Year
1st January 2003
Joint Life Policy account Dr.1,000
To Cash
(Premium paid on the policy

1,000

10 Feb 2003
Insurance Claim Account Dr.100,000
To Joint Life Policy
100,000
(Insurance Claim credited to policy account)
10 Feb 2003
Joint Life Policy Reserve Account Dr. 750
To Joint Life Policy Account
750
(Reserve account closed by transfer to policy account)
Note: You can transfer the reserve directly to the capital accounts of
partners.
10 Feb 2003
Joint Life Policy Account Dr.100,000
To As Capital
39,600
To Bs Capital
39,600
To Cs Capital
19,800
(Joint Life policy closed by transfer to capital accounts)
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15 Feb 2003
Bank Account Dr. 100,000
To Insurance Claim 100,000
(Insurance claim settled)

Joint Life Policy Account

Date
Particulars
1Jan,2000 To Cash

1 Jan 2001 To Cash

1 Jan 2002 To balance b/d

31 Dec
To Cash
2002

Amount
Date
1,000 31
Dec2000
1,000
1,000 31 Dec,
2001
1,000
300 31 Dec,
1,000 2002

Particulars
Amount
By JLP Reserve a/c
1,000

By JLP Reserve a/c

By Balance c/d
By JLP Reserve a/c
By Balance c/d

1,300
1 Jan 2003 To balance b/d
To Cash
10 Feb
To As Capital
2003
39,600
To Bs Capital
39,600
To Cs Capital
19,800

750 10 Feb
1,000 2003

1,000
700
300
1,000
550
750
1,300

By JLP Reserve
By Insurance
Claim

750
100,000

99,000

100,750

100,750

JLP Reserve Account

Date
31 Dec
2000
31 Dec
2001
31 Dec
2002

10 Feb
2003

Particulars
To JLP Account

To JLP Account
To Balance c/d
To JLP Account
To Balance c/d

To JLP Account

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Amount
Date
1,000 31
Dec2000
1,000
700 31 Dec,
300 2001
1,000
550 1 Jan,
750 2002
31 Dec,
2002
1,300
750 1 Jan,
2003

Particulars
By P&L
Appropriation
By P&L
Appropriation
By Balance b/d
By P&L
Appropriation

By Balance b/d

Amount
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
300
1,000

1,300
750

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750

750

6. Adjustment of Capital Accounts

Capital accounts of the continuing partners may be readjusted on the basis of new profit sharing ratio.
Generally partners bring in or take out cash to adjust the capital balances. They can even do this
adjustment by opening current accounts and passing the surplus or deficiency there, without bringing in
or taking out cash.

Chapter:4 dissolution of the partnership

Meaning of Dissolution
Dissolution of a partnership firm is the process by which the existence of a partnership firm comes to an end. This involves
the sale or disposal of assets, settlement of liabilities and closing of books of accounts. Once the outside liabilities of the firm
are settled, the partners take away their capital investment. If there is any surplus or deficit in this process it will be shared by
the partners in their profit sharing ratio.
Dissolution of a partnership firm can take place on account of any of the following reasons:
a. Dissolution by Agreement: When the partners themselves reach an agreement to discontinue their business for whatever
reason, it is known as dissolution by agreement.
b. Compulsory Dissolution: Compulsory dissolution takes place when the business of the firm is declared illegal, or the
partners become insolvent or the citizen of an enemy country happens to be partner of the firm.
c. Dissolution by notice: A partner can demand dissolution of a partnership at will, by serving a notice to the firm.
d. Dissolution by Court: Court may initiate dissolution of a firm under the following circumstances:
i) When one of the partners has become of unsound mind
ii) When a partner is guilty of misconduct which may affect the business
iii) When a partner commits wilful breach of contract
iv) Any other reason which the court may find adequate
e. Dissolution by the expiry of a pre determined period or completion of event: This dissolution takes place in case of
particular partnerships which are formed for a specific period or the completion of a specific project. Such partnerships will
be dissolved at the completion of the specific period of or the project as the case may be.
Dissolution of Partnership and Dissolution of Partnership Firm
The term dissolution, referred in relation to a partnership business generally denotes the winding up of the business.
However, there is a difference between dissolution of partnership and dissolution of the partnership firm. The former
indicates ending of agreement only to replace it with a new one, but the latter indicates the ending of partnership business
altogether. The following points may be noted in comparison between the two:

Dissolution of Partnership
Only the agreement is dissolved, no
physical disposal takes place.
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Dissolution of Partnership Firm

The Firm is dissolved, by selling off
assets and settling liabilities.

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The partners will continue to run the

business with a new agreement.

The partners will discontinue the

business

Limited effect on employees or

debtors and creditors of the business

Since the business is closed down

it affects the workers, debtors and
creditors of the firm

Many dissolutions of agreement can

take place during the life of a
partnership business.

Dissolution of firm can take place

only once in the lifetime of a
partnership business.

Admission, retirement and or death

of a partner can result in compulsory
dissolution of existing agreement.

None of these events can lead to a

compulsory dissolution of the firm.

Settlement of Accounts on Dissolution

The first step in dissolution is the realisation of assets followed by the settlement of outside liabilities. All individual accounts
for assets and liabilities, except cash, are closed by transferring their balances to a Realisation Account. Realisation account is
the temporary account for accumulating all assets and liabilities for convenient accounting treatment. All ledger accounts
except partners capital accounts and cash account are closed prior to realisation procedure. Accumulated profits or losses
are directly transferred into the capital accounts in the profit sharing ratio. The following is the order of priority in settlement
of liabilities and capital upon dissolution:
i) Expense incurred on realisation of assets such as commission, cartage, brokerage etc.
ii) All outside creditors
iii) Partners Loan accounts
iv) Balances in Capital Accounts of partners

Special Items in Accounting for Dissolution

1. Realisation Account: This is the most important account prepared to facilitate dissolution of firms. This is equal in
importance to Revaluation Account in Reconstitution. There is no scope of revaluation of assets and liabilities of a firm
under liquidation. Realisation account is used to accumulate all assets and liabilities in one place for convenient accounting
steps for disposal and settlement of liabilities.
2. Treatment of Goodwill: Goodwill is the most prominent item in Reconstitution of partnership. But goodwill does not have
any special treatment in dissolution. If it appears in the books it has to be transferred into Realisation Account. This will
automatically gets transferred into the Capital Accounts of Partners, by way of realisation profit or loss. If goodwill does
not appear in the books it is just ignored. There is no meaning in raising it or treating it in any way when the firm is being
dissolved.
3. Realisation Expenses: Expenses of realisation such as commission paid to brokers for the disposal of assets, expenses on
transportation of items, registration documentation charges for the assets sold etc. are debited to Realisation Account and
credited to Cash Account. However if any partner agrees to bear the expense for a certain fees, the fees charged by the
partner becomes the common expense which is debited in Realisation Account; whereas the actual realisation expense, if
mentioned, should be treated as personal drawing of the partner concerned.
4. Wifes Loan: Loans from a partners wife is to be treated as normal creditor. The basic aim of providing a loan in the name
of partners wife is to by-pass the legal restrictions on the Loan from a Partner to the firm.

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5. Provident Fund: Provident fund should be understood as a liability payable to the employees. It should be paid off even
when the question is silent about its treatment. Same rule applies to all other outside liabilities, such as creditors, bills
payable etc.
6. Specific Funds: Specific funds such as Investment Fluctuation Funds are preferably credited to Realisation account along
with the transfer of related asset, which will get transferred to capital accounts by way of profit of loss on Realisation.
Provision for doubtful debts, accumulated depreciation etc. must be credited to Realisation Account along with the
transfer of assets.
7. Profits Kept Aside: General Reserve; credit balance in P& L Account etc should be directly transferred into the Capital
Accounts of Partners, in the profit sharing ratio.
8. Unrecorded Assets: Unrecorded assets or assets which are completely written off may fetch some cash at the time of
dissolution. There is no need of bringing them into books and selling them afterwards. It can be directly treated by
crediting realisation account and debiting cash account.
9. Creditors Purchasing Some Assets in Part Settlement of Claim: When creditors purchase some of the assets in part
settlement, this is not specifically recorded by way of a journal entry, since the asset and liability are appearing in the same
Realisation Account. The balance amount due to the creditors is aid in full satisfaction of the claim. If the value of asset
taken over is more than the amount due, the creditors will pay the excess amount to the firm.
Please note: The treatment of creditors taking over part of the assets mentioned above is a questionable accounting
treatment. What I mentioned above is only on examination point of view. The correct account treatment is to debit the
Creditors account in the Ledger by passing a journal entry and transferring the balance of creditors into Realisation Account
Profit or loss on realization will be transferred to the Capital Accounts of partners in the profit sharing ratio. At the final stage
of the realization process, only Cash Account and Capital Accounts will be left. The final balances of each other will match
exactly, and the cash will be paid off to capital accounts to close both the accounts. This is the last transaction in the books of
the firm.
The entire accounting steps in realization can be summarized as follows:
Step 1: Reduce the Number of Accounts into THREE: As you are aware each item in a detailed Balance Sheet represents
an account in the Ledger. You have to reduce them into just three accounts, namely
i) Realisation Account
ii) Capital Accounts of Partners (considered one account)
iii) Cash Account
Step 2: Reduce the Number of Accounts into TWO: Major activities of realisation process take place at this stage. Sell
assets one by one and add it to (debit) Cash and reduce it from (credit) Realisation Account. Take out cash and pay
to liabilities placed in the Realisation Account. Now the Realisation Account is reduced to a residue, without any
active accounts inside. This balance is transferred into capital accounts as realisation profit or loss. Now you have
only two accounts, the Cash Account and the Capital Account.
Step 3: Reduce the Number of Accounts to NIL: This is the most interesting step. Here the cash balance has to be exactly
equal to the credit balance in capital account. Take out cash (cr); Pay off Capital (Dr.), and there ends the
Partnership Business.
Journal Entries in Dissolution
Accounting for dissolution begins with the closing of assets and liabilities accounts by transferring them to Realisation
Account.

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i) For transfer of assets

Realisation Account Dr.
To Asset Account
ii) For Transfer of liabilities
Liability Account Dr.
To Realisation Account
Accumulated profits such as General Reserves, Profit and Loss Account Credit Balance etc. are transferred to capital Accounts
in the profit sharing ratio.
iii) For transfer of accumulated profits
Accumulated Profit Account (General Reserve; P&L etc.) Dr.
To Realisation Account
Note: Provision for doubtful debts; Investment fluctuation fund etc. are credited to realization account and ignored thereafter.
These are internal provisions having no claim against the firm and therefore these amounts will merge into realization profit or
loss and finally get transferred to Capital Accounts of partners.
iv) For assets realized
Cash/Bank account Dr
To Realisation Account
Note: We do not have separate asset account anymore. Realisation account is the common account representing all assets
and liabilities transferred into it. Please check the next entry also.
v) For Liabilities paid off
Realisation Account Dr.
To Cash Account
vi) For asset taken over by a partner
Partners Capital Account Dr.
To Realisation Account
vii) For Liability taken up by the partner
Realisation Account Dr.
To Partners Capital Account
viii) For unrecorded asset taken over by a partner
Partners Capital Account Dr.
To Realisation Account
ix) Unrecorded Liability settled by the firm
Realisation Account Dr.
To Cash account
x) Realisation expense
Realisation Account Dr.
To Cash
xi) Asset taken over by creditors
No entry; Only settlement of balance amount is shown in the books.
Authors Comment

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This is the easiest chapter in Partnership accounts. You have 10 marks for this chapter under revised syllabus. Here you need
not remember different methods of treatment of goodwill, no ratio calculations etc. Everything is plain and simple. Pay
serious attention to this chapter to secure full 10 marks. Look at some of the important adjustments in the previous chapters
becoming very simple here.
1. Goodwill
You must have spent maximum time in understanding various ways of treatment of goodwill in the earlier chapters. Here it is
very simple; if there is goodwill given in the Balance Sheet, just debit it in the realisation account and forget it, yes, forget it. If
it does not appear in the Balance Sheet, just ignore it; who cares about the goodwill of a firm under liquidation anyway?
Simple, simple indeed!
2. Old Ratio, New Ratio, Sacrificing Ratio, Gaining Ratio, any other ratio? See the long list of ratios you need NOT apply here.
You have just one profit sharing ratio, to transfer the profit or loss on realisation.
3. Revaluation: You need not struggle with the revaluation of assets and liabilities. There are no provisions to be kept. Here
you just have a Realisation Account to move your ledger account items for the time being to help you transfer them to cash
as and when realised.
4. Balance Sheet In dissolution you have to prepare NO Balance Sheet at all. Instead you have to destroy one Balance Sheet
given in the question. Too good to be true, but it is very true. What you have to do here is to break up old Balance Sheet,
extract cash out of it, pay to creditors and finally to owners. Remember how funny it looked when you played video cassettes
in reverse mode, cars running backwards at full speed, food taken out of mouth and put back into plate and all those funny
stuff. Dissolution is the action replay of partnership formation in the reverse mode. The process of forming cash and other
assets and liabilities in a business forming a Balance Sheet in the beginning of a business is now reversed to show how a
Balance Sheet melts into cash, finally goes from the cash box to the owners pockets as return of capital.

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