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Naveen, Kavita and Vishesh were partners in a firm sharing profits and losses in the ratio of 5 : 4 : 1. Their Balance Sheet as at 31st March, 2019 was as follows :

Balance Sheet of Naveen, Kavita and Vishesh as at 31st March, 2019

LiabilitiesAmount ₹AssetsAmount ₹
Capitals :Plant and Machinery5,50,000
Naveen 3,00,000Stock1,20,000
Kavita 2,00,000Debtors1,30,000
Vishesh 1,00,0006,00,000Cash40,000
Profits for the year 2018 – 191,50,000Advertisement Expenditure20,000
Sundry Creditors1,10,000
8,60,0008,60,000

Naveen died on 30th June, 2019. According to the partnership deed, in addition to the deceased partner’s capital, the executors are entitled to (i) His share in profits on the basis of average profits of the last two years. The profit for the year 2017 – 18 was ₹ 50,000. (ii) His share in the goodwill of the firm. Goodwill was to be calculated on the basis of two years’ purchase of the average profits of the last two years. Naveen withdrew ₹ 60,000 on 1st June, 2019. Prepare Naveen’s Capital Account which is to be rendered to his executor.

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2020Subjective· 4mImportance★★★★★
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Naveen's Capital Account is credited with his opening capital, share of accumulated profits, share of goodwill, and share of profit up to the date of death. It is debited with his share of accumulated losses (advertisement expenditure) and drawings. The final balance of ₹4,17,500 is transferred to Naveen's Executor's Account.

When a partner dies, their partnership with the firm ceases. The deceased partner's Capital Account must be prepared to ascertain the amount due to their legal representatives (executors). This account includes their opening capital balance, their share of accumulated profits and reserves, their share of goodwill, their share of profit or loss up to the date of death, and any other adjustments like interest on capital, salary, or revaluation gains. Conversely, any drawings, interest on drawings, or share of accumulated losses/fictitious assets are debited to their account. The final balance represents the amount payable to the deceased partner's executor.

Here's how each item is treated in Naveen's Capital Account:

  1. Opening Capital: Naveen's capital of ₹3,00,000 as per the Balance Sheet is a credit balance, representing his initial contribution to the firm.
  2. Profits for the year 2018-19: The Balance Sheet shows ₹1,50,000 as "Profits for the year 2018-19". This is an unappropriated profit from the previous year. It belongs to all partners in their profit-sharing ratio (5:4:1). Distributing this profit increases the partners' capital, so Naveen's share will be credited to his Capital Account.
  3. Advertisement Expenditure: The "Advertisement Expenditure" of ₹20,000 on the asset side of the Balance Sheet is a fictitious asset or deferred revenue expenditure. It represents an expense that has not yet been written off. Such items are treated as accumulated losses and are written off against partners' capital accounts in their profit-sharing ratio. Writing off a loss reduces capital, so Naveen's share will be debited to his Capital Account.
  4. Share in Goodwill: Upon the death of a partner, their share of the firm's goodwill is calculated. Goodwill is an intangible asset representing the firm's reputation and earning capacity, to which the deceased partner has contributed. Naveen's share of goodwill will be credited to his Capital Account. This amount is typically borne by the continuing partners (Kavita and Vishesh) in their gaining ratio, meaning their capital accounts will be debited.
  5. Share in Profits (Current Year): Naveen died on 30th June 2019, which is three months into the new accounting year (April, May, June). He is entitled to his share of profit for these three months. Since the exact profit for this short period cannot be determined until the year-end, it is estimated based on the average profits of previous years. This estimated profit is credited to Naveen's Capital Account and typically debited to a "Profit & Loss Suspense Account" as an interim adjustment.
  6. Drawings: Naveen withdrew ₹60,000 on 1st June 2019. Drawings reduce a partner's capital, so this amount will be debited to his Capital Account.
Watch out

Always remember to account for any accumulated profits/losses (like "Profits for the year" or "Advertisement Expenditure" in the Balance Sheet) and distribute them among partners in their profit-sharing ratio before calculating other adjustments. Failing to do so is a common mistake.

Working Notes

1. Calculation of Average Profits

Profit for 2017-18 = ₹50,000

Profit for 2018-19 = ₹1,50,000

Total profits for last two years = ₹50,000 + ₹1,50,000 = ₹2,00,000

Average Profit = Total profits / Number of years = ₹2,00,000 / 2 = ₹1,00,000

2. Calculation of Firm's Goodwill

Goodwill = Average Profit ×\times Number of years' purchase

Goodwill = ₹1,00,000 ×\times 2 = ₹2,00,000

3. Naveen's Share of Goodwill

Naveen's Profit Share Ratio = 5/10

Naveen's Share of Goodwill = Firm's Goodwill ×\times Naveen's Ratio

Naveen's Share of Goodwill = ₹2,00,000 ×\times (5/10) = ₹1,00,000

Tip

When a partner dies, and goodwill is to be adjusted through capital accounts, the continuing partners (Kavita and Vishesh) will compensate the deceased partner (Naveen) for his share of goodwill in their gaining ratio.

Old Ratio (Naveen : Kavita : Vishesh) = 5 : 4 : 1

Naveen dies. New Ratio (Kavita : Vishesh) = 4 : 1

Gaining Ratio = New Share - Old Share …

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