Q.Rohit and Mohit were partners in a firm sharing profits and losses in the ratio of 3 : 2. Rahul was admitted into partnership for 1/3 share in profits. Goodwill of the firm was valued at ₹ 30,000. Rahul brought ₹ 40,000 as capital and ₹ 5,000 out of his share of goodwill premium in cash. At the time of Rahul’s admission, goodwill was appearing in the books of the firm at ₹ 15,000. Pass necessary journal entries for the above transactions in the books of the firm on Rahul’s admission.
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →The existing goodwill of ₹15,000 is written off among Rohit and Mohit in their old ratio (3:2). Rahul brings ₹40,000 as capital and ₹5,000 as goodwill premium in cash. His full share of goodwill is ₹10,000, so the remaining ₹5,000 is debited to his capital account and credited to Rohit's and Mohit's capital accounts in their sacrificing ratio (3:2).
When a new partner is admitted into a firm, several adjustments are necessary to reflect the change in partnership structure. Two crucial adjustments involve goodwill and capital contributions.
Concept and Accounting Treatment
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Treatment of Existing Goodwill:
- Concept: Any goodwill already appearing in the firm's books (often referred to as "old goodwill" or "goodwill appearing in the balance sheet") represents goodwill created by the old partners before the new partner's admission. It is an asset that has already been accounted for.
- Treatment: To ensure the new partner does not bear the burden of this pre-existing goodwill, and to reflect the true value of goodwill at the time of admission, this existing goodwill is written off by debiting the Old Partners' Capital Accounts (or Current Accounts if capitals are fixed) in their old profit-sharing ratio and crediting the Goodwill Account. This reduces the capital of the old partners and removes the old goodwill from the books.
- Rule: Debit the receiver (partners whose capital is reduced), Credit what goes out (Goodwill asset).
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New Partner's Capital Contribution:
- Concept: A new partner typically brings in capital to acquire a share in the firm's assets and future profits. This increases the firm's cash/bank balance and the new partner's capital.
- Treatment: The Cash/Bank Account is debited (as cash comes into the business), and the New Partner's Capital Account is credited (as their capital increases).
- Rule: Debit what comes in (Cash/Bank), Credit the giver (New Partner's Capital).
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New Partner's Share of Goodwill Premium:
- Concept: A new partner is often required to bring in an additional amount, known as "premium for goodwill," to compensate the old partners for their sacrifice of future profits. This premium reflects the value of the firm's reputation and earning capacity that the new partner will now share.
- Treatment (Cash brought in):
- When the premium is brought in cash, the Cash/Bank Account is debited, and a temporary account called "Premium for Goodwill Account" is credited.
- This "Premium for Goodwill Account" is then debited, and the Old Partners' Capital Accounts (or Current Accounts) are credited in their sacrificing ratio. The sacrificing ratio is the ratio in which the old partners give up their share of profits to the new partner.
- Treatment (Not brought in cash / Partially brought in cash):
- If the new partner does not bring their full share of goodwill premium in cash, the deficiency is debited directly to the New Partner's Capital Account. This reduces the new partner's capital, effectively treating the unpaid goodwill as a deduction from their capital contribution. The corresponding credit goes to the Old Partners' Capital Accounts in their sacrificing ratio.
- Rule:
- For cash brought in: Debit what comes in (Cash/Bank), Credit the source (Premium for Goodwill).
- For distribution: Debit the Premium for Goodwill (or New Partner's Capital if not brought in cash), Credit the receivers (Old Partners' Capital Accounts).
Working Notes
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Calculation of Sacrificing Ratio:
- Old Ratio of Rohit and Mohit = 3:2
- Rahul's Share = 1/3
- Remaining Share for Rohit and Mohit =
- New Share of Rohit =
- New Share of Mohit =
- New Share of Rahul =
- New Profit Sharing Ratio of Rohit, Mohit, Rahul = 6:4:5
- Sacrificing Ratio = Old Share - New Share
- Rohit's Sacrifice =
- Mohit's Sacrifice =
- Sacrificing Ratio of Rohit and Mohit = 3:2
TipWhen a new partner is admitted for a specific share and the old partners' future shares are not specified beyond that, the old profit-sharing ratio is usually the sacrificing ratio.
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Calculation of Rahul's Full Share of Goodwill:
- Firm's Goodwill = ₹30,000
- Rahul's Share =
- Rahul's Full Share of Goodwill = ₹ = ₹10,000
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Distribution of Existing Goodwill:
- Existing Goodwill = ₹15,000
- Old Ratio of Rohit and Mohit = 3:2
- Rohit's Share = ₹ = ₹9,000
- Mohit's Share = ₹ = ₹6,000
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Goodwill Premium Brought by Rahul:
- Cash brought by Rahul for goodwill premium = ₹5,000
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Goodwill Premium Not Brought by Rahul (Debited to his Capital A/c): …
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