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Q.There are two statements Assertion (A) and Reason (R) : Assertion (A) : The partners’ fixed capital accounts always show a credit balance, which shall remain the same (fixed) year after year unless there is any addition or withdrawal of capital. Reason (R) : When captials are fixed, then various items like share of profit or loss, interest on capital, drawings, interest on drawings, etc. are recorded in partners’ capital accounts. Choose the correct option from the following : (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A). (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A). (C) Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect. (D) Assertion (A) is incorrect, but Reason (R) is correct.

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2025MCQ· 1mImportance★★★★★
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Assertion (A) is correct because under the fixed capital method, capital accounts maintain a constant credit balance unless capital is introduced or permanently withdrawn. Reason (R) is incorrect because items like profit share, interest on capital, and drawings are recorded in partners' current accounts, not their capital accounts, when capitals are fixed.

Let's understand the fundamental difference between the Fixed Capital Method and the Fluctuating Capital Method in partnership accounting. This distinction is crucial for correctly treating various transactions related to partners.

Concept of Capital Accounts in a Partnership

A partnership firm maintains capital accounts for each partner to record their investment in the business. There are two primary methods for maintaining these accounts:

  1. Fixed Capital Method: Under this method, the partners' capital accounts generally show a fixed balance year after year. This is because only two types of transactions affect the capital account:

    • Introduction of additional capital by a partner.
    • Permanent withdrawal of capital by a partner. All other adjustments, such as share of profit or loss, interest on capital, interest on drawings, salary, and commission, are recorded in a separate account called the Partners' Current Account. The logic here is to keep the initial capital investment distinct and stable, reflecting the long-term commitment of capital.
  2. Fluctuating Capital Method: Under this method, only one account, the Partners' Capital Account, is maintained for each partner. All transactions related to partners – initial capital, additional capital, permanent withdrawals, share of profit or loss, interest on capital, interest on drawings, salary, and commission – are recorded directly in this single capital account. As a result, the balance of the capital account fluctuates from year to year.

Now, let's evaluate the given Assertion and Reason based on this understanding.

Evaluation of Assertion (A):

Assertion (A) states: "The partners’ fixed capital accounts always show a credit balance, which shall remain the same (fixed) year after year unless there is any addition or withdrawal of capital."

  • "The partners’ fixed capital accounts always show a credit balance": Capital is a liability for the firm and represents the partners' claim on the firm's assets. Therefore, capital accounts inherently have a credit balance. It is highly improbable for a capital account to show a debit balance, especially under the fixed capital method, as drawings and losses are routed through the current account.
  • "which shall remain the same (fixed) year after year unless there is any addition or withdrawal of capital": This is the defining characteristic of the fixed capital method. The very purpose of this method is to keep the capital balance constant, separating it from routine appropriations and drawings. Only direct changes to the capital invested (introduction or permanent withdrawal) alter this balance.

Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct.

Evaluation of Reason (R):

Reason (R) states: "When capitals are fixed, then various items like share of profit or loss, interest on capital, drawings, interest on drawings, etc. are recorded in partners’ capital accounts."

  • As explained above, when capitals are fixed, these items (share of profit or loss, interest on capital, drawings, interest on drawings, etc.) are not recorded in the Partners' Capital Accounts. Instead, they are recorded in the Partners' Current Accounts.
  • Recording these items in the capital accounts is characteristic of the Fluctuating Capital Method.

Therefore, Reason (R) is incorrect.

Conclusion:

Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect. This corresponds to option (C).

✓Final answer

Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect. The correct option is (C).

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