Question

Difficulty: MediumTrading Account and Gross Profit Calculation

Match each accounting item listed on the left with its correct accounting treatment in the preparation of the Trading Account and Profit and Loss Account of a sole trader.

  • Carriage InwardsAdded to cost of purchases in the Trading Account
  • Carriage OutwardsCharged as an operating expense in the Profit and Loss Account
  • Goods withdrawn by owner for personal useDeducted from total purchases in the Trading Account
  • Sales Returns (Returns Inwards)Deducted from gross sales in the Trading Account

Answer

Carriage Inwards matches with 'Added to cost of purchases in the Trading Account'; Carriage Outwards matches with 'Charged as an operating expense in the Profit and Loss Account'; Goods withdrawn by owner for personal use matches with 'Deducted from total purchases in the Trading Account'; Sales Returns matches with 'Deducted from gross sales in the Trading Account'.
Each item is matched to its established financial statement presentation: Carriage Inwards is a direct transport cost added to purchases; Carriage Outwards is an indirect selling expense charged to Profit and Loss; Goods withdrawn for personal use reduce purchases at cost; and Sales Returns are subtracted from gross sales to yield net sales.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distinguish direct trading expenses from indirect operating expenses
Carriage inwards is direct (added to purchases), whereas carriage outwards is indirect (debited to the Profit and Loss Account).
Trading Account only captures direct costs involved in purchasing and bringing goods into a saleable condition.
2
Determine adjustments to sales and purchases in the Trading Account
Sales returns reduce gross sales revenue to derive net sales. Owner's drawings of goods reduce total purchases.
Net sales and net cost of purchases are essential components for accurate Gross Profit determination.

Key Concept

Classification of accounting items and adjustments in the Trading Account
Rate this question