Question

Difficulty: EasyTreatment and Valuation of Goodwill

Match each goodwill accounting method or transaction scenario on the left with its correct valuation basis or ledger treatment on the right.

  • Average Profit MethodValuation based on mean past profits multiplied by an agreed number of years' purchase
  • Super Profit MethodValuation based on earnings achieved over and above normal expected profit
  • Private Payment of GoodwillNo journal entry is recorded in the partnership books
  • Goodwill Written OffDebited to partners' capital accounts in their new profit-sharing ratio

Answer

Average Profit Method matches with valuation based on mean past profits multiplied by an agreed number of years' purchase; Super Profit Method matches with valuation based on earnings achieved over and above normal expected profit; Private Payment of Goodwill matches with no journal entry is recorded in the partnership books; Goodwill Written Off matches with debited to partners' capital accounts in their new profit-sharing ratio.
Each valuation method and accounting scenario is paired directly with its defining rule: Average Profit relies on mean past earnings, Super Profit calculates earnings exceeding normal returns, Private Payment bypasses firm accounts completely, and Goodwill Written Off is debited to partners' capital accounts using the new profit-sharing ratio.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the basic valuation formulas for goodwill.
Average profit uses mean earnings of previous years, while super profit measures profit above the normal expected rate of return.
These are the fundamental conceptual definitions tested in partnership accounting.
2
Determine the book entry required when goodwill premium is paid privately.
No journal entry is made in the firm's books.
Private transactions between individuals do not affect the financial position or accounts of the partnership firm.
3
Determine the accounting treatment for writing off goodwill.
Debit partners' capital accounts using the new profit-sharing ratio.
Goodwill is raised using the old profit-sharing ratio and eliminated/written off using the new profit-sharing ratio.

Key Concept

Valuation methods and accounting treatments of goodwill in partnership accounts
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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