CHAPTER 7: DEPRECIATION, PROVISIONS AND RESERVES Q&A

📘 CHAPTER 7: DEPRECIATION, PROVISIONS AND RESERVES
(All previous years' questions – with answers)

🔹 Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark each)

1. Reserve is not shown in the Balance Sheet.

a) Secret   b) General   c) Revenue   d) Capital

(2018 Mar – 1 Mark)

Answer: a) Secret reserve (not disclosed in balance sheet).

2. Which term refers to writing off the cost of intangible assets like Patents, Copyright, Trade Marks etc.?

a) Amortisation   b) Depletion   c) Obsolescence   d) None of these

(2019 Mar – 1 Mark)

Answer: a) Amortisation.

3. Writing off the cost of intangible assets like patent, copy right etc. is known as

(a) Depreciation (b) Depletion (c) Amortization (d) Obsolescence

(2020 Mar – 1 Mark)

Answer: c) Amortization.

4. The term 'amortisation' is related with the decrease in the value of

a. Fixed asset   b. Current asset   c. Wasting asset   d. Intangible asset

(2020 Imp – 1 Mark)

Answer: d. Intangible asset.

5. Depreciation is charged on

(a) Current Assets (b) Fixed Assets (c) Current and Fixed Assets (d) None of these

(2021 Mar & 2021 Imp – 1 Mark)

Answer: b) Fixed Assets.

6. The amount of depreciation charged under Diminishing balance method

(a) increases every year (b) remains constant every year (c) equals to its scrap value (d) decreases every year

(2022 Mar – 1 Mark)

Answer: d) decreases every year.

7. Decrease in the value of intangible asset is known as

(a) Depletion (b) Fluctuation (c) Appreciation (d) Amortization

(2022 Imp – 1 Mark)

Answer: d) Amortization.

8. ______ is the term used to show the decrease in the value of natural resources like mines, quarries etc.

(a) Depreciation (b) Amortisation (c) Depletion (d) Obsolescence

(2023 Mar – 1 Mark)

Answer: c) Depletion.

9. Writing-off the cost of intangible assets like Goodwill, Patents, Copyright etc. is

(a) Depreciation (b) Depletion (c) Amortisation (d) Fluctuation

(2023 Imp – 1 Mark)

Answer: c) Amortisation.

10. ______ reserve is the retention of net profit, not meant for specific purpose.

(a) Capital (b) Revenue (c) Secret (d) General

(2024 Mar – 1 Mark)

Answer: d) General (General Reserve).

11. Cost of the asset Rs.80,000 Scrap value Rs.10,000 Useful life period - 10 years

(2025 Mar – 1 Mark)

Answer: Annual Depreciation (SLM) = (80,000 – 10,000)/10 = Rs.7,000.
🔹 Short Answer (2 Marks)

12. State any two differences between reserves and provision.

(2023 Mar – 2 Marks)

Answer: 1) Provision is created for a known liability (expense), reserve is an appropriation of profit. 2) Provision is mandatory (under principle), reserve is voluntary. 3) Provision can be used only for the specific purpose, reserve can be used for any purpose (General reserve).

13. Give two examples of 'Revenue Reserve'.

(2023 Imp – 2 Marks)

Answer: 1) General Reserve, 2) Dividend Equalisation Reserve, 3) Capital Redemption Reserve (though technically capital, but often revenue reserves are created from revenue profits; better: General Reserve, Retained Earnings, Investment Fluctuation Reserve).

14. Calculate depreciation from the given information :

Cost of Machinery Rs.36,000; Installation charges Rs.10,000; Transportation cost Rs.6,000; Scrap value Rs.4,000; Estimated life 8 years.

(2024 Mar – 2 Marks)

Answer: Total cost = 36,000 + 10,000 + 6,000 = 52,000. Depreciable amount = 52,000 – 4,000 = 48,000. Annual depreciation (SLM) = 48,000 / 8 = Rs.6,000.
🔹 Short Answer (3 Marks)

15. Write any three needs for charging depreciation on assets.

(2021 Mar – 3 Marks)

Answer: 1) To ascertain true profit/loss (matching concept). 2) To show true financial position (asset value). 3) To provide funds for replacement. 4) To reduce tax liability (any three).

16. Explain the term 'depreciation'. State any two methods of providing depreciation.

(2021 Imp – 3 Marks)

Answer: Depreciation is the permanent, continuous decrease in the value of a fixed asset due to wear and tear, efflux of time, obsolescence, etc. Two methods: (1) Straight Line Method, (2) Written Down Value Method.
🔹 Long Answer (4 Marks)

17. Chandra Traders purchased a Motor Van on 01-01-2013 for Rs.6,00,000. The firm writes-off depreciation at the rate of 10% p.a. on written down value method. Draw up Motor Van account for the first three Years.

(2018 Imp – 4 Marks)

Answer: Motor Van Account (WDV method, 10% p.a.)
DateParticularsAmount (₹)DateParticularsAmount (₹)
2013 Jan 1To Bank6,00,0002013 Dec 31By Depreciation A/c60,000
2013 Dec 31By Balance c/d5,40,000
Total6,00,000Total6,00,000
2014 Jan 1To Balance b/d5,40,0002014 Dec 31By Depreciation A/c54,000
2014 Dec 31By Balance c/d4,86,000
Total5,40,000Total5,40,000
2015 Jan 1To Balance b/d4,86,0002015 Dec 31By Depreciation A/c48,600
2015 Dec 31By Balance c/d4,37,400
Total4,86,000Total4,86,000

18. A company purchased a machinery for Rs. 50,000 on 30th June 2015. Depreciation is charged at 10% under straight line method and accounts are closed on 31st December every year. a) Show the machinery account up to 31st December 2016. b) Distinguish between straight line method and written down value method. Write two points.

(2019 Mar – 4 Marks)

Answer: a) Machinery Account (SLM, 10% p.a.)
DateParticularsAmount (₹)DateParticularsAmount (₹)
2015 Jun 30To Bank50,0002015 Dec 31By Depreciation (6 months)2,500
2015 Dec 31By Balance c/d47,500
Total50,000Total50,000
2016 Jan 1To Balance b/d47,5002016 Dec 31By Depreciation5,000
2016 Dec 31By Balance c/d42,500
Total47,500Total47,500

b) Differences: 1) SLM charges fixed amount every year, WDV charges decreasing amount. 2) In SLM, asset value becomes zero at end of life; in WDV, it never becomes zero. 3) SLM is based on original cost, WDV on written down value. (any two)

19. M/s. Radhika Textile Mills purchased a machinery on 1st April, 2015 for Rs.2,00,000 and spent Rs.30,000 for its installation. Another machine was purchased on January 1st 2017 for Rs.30,000. Depreciation is charged at the rate of 20% on written down value method. Show machinery account up to 31st March,2018.

(2019 Imp – 4 Marks)

Answer: Machinery Account (WDV 20%)
DateParticularsAmount (₹)DateParticularsAmount (₹)
2015 Apr 1To Bank (2,00,000+30,000)2,30,0002016 Mar 31By Depreciation A/c46,000
2016 Mar 31By Balance c/d1,84,000
Total2,30,000Total2,30,000
2016 Apr 1To Balance b/d1,84,0002017 Mar 31By Depreciation A/c36,800
2017 Mar 31By Balance c/d1,47,200
Total1,84,000Total1,84,000
2017 Apr 1To Balance b/d1,47,2002018 Mar 31By Depreciation A/c (on old)29,440
2017 Jan 1To Bank (new machine)30,0002018 Mar 31By Depreciation on new (3 months: 30,000*20%*3/12)1,500
2018 Mar 31By Balance c/d1,46,260
Total1,77,200Total1,77,200

20. Briefly explain the need for providing depreciation. (any four)

(2022 Mar – 4 Marks)

Answer: 1) To ascertain correct profit/loss. 2) To show true financial position. 3) To provide funds for replacement. 4) To comply with legal requirements (Companies Act). 5) To reduce tax burden. (any four).

21. Point out any four differences between 'Provision' and 'Reserve'.

(2022 Imp – 4 Marks)

Answer:
ProvisionReserve
1. Created for known liability (expense).1. Created for strengthening financial position.
2. Charge against profit (debited to P&L).2. Appropriation of profit (credited to P&L appropriation).
3. Can be used only for specific purpose.3. General reserve can be used for any purpose.
4. Mandatory (by law/prudence).4. Voluntary (except some like capital redemption reserve).

22. Seena Traders purchased a Machinery for Rs.1,00,000 and spent Rs.10,000 for the erection. The Machinery is expected a life of 10 years and after it will get Rs.10,000 as scrap value. Depreciation is charged under straight line method for first 2 years. (2023 Mar – 4 Marks)

(2023 Mar – 4 Marks) – likely prepare machinery account or show depreciation.

Answer: Total cost = 1,00,000 + 10,000 = 1,10,000. Scrap = 10,000. Depreciable amount = 1,00,000. Annual depreciation = 1,00,000/10 = 10,000 per year. Machinery Account (first 2 years)
DateParticularsAmount (₹)DateParticularsAmount (₹)
Year 1 startTo Bank1,10,000Year 1 endBy Depreciation10,000
Year 1 endBy Balance c/d1,00,000
Total1,10,000Total1,10,000
Year 2 startTo Balance b/d1,00,000Year 2 endBy Depreciation10,000
Year 2 endBy Balance c/d90,000
Total1,00,000Total1,00,000

23. Write any four differences between Straight Line Method and Written Down Value Method of calculating depreciation.

(2023 Imp – 4 Marks)

Answer:
Straight Line MethodWritten Down Value Method
1. Fixed amount of depreciation every year.1. Decreasing amount every year.
2. Depreciation is calculated on original cost.2. Depreciation is calculated on book value (WDV).
3. Asset value can be reduced to zero.3. Asset value never becomes zero.
4. Suitable for assets with low obsolescence (e.g., building).4. Suitable for assets with high obsolescence (e.g., machinery).

24. AB Ltd. purchased a plant for Rs.4,00,000 on 1-1-2018 and spent Rs.50,000 for its installation. It is decided to depreciate at 10% under written down value method. Prepare Plant Account for 4 years.

(2024 Mar – 4 Marks)

Answer: Total cost = 4,00,000 + 50,000 = 4,50,000. WDV 10% p.a.
YearOpening BalanceDepreciationClosing Balance
20184,50,00045,0004,05,000
20194,05,00040,5003,64,500
20203,64,50036,4503,28,050
20213,28,05032,8052,95,245

Plant Account (as per ledger format) – can be shown with journal entries or directly as above.

25. On 1st April, 2021, a machinery was purchased for Rs. 80,000 from Machine Land. On 30th June, 2023, the machinery purchased on 1st April, 2021 was sold for Rs. 60,000 and a new machinery was bought for cash Rs. 25,000. Depreciation is charged 10% p.a. on straight line method. Prepare machinery account up to 31st March, 2024.

(2025 Mar – 4 Marks)

Answer: SLM 10% on original cost 80,000 → annual dep = 8,000. Books closed 31st March. Machinery Account
DateParticularsAmount (₹)DateParticularsAmount (₹)
2021 Apr 1To Bank (old)80,0002022 Mar 31By Depreciation A/c8,000
2022 Mar 31By Balance c/d72,000
Total80,000Total80,000
2022 Apr 1To Balance b/d72,0002023 Mar 31By Depreciation A/c8,000
2023 Mar 31By Balance c/d64,000
Total72,000Total72,000
2023 Apr 1To Balance b/d64,0002023 Jun 30By Depreciation (3 months)2,000
2023 Jun 30By Bank (sale)60,000
2023 Jun 30By Profit & Loss (loss on sale)2,000
2023 Jun 30To Bank (new)25,0002024 Mar 31By Depreciation on new (9 months: 25,000*10%*9/12)1,875
2024 Mar 31By Balance c/d23,125
Total89,000Total89,000
🔹 Long Answer (5 Marks)

26. On July 1, 2014 Elite Printers purchased a machinery for Rs.3,00,000 and spent Rs.10,000 for its installation. It was decided to provide depreciation 10% p.a. on straight line method. Prepare machinery account for first 4 years. Assuming that books are closed on 31st December every year.

(2020 Mar – 5 Marks)

Answer: Total cost = 3,00,000 + 10,000 = 3,10,000. SLM 10% p.a. = 31,000 per year.
DateParticularsAmount (₹)DateParticularsAmount (₹)
2014 Jul 1To Bank3,10,0002014 Dec 31By Depreciation (6 months)15,500
2014 Dec 31By Balance c/d2,94,500
Total3,10,000Total3,10,000
2015 Jan 1To Balance b/d2,94,5002015 Dec 31By Depreciation31,000
2015 Dec 31By Balance c/d2,63,500
Total2,94,500Total2,94,500
2016 Jan 1To Balance b/d2,63,5002016 Dec 31By Depreciation31,000
2016 Dec 31By Balance c/d2,32,500
Total2,63,500Total2,63,500
2017 Jan 1To Balance b/d2,32,5002017 Dec 31By Depreciation31,000
2017 Dec 31By Balance c/d2,01,500
Total2,32,500Total2,32,500

27. Arun traders purchased a machinery by issuing a cheque of Rs.64,000 to the vendors on 1-10-2016. They also incurred erection charges of Rs.6,000 for the machinery. The expected economic life of the machine is 5 years and estimated scrap value is Rs.10,000. (a) Calculate the amount annual of depreciation to be charged on the machinery (b) Prepare a machinery account for the first three years under the straight line method. Assume that accounts are closed on 31st March every year.

(2020 Imp – 5 Marks)

Answer:

(a) Total cost = 64,000 + 6,000 = 70,000. Scrap = 10,000. Depreciable amount = 60,000. Life = 5 years. Annual depreciation = 60,000/5 = 12,000 per year.

(b) Machinery Account (SLM)

DateParticularsAmount (₹)DateParticularsAmount (₹)
2016 Oct 1To Bank (64,000+6,000)70,0002017 Mar 31By Depreciation (6 months)6,000
2017 Mar 31By Balance c/d64,000
Total70,000Total70,000
2017 Apr 1To Balance b/d64,0002018 Mar 31By Depreciation12,000
2018 Mar 31By Balance c/d52,000
Total64,000Total64,000
2018 Apr 1To Balance b/d52,0002019 Mar 31By Depreciation12,000
2019 Mar 31By Balance c/d40,000
Total52,000Total52,000
📌 Note: All answers are prepared as per standard accounting practices. For machinery accounts, proper ledger format is used; depreciation is transferred to Profit & Loss account at the end of each year (not shown here). Always verify with your textbook.

Chapter 7 – All questions from 2018 to 2025.

About the author

SIMON PAVARATTY
PSMVHSS Kattoor, Thrissur

Post a Comment