chapter - 2

Accounting
process

Unit 7
Contingent Assets
and Contingent
Liabilities
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

Contingent Assets and Contingent Liabilities

Learning Objectives
After studying this unit you will be able to :
Understand the meaning of the terms 'Contingent Assets' and 'Contingent Liabilities'.
Distinguish 'Contingent Liabilities' with 'Liabilities' and 'Provisions'.

1.

CONTINGENT ASSETS

A contingent asset may be defined as a possible asset that arises from past events and whose
existence will be confirmed only after occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain
future events not wholly within the control of the enterprise. It usually arises from unplanned
or unexpected events that give rise to the possibility of an inflow of economic benefits to the
business entity. For example, a claim that an enterprise is pursuing through legal process, where
the outcome is uncertain, is a contingent asset.
As per the concept of prudence as well as the present accounting standards, an enterprise should
not recognise a contingent asset. These assets are uncertain and may arise from a claim which an
enterprise pursues through a legal proceeding. There is uncertainty in realisation of claim. It is
possible that recognition of contingent assets may result in recognition of income that may never
be realised. However, when the realisation of income is virtually certain, then the related asset
no longer remains as contingent asset.
A contingent asset need not be disclosed in the financial statements. A contingent asset is
usually disclosed in the report of the approving authority (Board of Directors in the case of a
company, and the corresponding approving authority in the case of any other enterprise), if
an inflow of economic benefits is probable. Contingent assets are assessed continually and if
it has become virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, the asset and the
related income are recognised in the financial statements of the period in which the change
occurs.

2.

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The term Contingent liability can be defined as

(a) a possible obligation1 that arises from past events and the existence of which will be confirmed
only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly
within the control of the enterprise; or
(b) a present obligation2 that arises from past events but is not recognised because:

(i) it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be
required to settle the obligation; or

(ii) a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation cannot be made.

Possible Obligation: An obligation is a possible obligation if, based on the evidence available, its existence at the balance sheet
date is considered not probable.

Present Obligation: An obligation is a present obligation if, based on the evidence available, its existence at the balance sheet date
is considered probable, i.e., more likely than not.
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A contingent liability is a possible obligation arising from past events and may arise in future
depending on the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events [part (a)
of the definition]. A contingent liability may also be a present obligation that arises from past
events [(part (b) of the definition)].
An enterprise should not recognise a contingent liability. A Contingent liability is required to
be disclosed unless possibility of outflow of a resource embodying economic benefits is remote.
These liabilities are assessed continually to determine whether an outflow of resources embodying
economic benefits has become probable. If it becomes probable that an outflow or future economic
benefits will be required for an item previously dealt with as a contingent liability, a provision is
recognised in financial statements of the period in which the change in probability occurs except
in the extremely rare circumstances where no reliable estimate can be made.

3. DISTINCTION BETWEEN CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND

LIABILITIES
The distinction between a liability and a contingent liability is generally based on the judgement
of the management. A liability is defined as the present financial obligation of an enterprise, which
arises from past events. The settlement of a liability results in an outflow from the enterprises of
resources embodying economic benefits. On the other hand, in the case of contingent liability,
either outflow of resources to settle the obligation is not probable or the amount expected to be
paid to settle the liability cannot be measured with sufficient reliability. Examples of contingent
liabilities are claims against the enterprise not acknowledged as debts, guarantees given in respect
of third parties, liability in respect of bills discounted and statutory liabilities under dispute etc.
In addition to present obligations that are recognised as liabilities in the balance sheet, enterprises
are required to disclose contingent liability in their balance sheets by way of notes.

4. DISTINCTION BETWEEN CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND

PROVISIONS
Provision means any amount written off or retained by way of providing for depreciation, renewal
or diminution in the value of assets or retained by way of providing for any known liability of
which the amount cannot be determined with substantial accuracy.
It is important to know the difference between provisions and contingent liabilities. The distinction
between both of them can be explained as follows:

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Contingent Assets and Contingent Liabilities

Provision

Contingent liability

(1)

Provision is a present liability of

uncertain amount, which can be
measured reliably by using a substantial
degree of estimation.

(2)

A provision meets the recognition

criteria.
Provision is recognised when (a) an
enterprise has a present obligation
arising from past events; an outflow of
resources embodying economic benefits
is probable, and (b) a reliable estimate
can be made of the amount of the
obligation.
If the management estimates that
it is probable that the settlement of
an obligation will result in outflow
of economic benefits, it recognises a
provision in the balance sheet.

A Contingent liability is a possible

obligation that may or may not crystallise
depending on the occurrence or nonoccurrence of one or more uncertain future
events.
A contingent liability fails to meet the same.

(3)

(4)

Contingent liability includes present

obligations that do not meet the recognition
criteria because either it is not probable that
settlement of those obligations will require
outflow of economic benefits, or the amount
cannot be reliably estimated.
If the management estimates, that it is less
likely that any economic benefit will outflow
the firm to settle the obligation, it discloses
the obligation as a contingent liability.

Let us take an example to understand the distinction between provisions and contingent liabilities.
The Central Excise Officer imposes a penalty on Alpha Ltd. for violation of a provision in the
Central Excise Act. The company goes on an appeal. If the management of the company estimates
that it is probable that the company will have to pay the penalty, it recognises a provision for the
liability. On the other hand, if the management anticipates that the judgement of the appellate
authority will be in its favour and it is less likely that the company will have to pay the penalty,
it will disclose the obligation as a contingent liability instead of recognising a provision for the
same.

Self Examination Questions

Pick up the correct answer from the given choices:
1. (i) Contingent asset usually arises from unplanned or unexpected events that give rise to

(a) The possibility of an inflow of economic benefits to the business entity.

(b) The possibility of an outflow of economic benefits to the business entity.

(c) Either (a) or (b)

(d) None of the above.

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(ii) If an inflow of economic benefits is probable then a contingent asset is disclosed

(a) In the financial statements.

(b) In the report of the approving authority (Board of Directors in the case of a company,
and the corresponding approving authority in the case of any other enterprise).

(c) In the cash flow statement.

(d) None of the above.

(iii) In the case of ___________, either outflow of resources to settle the obligation is not
probable or the amount expected to be paid to settle the liability cannot be measured
with sufficient reliability.

(a) Liability.

(b) Provision.

(c) Contingent liabilities.

(d) Contingent assets.

(iv) Present liability of uncertain amount, which can be measured reliably by using a
substantial degree of estimation is termed as ________.

(a) Provision.

(b) Liability.

(c) Contingent liability.

(d) None of the above.

(v) In the financial statement, contingent liability is

(a) Recognised

(b) Not recognised.

(c) Adjusted.

(d) None of the above.

Answers
(i)

(a)

(ii)

(b) (iii)

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(c) (iv)

(a) (v)

(b)

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chapter - 2
Accounting
process

Unit 8
Rectification of
Errors
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

Learning Objectives
After studying this unit, you will be able to :

1.

Understand different types of errors which may occur in course of recording transactions
and events.
Be familiar with the steps involved in locating errors.
Learn the nature of one-sided errors and two-sided errors.
Understand why suspense account is opened for rectification of errors.
Understand the technique of correcting errors of one period in the next accounting
period.

INTRODUCTION

Unintentional omission or commission of amounts and accounts in the process of recording the
transactions are commonly known as errors These various unintentional errors can be committed
at the stage of collecting financial information/data on the basis of which financial statements
are drawn or at the stage of recording this information. Also errors may occur as a result of
mathematical mistakes, mistakes in applying accounting policies, misinterpretation of facts,
or oversight. To check the arithmetic accuracy of the journal and ledger accounts, trial balance
is prepared. If the trial balance does not tally, then it can be said that there are errors in the
accounts which requires rectification thereof. Some of these errors may affect the Trial Balance
and some of these do not have any impact on the Trial Balance although such errors may affect
the determination of profit or loss, assets and liabilities of the business.
Illustrative Case of Errors and their Nature
We have seen that after preparing ledger accounts a trial balance is taken out where debit and
credit balances are separately listed and totalled. If the two totals do not agree, it is definite that
there have been some errors We shall now study the types of errors which may be committed
and how they may be rectified. For this purpose, the working of the following illustrative cases
should be carefully seen.
Illustrative Cases of Errors
(a) Wrong Entry: Let us start from the first phase in the accounting process. Wrong entry of
the value of transactions and events in the subsidiary books, Journal Proper and Cash Book may
occur.
Example 1: Credit purchases ` 17,270 are entered in the Purchases Day Book as ` 17,720. Credit
sales of ` 15,000 gross less 1% trade discount are wrongly entered in Sales Day Book at ` 15,000.
Cheque issued ` 19,920 are wrongly entered in the credit of bank column in the Cash Book as
` 19,290.
(b) Wrong positing from subsidiary books: Subsidiary books are totalled periodically and
posted to the appropriate ledger accounts. There may arise totalling errors. Totalling errors may
arise due to wrong entry or simply these may be independent errors.
Example 2: For the month of January, 2011 total of credit sales are ` 1,75,700, this is wrongly
totalled as ` 1,76,700 and posted to sales account as ` 1,76,700.
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Rectification of errors

(c) Wrong casting of subsidiary book: For example, wrong castings of the Cash Book result in
balancing error.
Example 3: The following cash transactions of M/s Tularam & Co. occurred:
2011
Jan. 1

Balance - cash ` 1,200 bank ` 16,000;

Jan. 2

Cheque issued to M/s Bholaram & Co., a supplier, for ` 22,500;

Jan. 6

Cheque collected from M/s Scindia & Bros. ` 42,240 and deposited for clearance;

Jan. 7

Cash sales ` 27,200 paid wages ` 12,400;

Jan. 8

Cash sales ` 37,730 cash deposited to bank ` 35,000.

The following Cash Book entries are passed:

Cash Book

Dr.
Date

Cr.
Particulars

Cash
`

Bank Date Particulars

`

2011

Cash

Bank

2011

Jan. 1

To Balance b/d

Jan. 6

To M/s Scindia & Bros

A/c

Jan. 7

To Sales A/c

Jan. 8

To Sales A/c

Jan. 8

To Cash A/c

1,200 16,000 Jan. 2 By M/s Bholaram & Co.

A/c

22,500

By Wages A/c

12,200

27,200

By Bank A/c

34,500

37,370

By Balance c/d

19,070 71,420

42,420

34,500
65,770 93,920

65,770 93,920

Wrong entries and casting are shown in bold prints. However, errors of cash entries generally are
not carried. Usually cash balances are tallied daily. So errors are identified at an early stage. But
bank balance cannot be checked daily and thus errors may be carried until bank reconciliation is
made. In the above example, there are four wrong entries and one wrong casting Bank and cash
balances are affected by these errors.
(d) Wrong casting of ledger balances: Likewise Cash Book, any ledger account balance may be
cast wrongly. Obviously wrong postings make the balance wrong; but that is not wrong casting
of balances. Whenever there arises independent casting error as in the case of bank column in
the Cash Book of example (4), that is called wrong casting of ledger balances.

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COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

Example 4: The following are the credit purchases of M/s Ballav Bros.:
2011
Jan. 1 Purchases from M/s Saurabh & Co.- gross ` 1,00,000 less 1% trade discount.
Jan. 3 Purchases from M/s Netai & Co.- gross ` 70,000 less 1% trade discount.
Jan. 6 Purchases from M/s Saurabh & Co.- gross ` 60,000 less 1% trade discount
Let us cast M/s Saurabh & Co.s Account:
M/s Saurabh & Co. Account
Dr.
Date

Cr.
Particulars

Amount
`

2011
Jan. 1

Date

Particulars

Amount
`

2011
To Balance c/d

1,55,000

Jan. 1

By Purchases A/c

99,000

Jan. 6

By Purchases A/c

59,000

1,55,000

1,55,000

While casting the credit side an error has been committed and so the account is wrongly
balanced.
Example 5: Goods are purchased on credit from M/s Saurabh & Co. for ` 27,030 and from M/s
Karnataka Suppliers for ` 28,050. The following Day Book is prepared:
Purchases Day Book
Date

Particulars

Amount
`
27,050
28,030
55,080

M/s Saurabh & Co.

M/s Karnataka Suppliers

In the Day Book both the transactions are entered wrongly but the first error has been compensated
by the second. Even if these errors are not rectified Trial Balance would tally.
Trial Balance
Particulars
M/s Saurabh & Co.
M/s Karnataka Suppliers
Purchases Account
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Dr.
`

55,080
55,080

Cr.
`
27,050
28,030
55,080
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Rectification of errors

2.

STAGES OF ERRORS

Errors may occur at any of the following stages of the accounting process:
2.1 AT THE STAGE OF RECORDING THE TRANSACTIONS IN JOURNAL
Following types of errors may happen at this stage:
(i) Errors of principle,
(ii) Errors of omission,
(iii) Errors of commission.
2.2 AT THE STAGE OF POSTING THE ENTRIES IN LEDGER
(i) Errors of omission:

(a) Partial omission,

(b) Complete omission.

(ii) Errors of commission:

(a) Posting to wrong account,

(b) Posting on the wrong side,

(c) Posting of wrong amount.

2.3 AT THE STAGE OF BALANCING THE LEDGER ACCOUNTS

(a) Wrong Totalling of accounts,

(b) Wrong Balancing of accounts.

2.4 AT THE STAGE OF PREPARING THE TRIAL BALANCE

(a) Errors of omission,

(b) Errors of commission:

1.

Taking wrong account,

2.

Taking wrong amount,

3.

Taking to the wrong side.

On the above basis, we can classify the errors in four broad categories:

1. Errors of Principle,

2. Errors of Omission,

3. Errors of Commission,

4. Compensating Errors.

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3.

TYPES OF ERRORS

Basically errors are of two types:

(a) Errors of principle: When a transaction is recorded in contravention of accounting principles,
like treating the purchase of an asset as an expense, it is an error of principle. In this case
there is no effect on the trial balance since the amounts are placed on the correct side, though
in a wrong account. Suppose on the purchase of a typewriter, the office expenses account is
debited; the trial balance will still agree.
(b) Clerical errors: These errors arise because of mistake committed in the ordinary course of
the accounting work. These are of three types:

(i) Errors of Omission: If a transaction is completely or partially omitted from the books of
account, it will be a case of omission. Examples would be: not recording a credit purchase
of furniture or not posting an entry into the ledger.

(ii) Errors of Commission: If an amount is posted in the wrong account or it is written on
the wrong side or the totals are wrong or a wrong balance is struck, it will be a case of
errors of commission.

(iii) Compensating Errors: If the effect of errors committed cancel out, the errors will be called
compensating errors. The trial balance will agree. Suppose an amount of ` 10 received
from A is not credited to his account and the total of the sales book is ` 10 in excess. The
omission of credit to As account will be made up by the increased credit to the Sales
Account.
From another point of view, error may be divided into two categories:
(a) Those that affect the trial balance - because of the errors that trial balance does not agree;
and

(i) Wrong casting of the subsidiary books [see (b) above.]

(ii) Wrong balancing of an account [see (a) above.]

(iii) Posting an amount on the wrong side [see (d) above.]

(iv) Wrong posting, ie., writing the wrong amount [see (d) above.]

(v) Omitting to post an amount from a subsidiary book.

(vi) Omitting to post the totals of subsidiary book.

(vii) Omitting to write the cash book balances in the trial balance.

(viii) Omitting to write the balance of an account in the trial balance.

(ix) Writing a balance in wrong column of the trial balance.

(x) Totalling the trial balance wrongly.

(b) The errors that do not affect the trial balance are the following:

(i) Omitting an entry altogether from the subsidiary book [see (i) above.]

(ii) Making an entry in the wrong subsidiary book [see (ii) above.]

(iii) Posting an amount in a wrong account but on the correct side, e.g., an amount to be
debited to A is debited to B, the trial balance will still agree.

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Writing the wrong

amount in the
subsidiary books.
Trial Balance
will agree.

Wrong casting
of subsidiary
books.

ERRORS

Trial Balance will not agree.

Posting the
wrong amount
in the ledger.

Clerical Errors

Posting an
amount on
the wrong side.

Errors of
Commission Crrors

Omitting to post the

ledger account from
the subsidiary books.
Trial Balance will not agree.

Errors of Omission

Omitting an entry
completely from the
subsidiary books. Trial
Balance will agree.

Errors of Principle (Treating a

revenue expense as capital

expenditure or vice versa or

the sale of a fixed asset as
ordinary sale). Trial Balance
will agree.

A chart of the types of errors is given below:

Wrong
balancing
of an account

Compensating
Errors Trial
Balance will
agree.

Rectification of errors

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

4.

STEPS TO LOCATE ERRORS

Even if there is only a very small difference in the trial balance, the errors leading to it must be
located and rectified. A small difference may be the result of a number of errors. The following
steps will be useful in locating errors :
(i) The two columns of the trial balance should be totalled again. If in place of a number of
accounts, only one amount has been written in the trial balance the list of such accounts
should be checked and totalled again. List of debtors is the example from which Sundry
debtors balance is derived.
(ii) It should be seen that the cash and bank balances have been written in the trial balance.
(iii) The exact difference in the trial balance should be established. The ledger should be gone
through; it is possible that a balance equal to the difference has been omitted from the trial
balance. The difference should also be halved; it is possible that balance equal to half the
difference has been written in the wrong column.
(iv) The ledger accounts should be balanced again.
(v) The casting of subsidiary books should be checked again, especially if the difference is
` 1, ` 100 etc.
(vi) If the difference is very big, the balance in various accounts should be compared with the
corresponding accounts in the previous period. If the figures differ materially the cases
should be seen; it is possible that an error has been committed. Suppose the sales account
for the current year shows a balance of ` 32,53,000 whereas it was ` 36,45,000 last year; it is
possible that there is an error in the Sales Account.
(vii) Postings of the amounts equal to the difference or half the difference should be checked. It
is possible that an amount has been omitted to be posted or has been posted on the wrong
side.
(viii) If there is still a difference in the trial balance, a complete checking will be necessary. The
posting of all the entries including the opening entry should be checked. It may be better to
begin with the nominal accounts.

5.

RECTIFICATION OF ERRORS

Errors should never be corrected by overwriting. If immediately after making an entry it is clear
that an error has been committed, it may be corrected by neatly crossing out the wrong entry
and making the correct entry. If however the errors are located after some time, the correction
should be made by making another suitable entry, called rectification entry. In fact the rectification
of an error depends on at which stage it is detected. An error can be detected at any one of the
following stages:
(a) Before preparation of Trial Balance.
(b) After Trial Balance but before the final accounts are drawn.
(c) After final accounts, i.e., in the next accounting period.

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Rectification of errors

5.1 BEFORE PREPARATION OF TRIAL BALANCE

There are some errors which affect one side of an account or which affect more than one account
in such a way that it is not possible to pass a complete rectification entry. In other words, there are
some errors which can be corrected, if detected at this stage, by making rectification statement in
the appropriate side(s) of concerned account(s). It is important to note here that such errors may
involve only one account or more than one account. Read the following illustrations:
(i) The sales book for November is undercast by ` 200. The effect of this error is that the Sales
Account has been credited short by ` 200. Since the account is posted by the total of the sales
book, there is no error in the accounts of the customers since they are posted with amounts
of individual sales. Hence only the Sales Accounts is to be corrected. This will be done by
making an entry for ` 200 on the credit side: By undercasting of Sales Book for November
` 200.
(ii) While posting the discount column on the debit side of the cash book the discount of
` 10 allowed to Ramesh has not been posted. There is no error in the cash book, the total of
discount column presumably has been posted to the discount account on the debit side. The
error is in not crediting Ramesh by ` 10. This should now be done by the entry By omission
of posting of discount on ----- ` 10.
(iii) ` 200 received from Ram has been entered by mistake on the debit side of his account. Since
the cash book seems to have been correctly written, the error is only in the account of Ram
- he should have been credited and not debited by ` 200. Not only is the wrong debit to be
removed but also a credit of ` 200 is to be given. This can be done now by entering ` 400 on
the credit side of his account. The entry will be By Posting on the wrong side - ` 400.
(iv) ` 50 was received from Mahesh and entered on the debit side of the cash book but was
not posted to his account. By the error, which affects only the account of Mahesh, ` 50 has
been omitted from the credit side of his account. The rectification will be by the entry. By
Omission of posting on the ` 50.
(v) ` 51 paid to Mohan has been posted as ` 15 to the debit of his account. Mohan has been
debited short by ` 36. The rectifying entry is To mistake in posting on ` 36.
(vi) Goods sold to Ram for ` 1,000 was wrongly posted from sales day book to the debit of purchase
account. Ram has however been correctly debited. Here the error affects two accounts, viz.,
purchases account and sales account but we cannot pass a journal entry for its rectification
because both the accounts need to be credited . The rectification will be by the entry By
wrong posting on ` 1,000 in the credit of purchases account and also By omission of posting
on - ` 1,000 in the credit sales account.
(vii) Bills receivable from Mr. A of ` 500 was posted to the credit of Bills payable Account and
also credited to A account. Here also although two accounts are involved we cannot pass
a complete journal entry for rectification. The rectification will be by the entry To wrong
posting on ` 500 in debit of Bills payable Account and also To omission of posting on
` 500 in the debit of Bills Receivable Account.
(viii) Goods purchased from Vinod for ` 1,000 was wrongly credited to Vimal account by
` 100. Again we cannot pass a complete journal entry for rectification even though two
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COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

accounts are involved. The rectification will be done by the entry To wrong posting on
` 100 in the debit of Vimal account and By omission of posting on ` 1,000 in the credit
of Vinod account.
Thus, from the above illustrations we are convinced that the general rule that errors affecting two
accounts can always be corrected by a journal entry is not always valid.
Illustration 1
How would you rectify the following errors in the book of Rama & Co.?
1. The total to the Purchases Book has been undercast by ` 100.
2. The Returns Inward Book has been undercast by ` 50.
3. A sum of ` 250 written off as depreciation on Machinery has not been debited to Depreciation
Account.
4. A payment of ` 75 for salaries (to Mohan) has been posted twice to Salaries Account.
5. The total of Bills Receivable Book ` 1,500 has been posted to the credit of Bills Receivable
Account.
6. An amount of ` 151 for a credit sale to Hari, although correctly entered in the Sales Book,
has been posted as ` 115.
7. Discount allowed to Satish ` 25 has not been entered in the Discount Column of the Cash
Book. It has been posted to his personal account.
Solution
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

The Purchases Account should receive another debit of ` 100 since it was debited short
previously :
To Undercasting of Purchases Book for the month of --- ` 100.
Due to this error the Returns Inward Account has been posted short by ` 50 : the correct
entry will be :
To Undercasting of Returns Inward Book for the month of --- ` 50.
The omission of the debit to the Depreciation Account will be rectified by the entry :
To Omission of posting on ` 250.
The excess debit will be removed by a credit in the Salaries Account by the entry :
By double posting on ` 75.
` 1,500 should have been debited to the Bills Receivable Account and not credited. To correct
the mistake, the Bills Receivable Account should be debited by ` 3,000 by the entry:
To Wrong posting of B/R received on ` 3,000
Haris personal A/c is debited ` 36 short. The rectification entry will be :
To Wrong posting ` 36.
Due to this error, the discount account has been debited short by ` 25. The required entry
is :
To Omission of discount allowed to Satish on ` 25.

So far we have discussed the correction of errors which affected only one Account of more than
one account but for which rectifying entries were not complete journal entries in fact that rectifying
entry is made directly in the account(s) concerned. We shall now take up the correction of errors
which affect more than one account in such a way that complete journal entries are possible for
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Rectification of errors

their rectification. Read the following illustrations :

(i) The purchase of machinery for ` 2,000 has been entered in the purchases book. The effect
of the entry is that the account of the supplier has been credited by ` 2,000 which is quite
correct. But the debit to the Purchases Account is wrong : the debit should be to Machinery
Account. To rectify the error, the debit in the purchases Account has to be transferred to
the Machinery Account. The correcting entry will be to Credit Purchases Account and debit
the Machinery Account. Please see the three entries made below: the last entry rectifies the
error:

Wrong Entry :
`
`

Purchases Account
Dr.
2,000

To Creditor
2,000

Correct Entry :

Machinery Account
Dr.
2,000

To Creditor
2,000

Rectifying Entry :

Machinery Account
Dr.
2,000

To Purchases Account
2,000
(ii) ` 100 received from Kamal Kishore has been credited in the account of Krishan Kishore. The
error is that there is a wrong credit in the account of Krishan Kishore and omission of credit
in the account of Kamal Kishore; Krishan Kishore should be debited and Kamal Kishore be
credited. The following three entries make this clear :

Wrong Entry :
`
`

Cash Account
Dr.
100

To Krishan Kishore
100

Correct Entry :

Cash Account
Dr.
100

To Kamal Kishore
100

Rectifying Entry :

Krishan Kishore
Dr.
100

To Kamal Kishore
100
(iii) The sale of old machinery, ` 1,000 has been entered in the sales book. By this entry the account
of the buyer has been correctly debited by ` 1,000. But instead of crediting the Machinery
Account. Sales Account has been credited. To rectify the error this account should be debited
and the Machinery Account credited. See the three entries given below:

Wrong Entry :
`
`

Buyers Account
Dr.
1,000

To Sales Account
1,000

Correct Entry :

Buyers Account
Dr.
1,000

To Machinery Account
1,000

Rectifying Entry :

Sales Account
Dr.
1,000

To Machinery Account
1,000
2.112

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

Illustration 2
The following errors were found in the book of Ram Prasad & Sons. Give the necessary entries
to correct them.
(1) ` 500 paid for furniture purchased has been charged to ordinary Purchases Account.
(2) Repairs made were debited to Building Account for ` 50.
(3) An amount of ` 100 withdrawn by the proprietor for his personal use has been debited to
Trade Expenses Account.
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)

` 100 paid for rent debited to Landlords Account.

Salary ` 125 paid to a clerk due to him has been debited to his personal account.
` 100 received from Shah & Co. has been wrongly entered as from Shaw & Co.
` 700 paid in cash for a typewriter was charged to Office Expenses Account.

Solution
JOURNAL

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Particulars

L.F.

Furniture A/c

Dr.

To Purchases A/c
(Correction of wrong debit to Purchases A/c
for furniture purchased)
Repairs A/c
To Building A/c
(Correction of wrong debit to building A/c for
repairs made)
Drawings A/c.
To Trade Expenses A/c
(Correction of wrong debit to Trade Expenses
A/c for cash withdrawn by the proprietor for
his personal use)
Rent A/c
To Landlords Personal A/c
(Correction of wrong debit to landlords A/c
for rent paid)
Salaries A/c
To Clerks (Personal) A/c
(Correction of wrong debit to Clerks personal
A/c for salaries paid)

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

Dr.
`
500

Cr.
`
500

Dr.

50
50

Dr.

100
100

Dr.

100
100

Dr.

125
125

2.113

Rectification of errors

(6)

(7)

Particulars

L.F.

Shaw & Co.

To Shah & Co.
(Correction of wrong credit to Shaw & Co.
Instead of Shah & Co.)
Typewriter A/c
To Office Expenses A/c
(Correction of wrong debit to Office Expenses
A/c for purchase of typewriter)

Dr.

Dr.
`
100

Cr.
`
100

Dr.

700
700

Illustration 3
Give journal entries to rectify the following :
(1) A purchase of goods from Ram amounting to ` 150 has been wrongly entered through the
Sales Book.
(2) A Credit sale of goods amounting ` 120 to Ramesh has been wrongly passed through the
Purchase Book.
(3) On 31st Dec. 2011 goods of the value of ` 300 were returned by Hari Saran and were taken
into stock on the same date but no entry was passed in the books.
(4) An amount of ` 200 due from Mahesh Chand, which had been written off as a Bad Debt in
a previous year, was unexpectedly recovered, and had been posted to the personal account
of Mahesh Chand.
(5) A Cheque for ` 100 received from Man Mohan was dishonoured and had been posted to the
debit of Sales Returns Account.
Solution
JOURNAL
Particulars
(1)

(2)

(3)

Purchases A/c
Sales A/c
To Ram
(Correction of wrong entry in the sales Book
for a purchases of goods from Ram)
Ramesh
To Purchases A/c
To Sales A/c
(Correction of wrong entry in the Purchases
Book of a credit sale of goods to Ram)
Returns Inwards A/c
To Hari Saran
(Entry of goods returned by him and taken in
stock omitted from records)

2.114

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

L.F.
Dr.
Dr.

Dr.
`
150
150

Cr.
`

300

Dr.

240
120
120

Dr.

300
300

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

Particulars
(4)

(5)

L.F.

Mahesh Chand
Dr.
To Bad Debts Recovered A/c
(Correction of wrong credit to Personal A/c in
respect of recovery of previously written off bad debts)
Man Mohan
Dr.
To Sales Return A/c
(Correction of wrong debit to Sales Returns A/c
for dishonour of cheque received from Man Mohan)

Dr.
`
200

Cr.
`
200

100
100

Thus it can be said that errors detected before the preparation of trial balance can be rectified
either through rectification statements (not entries) or through rectification entries.
5.2 AFTER TRIAL BALANCE BUT BEFORE FINAL ACCOUNTS
The method of correction of error indicated so far is appropriate when the errors have been
located before the end of the accounting period. After the corrections the trial balance will agree.
Sometimes the trial balance is artificially made to agree inspite of errors by opening a suspense
account and putting the difference in the trial balance to the account - the suspense account will be
debited if the total of the credit column in the trial balance exceeds the total of the debit column;
it will be credited in the other case.
One must note that such agreement of the trial balance will not be real. Effort must be made to
locate the errors.
The rule of rectifying errors detected at this stage is simple. Those errors for which complete
journal entries were not possible in the earlier stage of rectification (i.e., before trial balance) can
now be rectified by way of journal entry(s) with the help of suspense account, for it these errors
which gave rise to the suspense account in the trial balance. The rectification entry for other type
of error i.e. error affecting more than one account in such a way that a complete journal entry
is possible for its rectification, can be rectified in the same way as in the earlier stage (i.e. before
trial balance).
In a nutshell, it can be said that each and every error detected at this stage can only be corrected
by a complete journal entry. Those errors for which journal entries were not possible at the earlier
stage will now be rectified by a journal entry(s), the difference or the unknown side is being taken
care of by suspense account. Those errors for which entries were possible even at the first stage
will now be rectified in the same way.
Suppose, the sales book for November, 2010 is cast ` 100 short; as a consequence the trial balance
will not agree. The credit column of the trial balance will be ` 100 short and a Suspense Account
will be credited by ` 100. To rectify the error the Sales Account will be credited (to increase the
credit to the right figure. Since now one error remains, the Suspense Account must be closed- it
will be debiting the Suspense Account. The entry will be :

Suspense Account
Dr.
` 100

To Sales Account
` 100

(Correction of error of undercasting the sales

Book for Nov. 2010)
Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.115

Rectification of errors

Illustration 4
Correct the following errors (i) without opening a Suspense Account and (ii) opening a Suspense
Account :
(a) The Sales Book has been totalled ` 100 short.
(b) Goods worth ` 150 returned by Green & Co. have not been recorded anywhere.
(c) Goods purchased ` 250 have been posted to the debit of the supplier Gupta & Co.
(d) Furniture purchased from Gulab & Bros, ` 1,000 has been entered in Purchases Day Book.
(e) Discount received from Red & Black ` 15 has not been entered in the Discount Column of
the Cash Book.
(f) Discount allowed to G. Mohan & Co. ` 18 has not been entered in the Discount Column of
the Cash Book. The account of G. Mohan & Co. has, however, been correctly posted.
Solution
If a Suspense Account is not opened.
(a) Since sales book has been cast ` 100 short, the Sales Account has been similarly credited
` 100 short. The correcting entry is to credit the Sales Account by ` 100 as By wrong totalling
of the Sales Book ` 100.
(b) To rectify the omission, the Returns Inwards Account has to be debited and the account of
Green & Co. credited. The entry :

Returns Inward Account
Dr.
` 150

To Green & Co.

(Goods returned by the firm, previously

omitted from the Returns Inward Book)

` 150

(c) Gupta & Co. have been debited ` 250 instead of being credited. This account should now be
credited by 500 to remove the wrong debit and to give the correct debit. The entry will be
on the credit side... By errors in posting ` 500.
(d) By this error Purchases Account has to be debited by ` 1,000 whereas the debit should have
been to the Furniture Account. The correcting entry will be :

Furniture Account

Dr.

` 1,000

To Purchases Account

(Correction of the mistake by which

purchases Account was debited instead

of the Furniture Account)

` 1,000

(e) The discount of ` 15 received from Red & Black should have been entered on the credit
side of the cash book. Had this been done, the Discount Account would have been credited
(through the total of the discount column) and Red & Black would have been debited. This
entry should not be made :
2.116

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST


Red & Black
Dr.
` 15

To Discount Account

(Rectification of the error by which the discount

allowed by the firm was not entered in Cash Book)

` 15

(f) In this case the account of the customer has been correctly posted; the Discount Account has
been debited ` 18 short since it has been omitted from the discount column on the debit side
of the cash book. The discount account should now be debited by the entry; To Omission
of entry in the Cash Book ` 18.
If a Suspense Account is opened :

Particulars
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Suspense Account
To Sales Account
(Being the correction arising from undercasting of Sales Day Book)
Return Inward Account
To Green & Co
(Being the recording of unrecorded returns)
Suspense Account
To Gupta & Co.
(Being the correction of the error by
which Gupta & Co. was debited instead
of being credited by ` 250).
Furniture Account
To Purchases Account
(Being the correction of recording purchase
of furniture as ordinary purchases)
Red & black
To Discount Account

L.F.
Dr.

Dr.
`
100

Cr.
`
100

Dr.
.

150

Dr.

500

150

500

Dr.

1,000
1,000

Dr.

15
15

(Being the recording of discount omitted to be recorded)

(f)

Discount Account
To Suspense Account
(Being the correction of omission of the

Dr.

18
18

discount allowed from Cash Book

customers account already posted correctly).

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.117

Rectification of errors

Suspense Account
Dr.
Date

Particulars

Amount
Date
`

To Sales A/c
To Gupta & Co.

100
500

Cr.
Amount
`

Particulars
By Difference in
Trial Balance
By Discount A/c

582
18
600

600

Note :
(i) One should note that the opening balance in the Suspense Account will be equal to the
difference in the trial balance.
(ii) If the question is silent as to whether a Suspense Account has been opened, the student
should make his assumption, state it clearly and then proceed.
Illustration 5
Correct the following errors found in the books of Mr. Dutt. The Trial Balance was out by
` 493 excess credit. The difference thus has been posted to a Suspense Account.
(a) An amount of ` 100 was received from D. Das on 31st December, 2011 but has been omitted
to enter in the Cash Book.
(b) The total of Returns Inward Book for December has been cast ` 100 short.
(c) The purchase of an office table costing ` 300 has been passed through the Purchases Day
Book.
(d) ` 375 paid for Wages to workmen for making show-cases had been charged to Wages
Account.
(e) A purchase of ` 67 had been posted to the creditors account as ` 60.
(f) A cheque for ` 200 received from P. C. Joshi had been dishonoured and was passed to the
debit of Allowances Account.
(g) ` 1,000 paid for the purchase of a motor cycle for Mr. Dutt had been charged to Miscellaneous
Expenses Account.
(h) Goods amounting to ` 100 had been returned by customer and were taken in to stock, but
no entry in respect there of, was made into the books.
(i) A sale of ` 200 to Singh & Co. was wrongly credited to their account.
Solution
(a) Journal Entries
Particulars
Cash Account
To D. Das

L.F.
Dr.

100
100

(Being the amount received)

2.118

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

Returns Inward Account

To Suspense Account
(Being the mistake in totalling the Returns Inward Book
corrected)
Furniture Account
To Purchases Account
(Being the rectification of mistake by which purchase
of furniture was entered in Purchases book and hence
debited to Purchases Account)
Furniture Account
To Wages Account
(Being the wages paid to workmen for making showcases which should be capitalised and not to be charged
to Wages Account)
Suspense Account
To Creditors (personal) Account
(Being the mistake in crediting the Creditors Account
less by ` 7, now corrected)
P.C. Joshi
To Allowances Account
(Being the cheque of P.C. Joshi dishonoured, previously

Dr.

Drawings Account
To Miscellaneous Expenses
(Being the motor cycle purchased for Mr. Dutt debited
to his Drawings Account instead of Miscellaneous
Expenses Account as previously done by mistake)
Returns Inward Account
To Customers (Personal) Account
(Correction of the omission to record return of goods
by customers)
Singh & Co.
To Suspense Account
(Being the correction of mistake by which the account
of Singh & Co. was credited by ` 200 instead of being
debited)

Dr.

100
100

Dr.

300
300

Dr.

375
375

Dr.

7
7

Dr.

200
200

debited to Allowances Account)

(g)

(h)

(i)

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

1,000
1,000

Dr.

100
100

Dr.

400
400

2.119

Rectification of errors

Suspense Account
Dr.
Date
2011
Dec.31

Particulars
To Difference in
Trial Balance
To Creditors A/c

Cr.
Amount
`

Amount Date
Particulars
` 2011
Dec. 31 By Returns
493
Inwards A/c
7
By Singh & Co.
500

100
400
500

Illustration 6
The following errors, affecting the account for the year 2011 were detected in the books of Jain
Brothers, Delhi:
(1) Sale of old Furniture ` 150 treated as sale of goods.
(2) Receipt of ` 500 from Ram Mohan credited to Shyam Sunder.
(3) Goods worth ` 100 brought from Mohan Narain have remained unrecorded so far.
(4) A return of ` 120 from Mukesh posted to his debit.
(5) A return of ` 90 to Shyam Sunder posted as ` 9 in his account.
(6) Rent of proprietors residence, ` 600 debited to rent A/c.
(7) A payment of ` 215 to Mohammad Sadiq posted to his credit as ` 125.
(8) Sales Book added ` 900 short.
(9) The total of Bills Receivable Book ` 1,500 left unposted.
You are required to pass the necessary rectifying entries and show how the trial balance would
be affected by the errors.
Solution
JOURNAL
Particulars

(1)

(2)

Sales Account
To Furniture Account
(Rectification of sales of furniture treated
as sales of goods)
Shyam Sunder
To Rama Mohan
(Rectification of a receipt from Ram Mohan
credited to Shyam Sunder)

2.120

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

L.F.

Dr.

Dr.
Amount
`
150

Cr.
Amount
`
150

Dr.

500
500

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

(3)

(6)

Purchases Account
To Mohan Narain
(Purchases of goods from Mohan
Narain unrecorded)
Drawing Account
To Rent Account
(Rectification of Payment of rent of
proprietors residence treated as payment
of office rent)

Dr.

100
100

Dr.

600
600

N.B. : For 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 no journal entry can be passed as they affect a single account. The correction
will be as under:
(4) Credit Mukeshs Account with ` 240.
(5) Debit the account of Shyam Sunder by ` 81.
(7) Debit the account of Mohammad Sadiq by ` 340.
(8) Credit Sales Account by ` 900.
(9) Debit Bills Receivable Account with ` 1,500.
Effect of the Errors on Trial Balance
1. No effect
2. No effect
3. No effect
4. Trial Balance credit total short by
5. Trial Balance debit total short by
6. No effect
7. Trial Balance debit total short by
8. Trial Balance credit total short by
9. Trial Balance debit total short by

`
`

240.
81.

`
`
`

340.
900.
1,500.

Illustration 7
The trial balance of Mr. W & H failed to agree and the difference ` 20,570 was put into suspense
pending investigation which disclosed that :
(i) Purchase returns day book had been correctly entered and totalled at ` 6,160, but had been
posted to the ledger.
(ii) Discounts received ` 1,320 had been debited to discounts allowed.
(iii) The Sales account had been under added by ` 10,000.
(iv) A credit sale of ` 1,470 had been debited to a customer account at ` 1,740.
(v) A vehicle bought originally for ` 7,000 four years ago and depreciated to ` 1,200 had been
sold for ` 1,500 in the beginning of the year but no entries, other than in the bank account
had been passed through the books.
Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.121

Rectification of errors

(vi) An accrual of ` 560 for telephone charges had been completely omitted.
(vii) A bad debt of ` 1,560 had not been written off and provision for doubtful debts should
have been maintained at 10% of debtors which are shown in the trial balance at
` 23,390 with a credit provision for bad debts at ` 2,320.
(viii) Tools bought for ` 1,200 had been inadvertently debited to purchases.
(ix) The proprietor had withdrawn, for personal use, goods worth ` 1,960. No entries had been
made in the books.
Required :
(i) Pass rectification entries without narration to correct the above errors before preparing annual
accounts.
(ii) Prepare a statement showing effect of rectification on the reported net profit before correction
of these errors.
Solution
(i)
(ii)

(iii)
(iv)
(v)

(vi)
(vii)

(viii)
(ix)

Particulars
Suspense Account

To Return Outward A/c
Suspense Account

To Discount Allowed Account

To Discount Received Account
Suspense Account

To Sale Account
Suspense Account

To Customer Account
Suspense Account

To Vehicle Account

To Profit on Sale of Vehicle Account
Telephone Charges Account

To Outstanding Expenses Account
Bad Debts Account

To Sundry Debtors Account
Provision for Doubtful Debts Account

To Profit and Loss Account
Loose Tools Account

To Purchases Account
Drawings Account

To Purchases Account

Bad debts will be debited in the profit and loss account.

Provision @ 10% of ` 2,156; Excess provision ` 164.

2.122

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

Dr.

Dr.
6,160

Cr.
6,160

Dr.

2,640
1,320
1,320

Dr.

10,000
10,000

Dr.

270

Dr.

1,500

270
1,200
300
Dr.

560

Dr.

1,560

Dr.

1642

560
1

1,560
164
Dr.

1,200
1,200

Dr.

1,960
1,960

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

Working Notes :
(i)

Sundry Debtors as per books

Deduction vide item (iv)
Bad Debts

(ii)
To Return outward Account
To Discount allowed Account
To Discount Received Account
To Sales
To Customers
To Vehicles
To Profit on Sale of Vehicle

23,390
270
1,560
Suspense Account
`
6,160 By balance b/d
1,320
1,320
10,000
270
1,200
300
20,570

1,830
21,560
`
20,570

20,570

Illustration 8
Show by means of Journal entries how the following matters should be adjusted when preparing
the Annual Accounts of a firm for the year ended 30th September, 2011.
(a) Goods sold and recorded as sales for ` 4,000, were packed. However, stock taking intervened
and the parcel of goods was not despatched but was included in stock-in-hand. The title of
goods has not been transferred to the buyer.
(b) Several employees took their salary in advance in the month of September, 2011 which was
payable to them in October, 2011 amounting to ` 2,500.
(c) A cheque of ` 2,500 received for a loss of stock sustained by fire has been paid by the proprietor
into his private bank account and not recorded in the business books.
(d) A cheque for ` 1,250 received as Insurance claim for loss of goods in transit at the time of
import was recorded in the books. However, the same was deposited by the proprietor into
his private bank account. The full value of the invoice was passed through the purchase
book.
(e) A purchase was made for a staff member of ` 1,000 and the cost was included in purchases.
A deduction of similar amount was made from his salary and the net payment to him posted
to salaries account.
(f) Bill received from Mr. Anup for repairs to furniture ` 300 and new furniture supplied for `
1,000 was entered in the invoice book as ` 1,100.
(g) Furniture which stood in the books at ` 500 was sold for ` 275 in part exchange of new furniture
costing ` 875 and the new invoice of ` 600 was passed through the purchase book.

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.123

Rectification of errors

Solution
Journal
Adjustment Entries
Date Particulars
2011
Sep.30
(a)
Sales Account*
To Sundry Debtors Account
(Entry for credit sales reversed as goods have not been
despatched to the customer)
(b)
Prepaid Salaries Account
To Salaries Account
(Salaries paid in advance for Oct. and debited to Salaries
Account, now transferred to Prepaid Salaries Account)
(c)
Drawings Account
To Insurance Company Account
(Being the rectification of cheque received for loss of stock
due to fire deposited in the private account of the proprietor)
(d)
Drawings Account
To Purchases Account
(Being the rectification of cheque received as insurance claim
for loss of goods in transit deposited into private bank
Account of the proprietor)
(e)
Salaries Account
To Purchases Account
(Goods purchased for staff-member recorded as trade
purchases, new charged to Salaries Account)
(f)

Note :

Dr.
`
Dr.

4,000
4,000

Dr.

2,500
2,500

Dr.

2,500
2,500

Dr.

1,250
1,250

Dr.

1,000
1,000

Repairs Account

Dr.

300

Furniture Account

Dr.

1,000

To Purchases Account

To Mr. Anup

Cr.
`

1,100
200

In (a) above, goods recorded as sales may not be reversed, instead may be excluded from closing stock,
as the goods have been ascertained and appropriated according to the contract if the title in the goods
would have already passed to customer.

2.124

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

(Being the rectification of Bill received from Mr. Anup for repairs
to furniture ` 300 and new furniture supplied for ` 1,000 entered
in the purchases book at ` 1,100)
(g)

Furniture Account

Dr.

375

Loss on sale of Furniture Account

Dr.

225

To Purchases Account

600

(Being the rectification of net exchange of old and new

furniture passed through purchases day book)
Illustration 9
On going through the Trial balance of Ball Bearings Co. Ltd. you find that the debit is in excess
by ` 150. This was credited to Suspense Account. On a close scrutiny of the books the following
mistakes were noticed:
(1) The totals of debit side of Expenses Account have beeen cast in excess by ` 50.
(2) The Sales Account has been totalled in short by ` 100.
(3) One item of purchase of ` 25 has been posted from the day book to ledger as ` 250.
(4) The sale return of ` 100 from a party has not been posted to that account though the Partys
account has been credited.
(5) A cheque of ` 500 issued to the Suppliers account (shown under Sundry Creditors) towards
his dues has been wrongly debited to the purchases.
(6) A credit sale of ` 50 has been credited to the Sales and also to the Sundry Debtors
Account.

(i) Pass necessary journal entries for correcting the above;

(ii) Show how they affect the Profits; and

(iii) Prepare the Suspense Account as it would appear in the ledger.

JOURNAL ENTRIES
Particulars
Suspense Account
To Expenses Account

L.F.
Dr.

Dr.
`

Cr.
`

50
50

(Being the mistake in totalling of Expenses Account, rectified)

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.125

Rectification of errors

Suspense Account

Dr.

100

To Sales Account

100

(Being the mistake in totalling of Sales Accounts rectified)

Supplier*

Dr.

225

To Suspense Account

225

(Being the mistake in posting from Day Book to Ledger

rectified)
Sales Returns Account

Dr.

100

To Suspense Account

100

(Being the sales return from a party not posted to Sales

Returns now rectified)
Sundry Creditors

Dr.

500

To Purchases Account

500

(Being the payments made to supplier wrongly posted to

purchases now rectified)
Sundry Debtors

Dr.

100

To Suspense Account

100

(Being the sales wrongly credited to Customers Account now

rectified)
Suspense Account
Dr.
To Expenses Account
To Sales Account
To Balance c/d

`
50 By Difference in Trial Balance
100 By Sundry Creditors
425 By Sales Returns Account
By Sundry Debtors
575
By Balance b/d

Cr.
`
150
225
100
100
575
425

It is assumed that the day-book is the Purchase Day Book in which case only the suppliers account would be posted wrongly
(creditor of ` 250 instead of ` 25). If however, by day-book is meant a book in which all transactions are recorded and posted at
the ledger therefrom, it would mean that both the Suppliers Account and Purchases Account are wrongly posted.

2.126

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

Since the Suspense Account does not balance, it is clear that all the errors have not been traced.
As a result of the above corrections the Net Profit will be :

Mistake in totalling in Expenses

Mistake in totalling in Sales
Mistake in posting from day book to Ledger under
Purchases
Omission in posting under Sales Returns

Increased by Decreased by
`
`
50
100
500
100
100

650
550

Net Increase
As a result of these adjustments, the Profits will be increased by ` 550.
Illustration 10

Write out the Journal Entries to rectify the following errors, using a Suspense Account.
(1) Goods of the value of ` 100 returned by Mr. Sharma were entered in the Sales Day Book and
posted therefrom to the credit of his account;
(2) An amount of ` 150 entered in the Sales Returns Book, has been posted to the debit of
Mr. Philip, who returned the goods;
(3) A sale of ` 200 made to Mr. Ghanshyam was correctly entered in the Sales Day Book but
wrongly posted to the debit of Mr. Radheshyam as ` 20;
(4) Bad Debts aggregating ` 450 were written off during the year in the Sales ledger but were
not adjusted in the General Ledger; and
(5) The total of Discount Allowed column in the Cash Book for the month of September, 2011
amounting to ` 250 was not posted.
Solution
Journal
Particulars
(1)

Sales Account
Sales Returns Account

To Suspense Account
(The value of goods returned by Mr. Sharma
wrongly posted to Sales and omission of debt
to Sales Returns Account, now rectified)

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

L.F.
Dr.
Dr.

Dr.
`
100
100

Cr.
`

200

2.127

Rectification of errors

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Suspense Account

To Mr. Philip
(Wrong debit to Mr. Philip for goods
returned by him, now rectified)

Dr.

Mr. Ghanshyam

To Mr. Radheshyam

To Suspense Account
(Omission of debit to Mr. Ghanshyam and wrong credit
to Mr. Radhesham for sale of ` 200, now rectited)
Bad Debts Account

To Suspense Account
(The amount of Bad Debts written off not
adjusted in General Ledger, now rectified)
Discount Account

To Suspense Account
(The total of Discount allowed during
September, 2011 not posted from the Cash
Book; error now rectified)

Dr.

300
300

200
20
180

Dr.

450
450

Dr.

250
250

Illustration 11
The Trial balance of Messrs. A, B and C did not agree. A Suspense Account was opened with the
amount of the difference. The following errors were discovered on scrutiny:
(1) The addition of the Analysis Column of the Tabular Purchase Journal posted to Goods
Purchased for Resale Account was found to be short by ` 150 though the addition of the
total column was correct.
(2) A dishonoured B/R for ` 400 returned to the firm by bank had been credited to Bank Account
for collection of bills and debited to B/R Account. A cheque was later received from the
customer for ` 400 and was duly paid into the firms bank account.
(3) An amount of ` 450 treated as paid in advance on account of insurance in the previous year
was not brought forward.
(4) Sales on approval amounting to ` 2,000 were included in the Sales Account. Half of these
were returned but no entries were passed in respect of these goods. However, the returned
goods have been included in the closing stock at their cost price of ` 500.
(5) ` 1,260 represent credits given to customers when the payments against sales invoices were
received. However, these invoices themselves were not entered in the books. A discount of
10% is allowed on the selling price in all such invoices.

2.128

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

You are required to pass rectifying entries making use, of the Suspense Account, wherever
necessary.
Solution
Journal of M/s. A, B and C
Particulars

1.

Purchase for Resale A/c

L.F.

Dr.

Dr.
`

Dr.
`

150

To Suspense Account

150

(Short debit to purchases for Resale Account on

account of undercasting on now corrected)
2.

Customers A/c

Dr.

400

To Bill Receivable A/c

400

(Amount of dishonoured bill receivable previously

debited to Bills Receivable Account, error now rectified)
3.

Insurance Account

Dr.

450

To Suspense Account

450

(Prepaid insurance in the previous year not brought

forward now debited to the Insurance Account)
4.

Sales Accounts

Dr.

1,000

To Customers Account

1,000

(Goods worth ` 1,000 returned by a customer on

sale or return basis, previously omitted to be recorded;
error now rectified)
5.

Discount Account

Dr.

140

Customers Account

Dr.

1,260

To Sales Account

1,400

(Credit sales of ` 1,400 previously omitted from the

books, error now corrected)
Note : Payment being equal to 90% of the gross sale is ` 1,400, i.e., 1,260 100/90. 1/10 of this
amount is discount.
Since the discount of 10% is allowed in all cases, it would be better to treat the sale to be
` 1,260 and not ` 1,400, the discount is trade discount for which no account is opened, the sales
being recorded, at the net amount.

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.129

Rectification of errors

Illustration 12
The trial balance of Anil Traders did not agree. The difference was put in the Suspense Account
and the following trial balance was drafted :
Trial Balance as on 31st March, 2011
Dr.
Capital Account

45,000

Drawing Account

6,500

Purchases Account

92,750

Sales Account

1,07,200

Salaries and Wages Account

12,250

Furniture and Fittings Account

17,500

Sundry Debtors Account

30,250

Sundry Creditors Account

21,250

Stationery Account

1,250

Cash at Bank

5,700

Cash in Hand

2,300

Bills Receivable Account

15,750

Bills Payable Account

Rent and Rates Account

Cr.

9,000
3,200

Suspense Account

5,000
1,87,450

1,87,450

On scrutiny the following errors were subsequently detected :

(a) Goods drawn by Mr. Anil, the proprietor, for personal consumption of ` 1,500 have not at
all been recorded.
(b) Goods sold to Ram for ` 1,250 on credit was debited to Rahim account for ` 250 only.
(c) Wages paid for fittings ` 500 was debited to salaries and wages account.
(d) Goods purchased from Atul for ` 2,500 on credit was wrongly debited to his account.
(e) Bill received from Arun, a debtor, for ` 500 was debited to Ajays account.
(f) A credit sale of ` 1,500 was recorded in Purchased Day Book and a credit purchase of ` 2,000
was entered in Sales Day Book.

2.130

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

You are required to pass the rectification entries and redraft the trial balance.
Solution
M/s Anil Traders
Journal
Particulars
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

Drawings Account

To Purchases Account
(Goods withdrawn for personal consumption
by the proprietor, now recorded)
Ram (Debtor) Account

To Rahim (Debtor) Account

To Suspense Account
(Goods sold to Ram for ` 1,250 wrongly
debited to Rahim account for ` 250, now rectified)
Furniture and Fittings Account

To Salaries and Wages Account
(Wages paid for fittings wrongly debited to
salaries and wages account, now rectified)
Suspense Account

To Atul (Creditor) Account
(Goods brought on credit from Atul wrongly
debited to his account, now rectified)
Suspense Account

To Arun (Debtor) Account

To Ajay (Debtor) Account
(Bill received from Arun wrongly debited to
Ajay Account, now rectified)
Purchases Account
Sales Account

To Debtors Account*

To Creditors Account*
(A credit sale and a credit purchase wrongly
entered in purchases day book and sales day
book respectively, now rectified)

L.F.
Dr.

Cr.
`
1,500

Dr.
`
1,500

Dr.

1,250
250
1,000

Dr.

500
500

Dr.

5,000
5,000

Dr.

1,000
500
500

Dr.
Dr.

500
500
500
500

* In the debtors ledger and creditors ledger, the affected individual accounts should be rectified with the full amount.
In other words, in the debtors ledger the concerned debtors account should be debited by ` 1,500 for credit sales and
the debtor account wrongly debited for credit purchase should be credited by ` 2,000.

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.131

Rectification of errors

Trial Balance of M/s. Anil Traders as on 31.3.2011

Dr.
`

Particulars
Capital Account
Drawings Account
Purchases Account
Sales Account
Salaries and Wages Account
Furniture and Fittings Account
Sundry Debtors Account
Sundry Creditors Account
Stationery Account
Cash at Bank
Cash in Hand
Bills Receivable Account
Bills Payable Account
Rent and Rates Account

Cr.
`
45,000

8,000
91,750
1,06,700
11,750
18,000
29,750
26,750
1,250
5,700
2,300
15,750
9,000
3,200
1,87,450

1,87,450

Working Notes :
1.
Dr.
To Atul Account (entry d)
To Arun Account (entry e)
To Ajay Account (entry e)

Suspense Account
`
5,000 By Balance b/d
500 By Ram Account (entry b)
500
6,000

2.132

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

Cr.
`
5,000
1,000
6,000

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

2.

Drawings
Purchases
Sundry Debtors
Furniture & Fittings
Salaries & Wages
Sundry Creditors
Sales

Corrected Ledger Balances

Balance as per
given trial
balance
`
6,500
92,750
30,250
17,500
12,250
21,250
1,07,200

Rectification
effect
`
(+) 1,500
(-) 1,000
(-) 500
(+) 500
(-) 500
(+) 5,500
(-) 500

Reference
(entry no.)

Rectified
balance

(a)
(a) & (f)
(b), (e) & (f)
(c)
(c)
(d) & (f)
(f)

`
8,000
91,750
29,750
18,000
11,750
26,750
1,06,700

5.3 CORRECTION IN THE NEXT ACCOUNTING PERIOD

Rectification of errors discussed so far assumes that it was carried out before the books were
closed for the concerned year. However, sometimes, the rectification is carried out in the next
year, carrying forward the balance in the Suspense Account or even transferring it to the Capital
Account. Suppose, the Purchase Book was cast short by ` 1,000 in December, 2010 and a Suspense
Account was opened with the difference in the trial balance. If the error is rectified next year and
the entry passed is to debit Purchase Account (and credit Suspense Account), it will mean that
the Purchases Account for year 2011 will be ` 1,000 more than the amount relating to year 2011
and thus the profit that year 2011 will be less than the actual for that year. Thus, correction of
errors in this manner will falsify the Profit and Loss Account.
To avoid this, correction of all amounts concerning nominal accounts, i.e., expenses and incomes
should be through a special account styled as Prior Period Items or Profits and Loss Adjustment
Account. The balance in the account should be transferred to the Profits and Loss Account.
However, these Prior Period Items should be charged after deriving net profit of the current
year. Prior Period items are material income or expenses which arise in the current period
as a result of errors or omissions in the preparation of the financial statements of one or more
periods. Prior Period Items should be separately disclosed in the current statement of profit and
loss together with their nature and amount in a manner that their impact on current profit or
loss can be perceived.
Illustration 13
Mr. A closed his books of account on September 30, 2010 in spite of a difference in the trial balance.
The difference was ` 830 the credits being short; it was carried forward in a Suspense Account.
In 2011 following errors were located :
(i) A sale of ` 2,300 to Mr. Lala was posted to the credit of Mrs. Mala.
(ii) The total of the Returns Inward Book for July, 2010 ` 1,240 was not posted in the ledger.

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.133

Rectification of errors

(iii) Freight paid on a machine ` 5,600 was posted to the Freight Account as ` 6,500.
(iv) White carrying forward the total in the Purchases Account to the next page, ` 65,590 was
written instead of ` 56,950.
(v) A sale of machine on credit to Mr. Mehta for ` 9,000 was not entered in the books at all. The
book value of the machine was ` 7,500. The firm has the practice of writing off depreciation
@10% on the balance at the end of the year.
Pass journal entries to rectify the errors. Have you any comments to make?
Solution
Journal of Mr. A
Date

Particulars

2011 (i) Mrs. Mala

Mr. Lala

To Suspense A/c
(Correction of error by which a sale of ` 2,300
to Mr. Lala was posted to the Credit of Mrs. Mala)
(ii)
Profit and Loss Adjustment A/c

To Suspense A/c
(Rectification of omission to post the total of
Returns Inward Book for July, 2010)
(iii)
(a) Machinery A/c
Suspense A/c

To Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
(Correction of error by which freight paid for
a machine ` 5,600 was posted to Freight
Account at ` 6,500 instead of capitalising it)
(b) Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c

To Plant and Machinery A/c
(Depreciation @ 10% charged on freight paid
on a machine capitalised)
(iv)
Suspense A/c

To Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
(Correction of wrong carry forward
of total in the purchase Account to
the next page ` 65,590 instead of ` 56,950)
(v)
Mr. Mehta

To Plant & Machinery A/c

To Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
(Correction of omission of a sale of machine
on credit to Mr. Mehta for ` 9,000 with a

2.134

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

L.F.
Dr.
Dr.

Dr.
`
2,300
2,300

Cr.
`

4,600

Dr.

1,240
1,240

Dr.
Dr.

5,600
900
6,500

Dr.

560

Dr.

8,640

560

8,640

Dr.

9,000
6,750
2,250

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

book value of ` 7,500 on which depreciation

@ 10% has been charged in 2010)
Comments
The Suspense Account will now appear as shown below :
Suspense Account
Dr.
Date Particulars

Amount
`

2011 To Profit and Loss

Adjustment A/c
To Profit and Loss
Adjustment A/c

900
8,640

Date Particulars
2010 By Balance b/d
Oct. 1 By Sundries
Mrs. Mala
Mr. Lala
By Profit and Loss
Adjustment A/c
By balance c/d

9,540

Cr.
Amount
`
830
2,300
2,300
1,240
2,870
9,540

Since the Suspense Account still shows a balance, it is obvious that there are still some errors left
in the books.
Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
(For Prior Period Items)
Dr.
Date Particulars
2011
To Suspense A/c
To Plant and
Machinery A/c
To Balance c/d

Amount
`
1,240
560
15,590
17,390

Date Particulars
2011
By Machinery A/c
By Suspense A/c
By Suspense A/c
By Mr. Mehta

Cr.
Amount
`
5,600
900
8,640
2,250
17,390

Illustration 14
A merchants trial balance as on June 30, 2010 did not agree. The difference was put to a Suspense
Account. During the next trading period, the following errors were discovered :
(i) The total of the Purchases Book of one page, ` 4,539 was carried forward to the next page as
` 4,593.
(ii) A sale of ` 573 was entered in the Sales Book as ` 753 and posted to the credit of the
customer.

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.135

Rectification of errors

(iii) A return to a creditor, ` 510 was entered in the Returns Inward Book; however, the creditors
account was correctly posted.
(iv) Cash received from C. Dass, ` 620 was posted to the debit of G. Dass.
(v) Goods worth ` 840 were despatched to a customer before the close of the year but no invoice
was made out.
(vi) Goods worth ` 1,000 were sent on sale or return basis to a customer and entered in the Sales
Book. At the close of the year, the customer still had the option to return the goods. The sale
price was 25% above cost.
You are required to give journal entries to rectify the errors in a way so as to show the current
years profit or loss correctly.
Solution
Journal Entries
Particulars
(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

Suspense Account
To Profit and Loss Adjustment A/c
(Correction of error by which Purchase
Account was over debited last year- ` 4,593
carried forward instead of ` 4,539)
Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
Customers Account
To Suspense Account
(Correction of the entry by which (a) Sales
A/c was over credited by ` 180 (b)
customer was credited by ` 753 instead of
being debited by ` 573)
Suspense Account
To Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
(Correction of error by which Returns
Inward Account was debited by ` 510
instead of Returns Outwards Account being
credited by ` 510)
Suspense Account
To C. Dass
To G. Dass

2.136

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

L.F.
Dr.

Dr.
`
54

Cr.
`
54

Dr.
Dr.

180
1,326
1,506

Dr.

1,020
1,020

Dr.

1,240
620
620

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

(v)

(Removal or wrong debit to G. Dass and

giving credit to C. Dass from whom cash
was received).
Customers Account
To Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
(Rectification of the error arising from nonpreparation of invoice for goods delivered)

(vi)

Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c

Stock Account
To Customers Account
(The Customers A/c credited with ` 1,000
for goods not yet purchased by him; cost of
the goods debited to Stock and Profit
debited to Profit & Loss Adjustment Account)
(vii) Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
To Capital Account
(Transfer of the Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
balance to the Capital Account)

Dr.

840
840

Dr.
Dr.

200
800
1,000

Dr.

1,534
1,534

Will the students find out the difference in the Trial Balance?1
Illustration 15
Mr. Roy was unable to agree the Trial Balance last year and wrote off the difference to the Profit
and Loss Account of that year. Next Year, he appointed a Chartered Accountant who examined
the old books and found the following mistakes :
(1) Purchase of a scooter was debited to conveyance account ` 3,000.
(2) Purchase account was over-cast by ` 10,000.
(3) A credit purchase of goods from Mr. X for ` 2,000 entered as a sale.
(4) Receipt of cash from Mr. A was posted to the account of Mr. B ` 1,000.
(5) Receipt of cash from Mr. C was posted to the debit of his account, ` 500.
(6) ` 500 due by Mr. Q was omitted to be taken to the trial balance.
(7) Sale of goods to Mr. R for ` 2,000 was omitted to be recorded.
(8) Payment of ` 2,395 for purchase was wrongly posted as ` 2,593.

Credit side is short by ` 808

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.137

Rectification of errors

Mr. Roy used 10% depreciation on vehicles. Suggest the necessary rectification entries.
Solution
Journal Entries in the books of Mr. Roy
Date Particulars
(1) Motor Vehicles Account

To Profit and Loss Adjustment A/c
(Purchase of scooter wrongly debited to
conveyance account now rectified-capitalisation
of ` 2,700, i.e., ` 3,000 less 10% depreciation)
(2) Suspense Account

To Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
(Purchase Account overcast in the previous
year; error now rectified).
(3) Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c

To Ps Account
(Credit purchase from P ` 2,000, entered
as sales last year; now rectified)
(4) Bs Account

To As Account
(Amount received from A wrongly posted to
the account of B; now rectified)
(5) Suspense Account

To Cs Account
(` 500 received from C wrongly debited to
his account; now rectified)
(6) Sundry Debtors (Q)

To Suspense Account
(` 500 due by Q not taken into trial
balance; now rectified)
(7) Rs Account

To Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
(Sales to R omitted last year; now adjusted)
(8) Suspense Account

To Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
(Excess posting to purchase account last
year, ` 2,593, instead of ` 2,395, now adjusted)
(9) Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c

To Roys Capital Account
(Balance of Profit & Loss Adjustment A/c
transferred to Capital Account)
(10) Roys Capital Account

To Suspense Account
(Balance of Suspense Account transferred
to the Capital Account)

Dr.

Dr.
`
2,700

Dr.

10,000

Dr.

4,000

Dr.

1,000

Dr.

1,000

Dr.

500

Dr.

2,000

Dr.

198

Dr.

10,898

Dr.

10,698

Cr.
`
2,700

10,000

4,000

1,000

1,000

500

2,000
198

10,898

10,698

Note : Entries No. (2) and (8) may even be omitted; but this is not advocated, Entry (6) will not
be posted in Qs Account.
2.138

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

Profit and Loss Adjustment Account

(Prior Period Items)
`
4,000 By Motor Vehicles A/c
10,898 By Suspense A/c
By R
By Suspense Account
14,898

To P
To Roys Capital (transfer)

`
2,700
10,000
2,000
198
14,898

Suspense Account
`
To Profit & Loss Adjustment
Account
To C
To Profit & Loss Adjustment
Account

By Sundry Debtors (Q)

10,000 By Roys Capital Account
1,000
(Transfer)
198
11,198

`
500
10,698

11,198

Self Examination Questions

I.

Pick up the correct answer from the given choices:

1.

(i) Goods purchased from A for ` 10,000 passed through the sales book. The error will
result in

(a) Increase in gross profit.

(b) Decrease in gross profit.

(c) No effect on gross profit.

(d) Either (a) or (b).

(ii) If a purchase return of ` 1,000 has been wrongly posted to the debit of the sales returns
account, but has been correctly entered in the suppliers account, the total of the

(a) Trial balance would show the debit side to be ` 1,000 more than the credit

(b) Trial balance would show the credit side to be ` 1,000 more than the debit.

(c) The debit side of the trial balance will be ` 2,000 more than the credit side.

(d) The credit side of the trial balance will be ` 2,000 more than the debit side.

(iii) If the amount is posted in the wrong account or it is written on the wrong side of the
account, it is called

(a) Error of omission.

(b) Error of commission.

(c) Error of principle.

(d) Compensating error.

[Ans 1 : (i)-(a), (ii)-(c), (iii)-(b)]

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.139

Rectification of errors

2. Choose the most appropriate option from the given choices:

(i) ` 200 paid as wages for erecting a machine should be debited to

(a) Repair account.

(b) Machine account.

(c) Capital account.

(d) Furniture account

(ii) On purchase of old furniture, the amount of ` 1,000 spent on its repair should be debited
to

(a) Repair account;

(b) Furniture account;

(c) Cash account;

(d) Bank account

(iii) Goods worth ` 50 given as charity should be credited to

(a) Charity account;

(b) Sales account;

(c) Purchase account.

(d) Cash account

(iv) Goods worth ` 100 taken by proprietor for domestic use should be credited to

(a) Sales account;

(b) Proprietors personal expenses;

(c) Purchases account

(d) Expenses account.

(v) Errors of commission do not permit;

(a) Correct totalling of the balance sheet; (b) Correct totalling of the trial balance;

(c) The trial balance to agree.

(d) None of the above.

(vi) The preparation of a trial balance is for:

(a) Locating errors of commission;

(b) Locating errors of principle;

(c) Locating clerical errors.

(d) All of the above

(vii) ` 200 received from Smith whose account, was written off as a bad debt should be
credited to :

(a) Bad Debts Recovered account;

(b) Smiths account;

(c) Cash account.

(d) Bad debts account

(viii) Purchase of office furniture ` 1,200 has been debited to General Expense Account. It
is :

(a) A clerical error;

(b) An error of principle;

(c) An error of omission.

(d) Compensating error.

2.140

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST

(ix) Sales of office furniture should be credited to

(a) Sales Account;

(b) Furniture Account.

(c) Purchase Account.

(d) Cash Account

[Ans: 2 : (i) (b); (ii) (b); (iii) (c); (iv) (c); (v) (c); (vi) (c); (vii) (a); (viii) (b); (ix) (b)]

II. From the given information, choose the most appropriate answer.
1. Classify the following errors under (a) Errors of omission, (b) Errors of commission and
(c) Errors of principle, (d) Compensating errors

(i) The total of sales book was not posted to the ledger.

(ii) Sales to Heena ` 143 was posted to Meena as ` 143.

(iii) Goods taken away by the proprietor for personal use not recorded anywhere.

(iv) The total of a folio in the sales book ` 1,000 was carried forward as ` 100.

(v) Repairs of newly purchased second-hand machinery debited to repairs accounts.

[Ans: 1: (i)-(a), (ii)-(b), (iii)-(a), (iv)-(b), (v)-(c)]

2. Point out the type of the errors given below: (put 1 against errors of omission, 2 against errors
of commission, 3 against errors principle, 4 if it is not an error).

(a) Sale of ` 120 was written in the purchases book.

(b) Salary paid to Ram, has been debited to his account.

(c) Purchase of furniture has been entered in the purchases book.

(d) ` 120 received from Ganesh has been debited to his account.

(e) Freight paid on machinery has been debited to the freight account.

(f) The discount columns of the cash book have not been posted.

(g) Repairs to buildings have been debited to the buildings account.

(h) The total of the Sales Book is ` 100 short.

(i) The sale of worth ` 337 has been posted as ` 373.

(j) The amount of a dishonoured bill has been debited to general expenses account.

[Ans : 2 : - 1 : (f); 2 : (a) (d) (h) (i); 3 : (b) (c) (e) (g) (j)]

Fundamentals of accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

2.141

Rectification of errors

III. Given below are the questions containing multiple answers. Choose the correct
answer(s).
1. Which of the following errors will not be revealed by the Trial Balance:

(a) Compensating errors;

(b) Errors of principle;

(c) Wrong balancing of an account;

(d) Wrong totalling of an account;

[Ans : 1 : (a) and (b) will not be revealed]

2. Which of the following errors will be revealed by the Trial Balance:

(a) Compensating errors;

(b) Errors of principle;

(c) Wrong balancing of an account;

(d) Wrong totalling of an account;

[Ans : (c) and (d) will be revealed]

2.142

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST