z




Explanation of the Topic...

Accounting Equation


Print (PDF)

Accounting Equation for a Sole Proprietorship: Transactions 3–4


Sole Proprietorship Transaction #3.

On December 3, 2010 Accounting Software Co. spends $5,000 of cash to purchase computer equipment for use in the business. The effect of this transaction on the accounting equation is:


Assets = Liabilities + Owner’s Equity     
+$5,000 = No Effect + No Effect       
–$5,000


The accounting equation reflects that one asset increases and another asset decreases. Since the amount of the increase is the same as the amount of the decrease, the accounting equation remains in balance.


This transaction is recorded in the asset accounts Equipment and Cash. Equipment increases by $5,000, and Cash decreases by $5,000. The general journal entry to record the transactions in these accounts is:



Date Account Titles Debit Credit
Dec. 3, 2010 Equipment 5,000
Cash 5,000



The combined effect of the first three transactions is shown here:


Transaction Assets = Liabilities + Owner’s Equity     
1 +$10,000 = No Effect + +$10,000     
2 –$100 = No Effect + –$100     
3 +$5,000 = No Effect + No Effect     
 –$5,000
Totals    $9,900 =          $0 +    $9,900     


The totals tell us that the company has assets of $9,900 and the source of those assets is the owner of the company. It also tells us that the company has assets of $9,900 and the only claim against those assets is the owner’s claim.


The balance sheet dated December 3, 2010 will reflect the financial position as of midnight on December 3:


Accounting Software Co.
Balance Sheet
December 3, 2010
ASSETS LIABILITIES $
Cash $ 4,900 OWNER’S EQUITY
Equipment 5,000 J. Ott, Capital $ 9,900*
Total Assets $ 9,900 Total Liab & Owner's Equity $ 9,900 
.
.
Beginning Owner's Equity $
+ Owner's Investment + 10,000 
+ Net Income +
Sub Total $ 10,000 
– J. Ott, Drawing 100 
Ending Owner's Equity at Dec. 3 $ 9,900*
.


The purchase of equipment is not an immediate expense. It will become part of depreciation expense only after it is placed into service. We will assume that as of December 3 the equipment has not been placed into service, therefore, no expense will appear on an income statement for the period of December 1 through December 3.




Sole Proprietorship Transaction #4.

On December 4, 2010 ASC obtains $7,000 by borrowing money from its bank. The effect of this transaction on the accounting equation is:


Assets = Liabilities + Owner’s Equity     
+$7,000 = +$7,000 + No Effect     


As you can see, ASC’s assets increase and ASC’s liabilities increase by $7,000.


This transaction is recorded in the asset accountCash and the liability account Notes Payable as shown in this accounting entry:



Date Account Titles Debit Credit
Dec. 4, 2010 Cash 7,000
Notes Payable 7,000



The combined effect on the accounting equation from the first four transactions is available here:


Transaction Assets = Liabilities + Owner’s Equity     
1 +$10,000 = No Effect + +$10,000     
2 –$100 = No Effect + –$100     
3 +$5,000 = No Effect + No Effect     
–$5,000
4 +$7,000 = +$7,000 + No Effect     
Totals $16,900 =    $7,000 +    $9,900     


The totals indicate that the transactions through December 4 result in assets of $16,900. There are two sources for those assets–the creditors provided $7,000 of assets, and the owner of the company provided $9,900. You can also interpret the accounting equation to say that the company has assets of $16,900 and the lenders have a claim of $7,000 and the owner has a claim for the remainder.


The balance sheet dated December 4 will report ASC’s financial position as of that date:


Accounting Software Co.
Balance Sheet
December 4, 2010
ASSETS LIABILITIES
Cash $ 11,900  Notes Payable $ 7,000 
Equipment 5,000  OWNER’S EQUITY
. J. Ott, Capital $ 9,900*
Total Assets $ 16,900  Total Liab & Owner's Equity $ 16,900 
.
.
Beginning Owner's Equity $
+ Owner's Investment + 10,000 
+ Net Income +
  Subtotal $ 10,000 
– J. Ott, Drawing 100 
Ending Owner's Equity at Dec. 4 $ 9,900*
.


The proceeds of the bank loan are not considered to be revenue since ASC did not earn the money by providing services, investing, etc. As a result, there is no income statement effect from this transaction.




Watch our new HD seminar videos (4+ hours) when you join AccountingCoach Pro.




Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5 


Part 6  Part 7  Part 8  Part 9  Part 10  Part 11 







87 Business Forms

Excel and PDF format






These forms are only available in our new AccountingCoach Pro members area.



Cheat sheet

Receive our popular 19-page Cheat Sheet at no cost when
you join our free newsletter:


First Name:
Email Address:

90,000+ have already joined





Most Recent Questions for this Topic




Why AccountingCoach.com?

the accounting coach

AccountingCoach.com is designed to help people without an accounting background easily understand accounting concepts at no cost.


By investing thousands of hours, we have created clear and concise accounting information for both business people and students of all ages.


We understand how difficult accounting can be. That's why each accounting topic includes a clear explanation, reinforcing quizzes, Q&A, puzzles, dictionary of terms, etc.


» Read 1,402 Visitor Testimonials