Page 28 - Chapter-11.pmd

464 Accountancy

difference between the two sides denoting capital. Since, the records are
incomplete, the values of assets and liabilities are normally estimates based
on information available. They are not the balances taken from properly
maintained ledger like in case of balance sheet. The balance sheet is derived
from a set of books maintained on the basis of double entry system.
3. Computation of profit and loss from incomplete records : The statement of affairs
is used to compute capital when a firm has a highly disorganised set of incomplete
records. To the difference between the closing and opening capital, any sum
withdrawn from business are added back and any additional capital introduced
during the year are deducted to find out profit and loss made for the period.
4. Preparation of profit and loss account and balance sheet : When cash summary
of a firm is available along with information about personal accounts of creditors
and customers, an attempt can be made to prepare the profit and loss account
and balance sheet. Missing figures about purchases, sales, debtors and creditors
can be obtained by preparing proforma accounts of debtors, creditors, bills
receivable and bills payable using the logic of double entry system. Once a
profit and loss account and balance sheet are prepared, it will be possible for
the firm to start a complete accounting system for future.
Questions for Practice

Short Answers
1. State the meaning of incomplete records?
2. What are the possible reasons for keeping incomplete records?
3. Distinguish between statement of affairs and balance sheet.
4. What practical difficulties are encountered by a trader due to incompleteness
of accounting records?
Long Answers
1. What is meant by a ‘statement of affairs’? How can the profit or loss of a
trader be ascertained with the help of a statement of affairs?
2. ‘Is it possible to prepare the profit and loss account and the balance sheet
from the incomplete book of accounts kept by a trader’? Do you agree? Explain.
3. Explain how the following may be ascertained from incomplete records:
(a) Opening capital and closing capital
(b) Credit sales and credit purchases
(c) Payments to creditors and collection from debtors
(d) Closing balance of cash.
Numerical Questions
Ascertainment of profit or loss by statement of affairs method
1. Following information is given below prepare the statement of profit or loss:
Rs.
Capital at the end of the year 5,00,000
Capital in the beginning of the year 7,50,000

2015-16