Question

On Jan 15th, Mr. White discovered that the net income for the previous year was understated by $60,000. Mr. Black tells Mr. White that this net income of $60,000 should be shared in the proportion of their current capital balances. (Mr. White = 150,000/$250,000 = 60% = $36,000; Mr. Black = $100,000/$250,000 = 40% = $24,000). But Mr. White feels that the additional income should be shared in the ratio of 2:1 ($60,000 x 2/3 = $40,000 Mr. White; $60,000 x 1/3 = $20,000 Mr. Black). Who is correct? Why?

Answer 1

Answer:

Mr. Black is correct.  There is a basis established by their current capital balances.  Mr. White's ratio of 2 : 1 has not discernible basis, unless that has been their profit sharing ratio.

Explanation:

In the absence of any contrary agreement, partners in a partnership business always share their net income based on their capital contributions.  Sometimes, this may not be strictly followed, especially with changes effected over the years, it becomes necessary to adopt home-grown solutions.  One of such is the current capital balances, instead of the original capital contributions.  This approach takes care of changes and value contributions over a number of years that the business has been in operation, which the current capital accounts will always show.