Question

During 2020, Bayside Inc. has 9% cumulative non-participating preferred stocks with a total par value of $300,000 and common stocks with a total par value of $100,000. On December 14, 2020, the company declared cash dividends of $16,000. Dividends were distributed on January 16, 2021. On December 12, 2021, the company declared cash dividends of $62,000. Dividends were distributed on January 15, 2022. Required: Prepare all necessary journal entries related to the dividend activity above (both preferred and common).

Answer 1

Answer:

Date - December 14, 2020

Debit  : Dividend $16,000

Credit : Shareholders for dividends $16,000

Date - January 16, 2021

Debit : Shareholders for dividends $16,000

Credit : Cash $16,000

Date - December 12, 2021

Debit  : Dividend $62,000

Credit : Shareholders for dividends $62,000

January 15, 2022

Debit : Shareholders for dividends $62,000

Credit : Cash $62,000

Explanation:

Dividends are initially declared before they are paid to the respective shareholders. So it is important to first record the journal at the declaration date of the dividend, then the payment date of the dividend as shown above.