Question

C Co. reported a retained earnings balance of $200,000 at December 31, 2020. In September 2021, C determined that insurance premiums of $30,000 for the three-year period beginning January 1, 2020, had been paid and fully expensed in 2020. C has a 25% income tax rate. What amount should C report as adjusted beginning retained earnings in its 2021 statement of retained earnings

Answer 1

Answer:

C Co.

Adjusted beginning retained earnings in 2021 Statement of Retained Earnings:

$215,000

Explanation:

Reported Retained Earnings balance at December 31, 2020 = $200,000

Prepaid insurance = $30,000 for three years

Insurance Expense for 2020 = $30,000

Insurance Expense for each of the three years = $10,000 ($30,000/3)

Insurance Expense over-expensed by $20,000 ($30,000 - $10,000)

Deferred Tax Liability = $5,000 ($20,000 * 25%)

Therefore, adjusted Retained Earnings = $215,000 ($200,000 + 20,000 - 5,000)

b) The Retained Earnings should have been $220,000 instead of $200,000 and there must be accounted for the deferred tax liability arising from the deduction of the Insurance expense that should have been accounted for in subsequent years.