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Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is kiting a check ?

Asked Friday, January 12, 2001 by an anonymous user
Kiting refers to the practice of depositing and drawing checks at 2 or more banks and taking advantage of the time it takes for the 2nd bank to collect funds from the 1st bank. It also is a bookkeeping trick to illegally increase the face value of a check by changing the numbers on the check.
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Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is an accounts receivable aging schedule ?

Asked Thursday, January 11, 2001 by an anonymous user
An aging schedule is a table of accounts receivable broken down into number of day ranges (age categories) such as 0-30 days = 1 month, 30-60 days = 2 months, and 60-90 days = 3 months, The aging schedule is used to determine if customer payments are keeping close to schedule or late or possible uncollectable.
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Bookkeeping & Write-up

I live in Georgia , where do I file Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return 941 ?

Asked Thursday, December 28, 2000 by an anonymous user
If you are filing a form without a payment, mail Form 941 to IRS Cincinnati OH 45999-0005. If you are filing a form with a payment, mail Form 941 to IRS P.O. Box 804522 Cincinnati OH 45280-4522
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Bookkeeping & Write-up

How do I compute overtime for tipped employees ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user
An employer must pay its employees at least the minimum wage for all hours worked, and time and one-half overtime pay based on an employee's regular rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek unless the employee is exempt for some reason. The minimum wage and overtime pay are based on the hours worked each workweek and not by the number of hours worked each day or the number of days worked. Each workweek stands on its own regardless of the length of the pay periods. For purposes of overtime pay, employers of tipped employees must calculate the time and one-half overtime pay based on the employee’s regular rate of pay, which includes both the cash wage paid to the employee and the tip credit counted as wages for the employee at least equal to the minimum wage, which becomes the regular rate of pay for a tipped employee. Employers must apply tipped employees' hourly wage rate when determining overtime compensation. That rate can never be less than the minimum wage even if the employer is actually paying less by taking a tip credit. Take the example of a waiter who receives $2.13 an hour and enough in tips to make at least the minimum wage per hour. The employee's overtime wage would be 150 percent of $7.25 --- the standard minimum wage --- rather than $2.13. If the waiter receives a base wage higher than $7.25, in addition to tips, 150 percent of that higher amount would be his overtime wage.
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Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is forecasting ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user
Forecasting is a projection of the anticipated financial performance of a company. Forecasts typically include a projected income statement, a pro-forma balance sheet and a cash flow statement. In order to arrive at projected figures, extensive research should be done to including statistical information on the competition, product trends and client demographics. This information will help you obtain reasonable estimated sales amounts. You should also get quotes from suppliers and realtors to obtain estimated expense amounts. Projections are not a picture of what you would like to see happen to your company, but carefully calculated, realistic numbers. Speak to your local CPA to assist you in this process.
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Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is the realization concept ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user
The realization concept states that a accounting transaction takes place only for those economic events to which the entity is a party. This principle rules out recognizing a gain based on the appreciated market value of a still owned asset. A gain or loss on a marketable security occurs only when sold, not on the daily fluctuation of the share price.
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Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is the matching principal ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user
The matching principle states that income is calculated by matching a period's revenues with the expenses incurred in order to bring about that revenue. The accrual concept is used to accomplish the matching principal. The bookkeeper will set up accruals of income earned but not received and expenses incurred but not paid to get a better matching of the company's income and expenses for a period.
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Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is the consistency criterion ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user
The consistency criterion states that the accounting procedures used at a given time should conform to the procedures previously used for that activity. Such consistency allows data of different periods to be compared. This is important for comparative financial statements such as the income sheet, balance sheet and cash flow statement. If there is a change in the consistency or accounting methods, the financial statements have to be restated for consistency purposes.
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Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is the conservatism doctrine ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user
The conservatism doctrine states that when exposure to uncertainty and risk is significant, an accounting entry should be made and accounting measurement and disclosure should take a cautious and prudent stance until evidence shows sufficient lessening of the uncertainty and risk. The allowance for bad debt account is an example of the realistic approach needed in the conservatism doctrine.
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