Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is the disclosure principle ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

The disclosure principle requires that the financial statements inclusive of the income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements present the most useful material amount of relevant information. Notes may be included to the financial statements for additional disclosure. All information that is necessary in order not to be misleading and for investors to make informed decisions if applicable.
CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is the conservatism doctrine ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

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.
CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Financial Statements

What is the consistency criterion ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

The consistency criterion states that the accounting procedures used at a given time should conform with 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.
CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is the consistency criterion ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

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.
CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is the matching principal ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

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.
CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is the realization concept ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

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.
CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Bookkeeping & Write-up

What is the historical cost principle ?

Asked Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

The historical cost principle requires that economic resources be recorded in terms of the amounts of money exchanged at that moment in time. When a transaction occurs, the exchange price is by its nature a measure of the value of the economic resources that are exchanged. This is in contrast to the fair market value which is the estimated value of the asset if sold on a specific moment in time.
CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Incorporation Services

What is a Registered Agent ?

Asked Tuesday, December 26, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Most jurisdictions require that the corporation designate a registered agent for Service of Process. Generally, anyone who has a street address within the state of incorporation may act as a registered agent for the corporation. PO Boxes are not allowed to be used for a registered Agent. Most tax notices are sent to the Registered agent.
CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Investments & Financial Planning

What are inflation indexed US Treasuries ?

Asked Tuesday, December 26, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

US Treasuries are bonds that their value is increased yearly to keep up with inflation. They are thus designed to cut out the inflation risk of an investment. Inflation-indexed bonds pay a periodic coupon that is equal to the product of the inflation index and the nominal coupon rate. The relationship between coupon payments, breakeven inflation and real interest rates is given by the Fisher equation. A rise in coupon payments is a result of an increase in inflation expectations, real rates, or both.
CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Incorporation Services

Does a corporation have to issue stock ?

Asked Tuesday, December 26, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Shares of stock represent ownership of a corporation. When no shares are issued, no individual(s) owns the corporation. Therefore, shares must be issued to those individuals who will own the corporation. Most states have created many exceptions and exemptions from registering a stock issuance with the State or with the Securities and Exchange Commission for most small businesses, it is recommended to contact the appropriate entity to determine whether you must file a notice of stock issuance on a state or Federal Level.
CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory