Watts Corporation Made a Very Large Arithmetical Error in the Preparation

question 23

Multiple Choice

Watts Corporation made a very large arithmetical error in the preparation of its year-end financial statements by improper placement of a decimal point in the calculation of depreciation. The error caused the net income to be reported at almost double the proper amount. Correction of the error when discovered in the next year should be treated as

• A) an increase in depreciation expense for the year in which the error is discovered.
• B) a component of income for the year in which the error is discovered, but separately listed on the income statement and fully explained in a note to the financial statements.
• C) an other expense item for the year in which the error was made.
• D) a prior period adjustment.

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Definitions:

Income Summary

An account used in the closing process that summarizes revenues and expenses, transferring the net income or loss to retained earnings.

Closing Process

A sequence of steps performed at the end of an accounting period to prepare the accounts for the next period, including closing temporary accounts such as income summary, revenues, and expenses.

Temporary Account

Accounts that are closed at the end of each accounting period, including revenues, expenses, and withdrawals.

Unadjusted Trial Balance

A preliminary report of all accounts in the general ledger before any adjusting entries are made to ensure debits equal credits.