The Taxpayer Has Consistently, but Incorrectly, Used an Allowance for Bad

question 87

Multiple Choice

The taxpayer has consistently, but incorrectly, used an allowance for bad debts. At the beginning of the year, the balance in the allowance account is $90,000.

• A) If the IRS examines the taxpayer's return and requires the taxpayer to change accounting methods, the taxpayer will be required to recognize an additional $90,000 of income (one-half in the current year and one- half in the following year) as the adjustment due to the change in accounting methods.
• B) If the taxpayer voluntarily changes methods, the $90,000 adjustment can be spread over the current and three following years.
• C) If the taxpayer voluntarily changes methods, the $90,000 reserve can be used to absorb bad debts until the account balance is zero.
• D) If the IRS examines the taxpayer's return, no adjustment to the reserve account will be required if the balance is consistent with prior bad debt experience.
• E) None of the above.

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Definitions:

Yield To Maturity

The total return anticipated on a bond if the bond is held until its maturity date, taking into account its current market price, face value, interest rate, and time to maturity.

Semi-Annually

Occurring or conducted twice a year.

Face Value

The nominal or dollar value printed on a bond, stock, or other financial instrument, representing the amount due at maturity.

Coupon Rate

The interest rate on a bond paid by the issuer, which is a fixed percentage of the bond's face value, yielding regular interest payments to the bondholder.