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:

Marginal Revenue

The surplus revenue acquired from the sale of one more unit of a good or service.

Profit Maximizing Output

The level of production at which a firm achieves the highest possible profit, determined by the point where marginal cost equals marginal revenue.

Demand Curve

A graphic representation showing how the quantity demanded of a good or service varies with its price.

Marginal Cost

The hike in complete costing that comes with the fabrication of an additional unit of a good or service.