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All questions of Audit of Depreciation for B Com Exam

Can a company declare dividends out of profits earned prior to its incorporation? Provide a legal perspective.
  • a)
    Yes, as these profits are part of the company's overall capital.
  • b)
    Yes, since these profits were earned by the business entity.
  • c)
    No, as the company did not exist during the period these profits were earned.
  • d)
    No, unless these profits are categorized as capital profits.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

No, a company cannot declare dividends out of profits earned prior to its incorporation. This is because the company did not exist during the period when these profits were earned. Dividends can only be declared out of profits earned after the company's incorporation, ensuring that shareholders benefit from the company's post-incorporation operations.

Why might a company create secret reserves?
  • a)
    To reduce its tax liability
  • b)
    To show higher profits to shareholders
  • c)
    To strengthen its financial position
  • d)
    To fund expansion projects
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Companies, particularly those needing public confidence, might create secret reserves by undervaluing assets or creating excessive provisions. This allows them to show higher profits to shareholders while maintaining hidden financial strength.

What is the key factor that distinguishes 'interim dividend' from 'final dividend'?
  • a)
    Interim dividend is paid to shareholders before the annual general meeting, while final dividend is paid after the meeting.
  • b)
    Interim dividend is always higher than final dividend.
  • c)
    Interim dividend is paid out of capital profits, while final dividend is paid out of revenue profits.
  • d)
    Interim dividend is mandatory, while final dividend is optional.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The key factor that distinguishes 'interim dividend' from 'final dividend' is the timing of payment. Interim dividend is paid to shareholders before the annual general meeting, based on the company's interim financial performance. Final dividend, on the other hand, is recommended by the directors and approved by shareholders at the annual general meeting, after considering the company's full-year financial results.

Which type of reserve is specifically created for a particular purpose, such as dividend equalization or debenture redemption?
  • a)
    General Reserve
  • b)
    Revenue Reserve
  • c)
    Capital Reserve
  • d)
    Specific Reserve
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Specific reserves are created for specific purposes, such as dividend equalization reserve or debenture redemption reserve. These reserves are utilized only for their designated purposes.

What is the purpose of calculating 'divisible profits' in a company's financial context?
  • a)
    To determine the amount of losses that need to be set off against current year's profits.
  • b)
    To ascertain the amount of profits that can be distributed as dividends to shareholders.
  • c)
    To calculate the total capital investments made by shareholders.
  • d)
    To assess the company's total revenue before tax deductions.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

'Divisible profits' refer to the portion of profits available for distribution as dividends to shareholders. It is crucial to calculate this amount to ensure that the company does not distribute more than what is legally and financially permissible. Dividends should only be paid out of actual profits, and calculating 'divisible profits' helps in determining the accurate amount available for distribution.

What is the primary purpose of a 'Development Rebate Reserve'?
  • a)
    To distribute profits as dividends to shareholders.
  • b)
    To create a reserve for potential future losses.
  • c)
    To provide for depreciation on fixed assets.
  • d)
    To utilize a portion of profits for business development purposes.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The primary purpose of a 'Development Rebate Reserve' is to utilize a portion of profits for business development purposes. This reserve is created by debiting the Profit and Loss Account to set aside funds that can be used for specific business-related activities, ensuring the company's growth and expansion.

Which method of depreciation charges a fixed amount of depreciation every year?
  • a)
    Written Down Value Method
  • b)
    Annuity Method
  • c)
    Straight Line Method
  • d)
    Insurance Policy Method
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The Straight Line Method charges a fixed amount of depreciation every year throughout the estimated life of the asset. This method is simpler to calculate and provides uniform depreciation over time.

What is the main reason for depreciation in the value of fixed assets?
  • a)
    Obsolescence
  • b)
    Accidents
  • c)
    Market fluctuations
  • d)
    Increased usage
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Depreciation in the value of fixed assets occurs mainly due to increased usage and wear and tear over time. The more an asset is used, the greater the wear and tear it experiences, leading to a reduction in its value.

Under what circumstances can a company distribute dividends out of capital profits?
  • a)
    If the company has no outstanding debts.
  • b)
    If such distribution is authorized by the Articles of Association.
  • c)
    If the company's current profits are significantly higher than the previous year's profits.
  • d)
    If the company has excess cash reserves.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Capital profits can be distributed as dividends only if such distribution is authorized by the company's Articles of Association. This means that the company's internal regulations must explicitly allow for the distribution of capital profits as dividends to shareholders.

According to the Companies Act, 1956, what conditions must be fulfilled before a company can declare a dividend for a financial year?
  • a)
    The company must have zero accumulated losses.
  • b)
    The company must provide for depreciation for the current financial year.
  • c)
    The company must have no outstanding debts.
  • d)
    The company's profits should be higher than the previous year's profits.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

As per the Companies Act, 1956, before declaring a dividend for a financial year, the company must provide for depreciation for the current financial year. This provision ensures that the company sets aside an amount to cover the wear and tear of its assets, thereby safeguarding the interests of shareholders.

What is the key purpose of creating provisions?
  • a)
    To strengthen the financial position
  • b)
    To distribute dividends among shareholders
  • c)
    To increase the working capital
  • d)
    To fund expansion projects
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The main purpose of creating provisions is to strengthen the financial position of a company by setting aside funds for known liabilities or potential losses. This helps the company manage its financial stability and meet its obligations.

What legal requirements must be met before a company can pay dividends?
  • a)
    The company must have zero accumulated losses.
  • b)
    The company must have provided for all depreciation.
  • c)
    The company must ensure that the dividend is paid out of profits and not out of capital.
  • d)
    The company must have a surplus of assets over liabilities.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Before paying dividends, a company must ensure that the dividend is paid out of profits and not out of capital. This ensures the financial sustainability of the company and protects the interests of shareholders. Dividends should only be distributed from actual earnings and not by depleting the company's capital investments.

What is the primary purpose of the Central Government's involvement in allowing a company to declare or pay dividend without providing for depreciation?
  • a)
    To boost the company's reputation among shareholders.
  • b)
    To encourage companies to invest in research and development.
  • c)
    To protect the interest of the public and ensure fair dividend distribution.
  • d)
    To promote healthy competition among companies.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The Central Government's involvement in allowing a company to declare or pay dividend without providing for depreciation is primarily to protect the interest of the public. It ensures that companies do not distribute dividends that are not backed by actual profits, maintaining transparency and fairness in dividend distribution.

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