Discount will always have? 1) Debit balance 2) credit balance 3) both?
Discount is are two types i.e. discount allowed and discount received. If a discount is allowed to a customer, this will be debited to discount allowed account. Hence, discount account will have both the balances debit and credit.
Discount will always have? 1) Debit balance 2) credit balance 3) both?
Discount
Discount is a reduction in the price of a product or service. It is often used as a marketing strategy to attract customers by offering them a lower price than the original or listed price. The discount amount can vary depending on the type of promotion or sale.
Types of Discounts
There are two main types of discounts: trade discounts and cash discounts.
1. Trade Discounts:
Trade discounts are offered to wholesalers or retailers who purchase goods in large quantities. These discounts are usually provided as a percentage off the list price and are intended to encourage bulk purchasing. Trade discounts are not recorded in the accounting books and do not affect the financial statements.
2. Cash Discounts:
Cash discounts are offered to customers who make prompt payment for their purchases. These discounts are recorded in the accounting books and affect the financial statements. Cash discounts are further divided into two categories:
a. Sales Discounts:
Sales discounts are given to customers who pay their invoices within a specified period of time. For example, a business may offer a 2% discount if the customer pays within 10 days of the invoice date. The discount is recorded as a contra-revenue account, reducing the net sales amount on the income statement.
b. Purchase Discounts:
Purchase discounts are given to customers who pay their invoices early or within a specified period of time. For example, a business may offer a 2% discount if the customer pays within 10 days of receiving the goods. The discount is recorded as a contra-expense account, reducing the cost of goods sold on the income statement.
Balance of Discounts
The balance of discounts can be either a debit balance or a credit balance, depending on the accounting method used.
1. Debit Balance:
Under the gross method of accounting for cash discounts, the discount allowed is recorded as a debit in a contra-revenue account. This results in a debit balance in the discount account. A debit balance means that the amount of discounts given by the business exceeds the discounts taken by customers, indicating that the business is offering more discounts than it is receiving.
2. Credit Balance:
Under the net method of accounting for cash discounts, the discount allowed is recorded as a credit in a contra-expense account. This results in a credit balance in the discount account. A credit balance means that the amount of discounts taken by customers exceeds the discounts given by the business, indicating that the business is receiving more discounts than it is offering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, discounts can have either a debit balance or a credit balance depending on the accounting method used. The balance of discounts reflects the relationship between the discounts given by the business and the discounts taken by customers. It is important for businesses to properly account for discounts to accurately reflect their financial position and performance.
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