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Revenue Recognition Essay

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Whenever a product is sold, the seller earns and reports the revenue. However, in the real world such sales transactions are not as straight forward, and the principle of revenue recognition is one that creates the most issues for accountants. Now a days the process of selling has become quite complex. There are many issues and procedures involved. Customers have the option to make payments right away when making the sale, or can choose to make the payment in installments as agreed to in the sales contract. There are many credit and financing options available. Customers also have guaranteed return days. All of these incentives help make it easier for customers to buy products increasing sales for the seller; however, the job of an …show more content…

This is known as the matching principle. However the question that many CPAs ask is: when is it really earned? Is it earned when the sale contract is signed, the product is delivered to the customer or the payment of the product is received? Ronald Clark draws the following scenario to help illustrate this revenue recognition issue:
"Capitol Motors is in its first year of operations and as of December 30 has total revenues of $5 million, projected net income of $200,000, and total assets of $40 million (Capitol’s year-end is December 31). On December 31, a customer and Capitol Motors agree to terms on the purchase of a new automobile for $25,000. The customer signs and completes all paperwork for the sale but asks Capitol to hold the full-payment check until he can complete financing with a local bank. Because the bank has already closed for the day, it will be January 2 before the customer can release the check to Capitol. The customer already has a $30,000 line of credit approved by his bank. The Capitol Motors’ credit manager reviews the customer’s file and offers to finance the transaction through the dealership’s financing

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