Treatment of Capital and Revenue Expenditure

In accounting, every expenditure incurred by a business must be correctly categorized and treated to present a true and fair view of the financial position. Broadly, expenditures fall into two categories:

  • Capital Expenditure

  • Revenue Expenditure

Correct classification and accounting treatment are crucial because it impacts both the profit and loss account and the balance sheet. Misclassification may mislead stakeholders and lead to incorrect tax computations and profit reporting.

Capital Expenditure

Capital expenditure (CapEx) refers to money spent by a business to acquire, upgrade, or extend the life of long-term assets. These expenditures offer economic benefits beyond the current accounting period and are not incurred regularly.

Examples

  • Purchase of land, building, plant, and machinery

  • Cost of installation or delivery of fixed assets

  • Legal fees on the purchase of property

  • Major improvements or extension of assets

Characteristics

  • Non-recurring and long-term in nature

  • Provides benefit over several accounting periods

  • Increases the earning capacity of the business

  • Capitalized and shown on the assets side of the balance sheet

Revenue Expenditure

Revenue expenditure (RevEx) is the money spent on the daily operational needs of the business. It is incurred to maintain the existing earning capacity of the business and is consumed within the same accounting period.

Examples

  • Salaries and wages

  • Rent, electricity, and water charges

  • Repairs and maintenance

  • Office stationery and administrative expenses

  • Insurance premiums

Characteristics

  • Recurring and short-term in nature

  • Maintains the existing assets, does not increase efficiency

  • Fully charged to the profit and loss account in the year incurred

  • Necessary for the regular functioning of the business

Key Differences between Capital Expenditure and Revenue Expenditure

Particulars Capital Expenditure Revenue Expenditure
Nature Non-recurring, long-term Recurring, short-term
Benefit Duration More than one accounting period Only current accounting period
Impact on Assets Increases asset base Does not affect asset base
Financial Statement Effect Appears in Balance Sheet (as asset) Charged to Profit & Loss Account
Examples Purchase of equipment, land, building Rent, salaries, utilities

The treatment in the accounting books varies significantly based on the nature of the expense. Here’s a table showing the accounting treatment:

Expenditure Type Accounting Entry Impact on Financial Statements
Capital Expenditure Asset A/c Dr.
 To Bank A/c
Asset added in Balance Sheet
Revenue Expenditure Expense A/c Dr.
 To Bank A/c
Charged as expense in Profit & Loss Account
Depreciation (CapEx) Depreciation A/c Dr.
 To Asset A/c
Depreciation charged in P&L A/c, asset value reduced
Deferred Revenue Exp. Deferred Exp. A/c Dr.
 To Bank A/c
Shown as Asset initially, amortized in future P&L A/c

Deferred revenue expenditure is a revenue expenditure in nature but the benefit lasts more than one accounting period. Hence, instead of charging it off in one year, it is spread over several years.

Examples

  • Heavy advertisement for new product launch

  • Preliminary expenses

  • Development costs for new technology

Treatment

Initially shown on the asset side of the balance sheet and gradually written off in the profit and loss account.

At the time of incurring:
Deferred Revenue Exp. A/c Dr.
 To Bank A/c

At the time of amortization:
Profit & Loss A/c Dr.
 To Deferred Revenue Exp. A/c

Capitalized Revenue Expenditure

Certain revenue expenses, when directly related to bringing a capital asset into use, are capitalized.

Examples

  • Wages paid to workers installing machinery

  • Transportation cost for delivering machinery

Though they are revenue in nature, such costs are added to the value of the asset.

Accounting Treatment

Machinery A/c Dr.
 To Bank/Wages/Carriage A/c

Importance of Correct Treatment

Why It Matters

  • Ensures correct computation of profit

  • Proper representation of assets and expenses

  • Compliance with accounting standards (AS-10, AS-26)

  • Affects decision-making by management, investors, and regulators

  • Prevents overstatement or understatement of income

Errors in Classification: Consequences:

Misclassifying Capital as Revenue

  • Understatement of assets

  • Overstatement of current year’s expenses

  • Lower profit shown

Misclassifying Revenue as Capital

  • Overstatement of assets

  • Understatement of expenses

  • Artificially inflated profits

Both types of misclassification violate the principle of prudence and may lead to legal and audit complications.

Accounting Standards Related:

AS-10 (Revised): Property, Plant and Equipment

  • Governs the treatment and recognition of capital assets.

  • Requires capitalization of all costs necessary to bring an asset to working condition.

AS-26: Intangible Assets

  • Applicable to intangible assets like trademarks, patents, and development costs.

  • Clarifies what can and cannot be capitalized.

Special Cases in Treatment

Expense Treatment

Repairs (extensive, long-term)

Capital Expenditure

Ordinary repairs

Revenue Expenditure

Legal charges for buying land

Capital Expenditure

Rent for office

Revenue Expenditure

Renovation increasing asset life

Capital Expenditure

Advertisement (ordinary)

Revenue Expenditure

Advertisement (for long-term impact, e.g., brand building)

Deferred Revenue Expenditure

Ascertainment of Pre-incorporation and Post-incorporation Profits by Preparing Statement of Profit and Loss (Vertical Format) as per Schedule III of Companies Act, 2013

When a company is formed during the course of a financial year, it often takes over a running business. The profits earned before the date of incorporation are termed pre-incorporation profits, and the profits earned after incorporation are known as post-incorporation profits.

Pre-incorporation profit is treated as a capital profit (not available for dividend).
Post-incorporation profit is treated as a revenue profit (available for dividend, subject to law).

To ascertain both, we use the vertical format of the Statement of Profit and Loss as per Schedule III of the Companies Act, 2013 and split items based on Time Ratio, Sales Ratio, or Weighted Ratio, depending on the nature of income or expense.

📊 Format of Statement of Profit and Loss (Vertical Format)

As per Schedule III – Division I of the Companies Act, 2013, applicable to non-Ind AS companies.

ABC Ltd.

Statement of Profit and Loss for the year ended 31st March 2025

(Figures in ₹)

Particulars Total Pre-incorporation Post-incorporation
I. Revenue from operations 10,00,000 2,50,000 7,50,000
II. Other Income 50,000 5,000 45,000
III. Total Revenue (I + II) 10,50,000 2,55,000 7,95,000
IV. Expenses:
(a) Cost of materials consumed 3,00,000 75,000 2,25,000
(b) Purchase of stock-in-trade 50,000 15,000 35,000
(c) Changes in inventories of finished goods 30,000 8,000 22,000
(d) Employee benefit expenses 1,00,000 20,000 80,000
(e) Finance costs (Interest on debentures, etc.) 40,000 40,000
(f) Depreciation and amortisation expenses 60,000 60,000
(g) Other expenses (rent, admin, etc.) 1,20,000 40,000 80,000
Total Expenses (IV) 7,00,000 1,58,000 5,42,000
V. Profit before tax (III – IV) 3,50,000 97,000 2,53,000
Less: Income Tax (only on post-incorp. profit) 65,000
VI. Profit for the year 3,50,000 97,000 1,88,000
Particulars Pre-incorporation Post-incorporation
Classification Capital profit Revenue profit
Transfer to Capital Reserve (in Balance Sheet) Retained earnings / Dividend
Income Tax applicability Not taxable Taxable
Use Cannot be distributed as dividend Can be distributed
Item Basis Remarks
Sales Sales Ratio Based on turnover before and after incorporation
Cost of Goods Sold Sales Ratio Linked to volume of sales
Administrative Expenses Time Ratio Incurred uniformly
Salaries, Rent Time Ratio Fixed and recurring expenses
Selling and Distribution Sales Ratio Sales-based allocation
Depreciation Post-incorporation Applied only after incorporation
Interest on Capital/Debentures Post-incorporation Only after company is formed

Accounting Treatment in the Books of Lessor

Lessor is the party that owns the asset and grants the lessee the right to use it for a specific period in exchange for periodic payments. The accounting treatment in the books of the lessor is essential to correctly reflect the transaction’s financial position, and it primarily follows the standards outlined by Ind AS 17 (now replaced by Ind AS 116) and IFRS 16 in certain cases. This treatment involves various entries for lease income, depreciation, and asset management.

1. Recognition of Lease Income

For a lessor, the primary income generated is the lease rent paid by the lessee. The lease income recognition follows the systematic approach over the lease term. There are two main categories of lease income, depending on the type of lease: operating lease and finance lease.

A. Operating Lease

An operating lease is one where the risks and rewards of ownership remain with the lessor. In this type of lease, the lessor continues to recognize the asset on its balance sheet and records the income over the lease term.

  • Journal Entries for Operating Lease Income:
    • Receipt of lease rent:
      • Debit: Bank/Cash Account (for the amount received)
      • Credit: Lease Income Account (for the amount of lease rent)
    • Recognizing lease income: The lessor records income on a straight-line basis unless another systematic and rational method is more representative of the time pattern of the lessee’s benefit.
      • Debit: Lease Income Account
      • Credit: Unearned Rent Account (in case of advance receipts or deferred income)

This means that the lessor earns consistent revenue during the lease term, irrespective of the actual payment schedule (unless it is variable in nature).

B. Finance Lease

In a finance lease, the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the lessee. The lessor, therefore, recognizes the lease as a receivable equal to the net investment in the lease (i.e., the present value of lease payments plus the unguaranteed residual value). It is treated as a financing arrangement rather than a rental agreement.

  • Journal Entries for Finance Lease Income:
    • Recognition of Lease Receivable (at the start of the lease):
      • Debit: Lease Receivable Account (net investment in the lease)
      • Credit: Asset Account (for the cost of the asset or its carrying amount)
    • Recognizing Interest Income (Interest on Lease Receivable):
      • Debit: Lease Receivable Account (reducing principal)
      • Credit: Interest Income Account (recognizing interest earned)
    • Lease Payments Received:
      • Debit: Bank/Cash Account (for the amount received)
      • Credit: Lease Receivable Account (reducing the principal balance)

In a finance lease, the lessor earns both interest income and lease principal payments over the lease term. This results in a front-loaded interest income pattern.

2. Depreciation of Asset

In the case of an operating lease, the lessor retains ownership of the leased asset and is responsible for depreciating the asset over its useful life. The depreciation method and the estimated useful life of the asset should comply with the lessor’s accounting policies, following standard depreciation methods like straight-line or declining balance method.

  • Journal Entry for Depreciation:
    • Debit: Depreciation Expense (in the Income Statement)
    • Credit: Accumulated Depreciation (on the Balance Sheet)

The depreciation charge is recorded by the lessor for each period until the asset’s useful life is exhausted or it is sold or disposed of.

In a finance lease, the lessor may not record depreciation on the asset as the lease effectively transfers the ownership risks to the lessee. However, some lessors might continue to depreciate the asset if they do not transfer ownership entirely or have a residual interest.

3. Initial Direct Costs

In the case of a lease agreement, the lessor may incur certain initial direct costs that are directly attributable to negotiating and arranging the lease. These costs could include legal fees, commissions, and any other expenses directly related to the lease agreement.

  • Journal Entry for Initial Direct Costs:
    • Debit: Lease Receivable (in case of finance lease)
    • Debit: Expense Account (in case of operating lease)
    • Credit: Bank/Cash Account

These initial direct costs are recognized over the lease term. In an operating lease, they are amortized on a straight-line basis unless a different systematic basis is appropriate.

4. Recognition of Residual Value

In both operating and finance leases, the lessor may expect to receive a residual value of the asset at the end of the lease term. If the lease has a guaranteed residual value, it is included in the lease receivable. For an operating lease, the lessor will revalue the asset based on its estimated residual value and take appropriate measures for depreciation.

5. Sale and Leaseback Transactions

In cases where a lessor sells an asset and leases it back, the transaction is treated as a sale and leaseback. The accounting treatment in this case depends on whether the transaction is classified as a finance lease or operating lease. If it is an operating lease, the sale is recognized and the leaseback terms are accounted for as a lease.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Components, Importance, Stakeholders

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the ethical obligation of companies to contribute positively to society beyond their financial interests. It is a business model in which companies integrate social, environmental, and ethical concerns into their operations, decision-making processes, and interactions with stakeholders, such as employees, customers, investors, and communities. CSR is based on the idea that businesses should not only focus on generating profits but also consider their impact on society and the environment.

The concept of CSR has evolved from a simple philanthropic activity to a comprehensive approach where businesses strive to be responsible corporate citizens. Today, CSR encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at enhancing the well-being of communities, reducing environmental harm, promoting fair labor practices, and ensuring ethical business practices.

Components of CSR

  • Environmental Responsibility:

A significant component of CSR is the responsibility of companies to reduce their environmental footprint. This includes efforts to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, manage waste, promote sustainable practices, and minimize the ecological impact of their operations. Many companies implement practices such as reducing carbon emissions, using renewable energy, recycling materials, and adopting sustainable sourcing practices to contribute positively to environmental protection.

  • Social Responsibility:

CSR also involves a company’s commitment to society and its people. Social responsibility focuses on improving the quality of life of employees, customers, and communities. This could include providing fair wages, promoting diversity and inclusion, supporting local community projects, and ensuring access to education and healthcare. Social responsibility is about companies engaging in ethical practices that benefit society at large.

  • Economic Responsibility:

CSR extends to ethical business practices, such as ensuring fair trade, avoiding corruption, and providing fair wages to employees. Economic responsibility also involves transparency in financial reporting, paying taxes, and fostering economic development through innovation and job creation. Companies are expected to generate profit in a manner that is ethical, fair, and sustainable for all stakeholders.

  • Ethical Responsibility:

Ethical responsibility in CSR involves conducting business in an honest, transparent, and fair manner. This includes ensuring that products and services are safe, treating employees and customers with respect, and adhering to legal and moral standards. It is also about ensuring that the company’s practices do not harm individuals or communities and that they operate with integrity.

  • Philanthropy:

Many companies engage in philanthropic activities such as charitable donations, volunteering, and sponsoring community development initiatives. While this is just one aspect of CSR, it plays a key role in improving the social and economic well-being of the communities where businesses operate.

  • Stakeholder Engagement:

A key element of CSR is maintaining good relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, investors, and local communities. By engaging stakeholders and addressing their concerns, companies can better understand societal expectations and improve their CSR strategies.

Importance of CSR:

  • Building Brand Reputation and Trust:

Companies that actively engage in CSR build a strong reputation as responsible corporate citizens. This enhances their brand image and fosters trust among consumers, investors, and other stakeholders. A positive reputation can lead to increased customer loyalty, improved employee morale, and better relationships with government and regulatory bodies.

  • Attracting and Retaining Talent:

Today’s workforce is increasingly attracted to companies that align with their values. Companies with strong CSR practices are more likely to attract top talent who want to work for organizations that are committed to making a positive impact. Employees who feel that their employer is socially responsible are also more likely to stay with the company long-term, leading to lower turnover rates.

  • Customer Loyalty:

Consumers are becoming more socially conscious and prefer to purchase from companies that share their values and demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. CSR initiatives such as ethical sourcing, fair trade, and environmental sustainability can lead to greater customer loyalty and support for a company’s products and services.

  • Financial Performance:

Contrary to the belief that CSR is a financial burden, many studies have shown that companies that invest in CSR programs can achieve better financial performance over time. Engaging in ethical and socially responsible practices can lead to cost savings (e.g., through energy efficiency and waste reduction), enhanced brand value, and increased consumer demand.

  • Risk Management:

CSR can help companies mitigate risks related to their operations. By addressing social and environmental concerns, companies can avoid negative publicity, fines, and legal challenges. Proactively managing CSR helps businesses avoid potential controversies that could damage their reputation and harm their financial stability.

  • Sustainable Development:

CSR plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development. By taking a long-term view of their impact on society and the environment, companies can contribute to sustainable economic development. CSR initiatives such as promoting renewable energy, reducing waste, and improving labor standards all support the global goal of sustainability.

CSR and Its Stakeholders:

  • Employees:

A company’s commitment to CSR enhances employee morale and job satisfaction. Employees tend to feel proud to work for an organization that is socially responsible and committed to ethical practices. CSR programs can also offer employees opportunities for personal involvement, such as volunteer work or engagement in community initiatives.

  • Customers:

Customers are increasingly seeking products and services that are produced ethically and sustainably. Companies that prioritize CSR are likely to attract socially conscious consumers who care about the origins and environmental impact of the products they purchase. CSR initiatives enhance customer loyalty and retention.

  • Shareholders and Investors:

Investors are placing greater emphasis on companies that adopt CSR practices. Many institutional investors look for businesses that not only promise financial returns but also adhere to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. A strong CSR program can make a company more attractive to investors, leading to increased funding and support.

  • Communities:

CSR helps to improve the social and economic conditions of the communities where a company operates. Whether through donations, community development programs, or local environmental initiatives, businesses can directly contribute to improving the standard of living and well-being in the regions they serve.

  • Government and Regulatory Bodies:

Governments are increasingly requiring businesses to adhere to CSR-related regulations, especially in areas like environmental protection, labor rights, and corporate governance. Companies that proactively adopt CSR policies can reduce their exposure to regulatory risks and improve their relationship with government bodies.

Applicability of CSR as per Section 135 of Companies Act 2013:

Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 mandates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for companies meeting specific financial thresholds. The provision applies to every company, including its holding or subsidiary and foreign companies having a branch office or project office in India, that satisfies any one of the following criteria in the immediately preceding financial year:

Applicability Criteria (Any one of the following):

  1. Net worth of ₹500 crore or more,

  2. Turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or

  3. Net profit of ₹5 crore or more.

Requirements for Applicable Companies

  1. CSR Committee:
    Companies to whom CSR is applicable must constitute a CSR Committee of the Board with:

    • At least 3 directors (including 1 independent director),

    • (Private companies need only 2 directors; unlisted/public companies with no independent director are exempt from appointing one).

  2. CSR Policy:
    The CSR Committee shall:

    • Formulate and recommend a CSR Policy to the Board,

    • Recommend the amount of expenditure,

    • Monitor the CSR policy implementation.

  3. Minimum CSR Expenditure:
    The Board must ensure that the company spends at least 2% of the average net profits (before tax) made during the three immediately preceding financial years on CSR activities.

  4. Disclosure:

CSR policy and initiatives must be disclosed in the Board’s report and on the company website, if any.

CSR Activities (Schedule VII)

CSR initiatives must fall under activities specified in Schedule VII, such as:

  • Eradicating hunger and poverty,

  • Promoting education and gender equality,

  • Environmental sustainability,

  • Protection of national heritage,

  • Support to armed forces veterans,

  • PM’s National Relief Fund, etc.

Penalty for Non-Compliance (Post Amendment):

As per the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2019:

  • If the required amount is not spent, the company must transfer the unspent amount to a specified fund (like PM CARES) within a stipulated time.

  • Non-compliance attracts penalty:

    • Company: Twice the unspent amount or ₹1 crore (whichever is less),

    • Officers in default: 1/10th of the unspent amount or ₹2 lakh (whichever is less).

Stock Valuation

Stock Valuation refers to the process of determining the value of inventory held by a business at the end of an accounting period. Accurate stock valuation is crucial for financial reporting, profit calculation, and proper cost management. Inventory is classified as a current asset on the balance sheet, and its valuation directly affects both the cost of goods sold (COGS) and the net income of the business.

Objectives of Stock Valuation:

  • Accurate Profit Determination

Proper valuation of inventory ensures accurate determination of COGS and, consequently, the correct profit or loss for the period.

  • True Financial Position

Inventory is a significant asset, and its correct valuation is essential for presenting a true and fair financial position of the company.

  • Efficient Cost Control

Stock valuation helps in monitoring and controlling production and operational costs by providing insights into material consumption and wastage.

  • Compliance with Accounting Standards

Accurate stock valuation ensures adherence to accounting principles and standards, such as the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Methods of Stock Valuation:

There are several methods for valuing stock, depending on the nature of the business and accounting policies adopted. The commonly used methods are:

1. First-In, First-Out (FIFO)

The FIFO method assumes that the oldest inventory items are sold first. Therefore, the ending inventory consists of the most recent purchases.

Advantages:

  • Provides a realistic view of ending inventory value, as it is based on the most recent prices.
  • Useful in periods of inflation, as the cost of goods sold is lower, resulting in higher profits.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher profits may result in higher tax liability during inflationary periods.

Example:

Date Units Purchased Cost per Unit (₹) Total Cost (₹)
1 Jan 100 10 1,000
5 Jan 200 12 2,400
Total Units Sold = 150

COGS for 150 units:

  • 100 units @ ₹10 = ₹1,000
  • 50 units @ ₹12 = ₹600

Total COGS = ₹1,600

2. Last-In, First-Out (LIFO)

LIFO method assumes that the most recent inventory items are sold first, and the ending inventory consists of the oldest purchases.

Advantages:

  • In periods of inflation, LIFO results in higher COGS and lower profits, which can reduce tax liability.

Disadvantages:

  • The ending inventory may be undervalued since it consists of older costs, which may not reflect current market prices.
  • LIFO is not permitted under IFRS.

Example:

Using the same data as in the FIFO example:
COGS for 150 units:

  • 150 units @ ₹12 = ₹1,800

    Total COGS = ₹1,800

3. Weighted Average Cost (WAC)

WAC method calculates the cost of ending inventory and COGS based on the average cost of all units available for sale during the period.

Formula:

Weighted Average Cost per Unit = Total Cost of Inventory / Total Units

Example:

Using the same data:

Total units = 100 + 200 = 300

Total cost = ₹1,000 + ₹2,400 = ₹3,400

Weighted average cost per unit = ₹3,400 ÷ 300 = ₹11.33

COGS for 150 units = 150 × ₹11.33 = ₹1,699.50

Comparison of Methods

Criteria FIFO LIFO WAC
Cost Flow Assumption Oldest items sold first Newest items sold first Average cost
Ending Inventory Value Higher during inflation Lower during inflation Moderate
Profit Impact Higher profit Lower profit Average profit
Permitted by IFRS Yes No Yes

Importance of Consistency

Once a method of stock valuation is adopted, it should be consistently applied across accounting periods. Changing methods frequently can distort financial results and reduce comparability. However, any change in the valuation method must be disclosed, along with its financial impact, as per accounting standards.

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