In partnership accounting, when a partner retires, the continuing or gaining partners acquire the retiring partner's share in the firm. This results in a gain in profit-sharing ratio for the continuing partners.
According to the principle of gain vs. sacrifice, the gaining partners should compensate the retiring partner for their share of goodwill and other assets. This ensures a fair and ethical distribution of the partnership’s intangible value.
So, the retiring partner, who is giving up his/her share in the firm, must be compensated by the gaining partners—not by the remaining or sacrificing partners.
Journal Entry (for goodwill):
Gaining Partner’s Capital A/C Dr.
To Retiring Partner’s Capital A/C
(Being compensation for goodwill transferred by gaining partners to retiring partner)
Hence, the correct answer is: (2) Retiring Partners only
Manav and Namit were partners in a firm sharing profits and losses in the ratio of 3 : 2. Their Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2024 was as follows:
| Liabilities | Assets | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitals: | Machinery | ₹8,00,000 | |
| Manav | ₹4,00,000 | Investments | ₹5,00,000 |
| Namit | ₹6,00,000 | Debtors | ₹12,00,000 |
| Bank Overdraft | ₹9,00,000 | Stock | ₹3,00,000 |
| Creditors | ₹10,00,000 | Cash in Hand | ₹1,00,000 |
| Total | ₹29,00,000 | Total | ₹29,00,000 |
The firm was dissolved on the above date and the following transactions took place:
[(i)] Stock was given to creditors in full settlement of their account.
[(ii)] Investments were taken over by Manav at 120% of book value.
[(iii)] Bad debts amounted to ₹ 2,00,000.
[(iv)] Machinery was realised at 50% discount.
[(v)] Realisation expenses amounted to ₹ 1,00,000 which were paid by Namit.
Prepare Realisation Account.