Gain or Loss on Disposal

Definition: Proceeds minus net book value

Scope:ModerateDifficulty:Easy

Proceeds minus net book value

Common Journal Entries
AccountDebitCredit
1. Sell at a gain
Cost $30,000, accum depr $22,000, sell for $12,000.
CashAsset+$12,000
Accumulated DepreciationContra Asset$22,000
EquipmentAsset$30,000
Gain on DisposalRevenue+$4,000
Book value $8,000; proceeds $12,000; gain $4,000.
2. Sell at a loss
Cost $30,000, accum depr $18,000, sell for $8,000.
CashAsset+$8,000
Accumulated DepreciationContra Asset$18,000
Loss on DisposalExpense+$4,000
EquipmentAsset$30,000
Book value $12,000; proceeds $8,000; loss $4,000.

T-AccountsA visual representation of a ledger account shaped like the letter T. Left side shows debits, right side shows credits.

CashAsset account. Debits increase the balance. Credits decrease the balance.AssetA resource owned by the business. Normal balance: debit. Debits increase, credits decrease.
DebitLeft side of a journal entry. Increases assets and expenses. Decreases liabilities, equity, and revenue.
$12,000.00
$8,000.00
Normal bal.
CreditRight side of a journal entry. Increases liabilities, equity, and revenue. Decreases assets and expenses.
$20,000.00
Accumulated DepreciationAccumulated DepreciationLiabilityAn obligation the business owes to others. Normal balance: credit. Credits increase, debits decrease.
DebitLeft side of a journal entry. Increases assets and expenses. Decreases liabilities, equity, and revenue.
$22,000.00
$18,000.00
CreditRight side of a journal entry. Increases liabilities, equity, and revenue. Decreases assets and expenses.
Normal bal.
$40,000.00
EquipmentEquipmentAssetA resource owned by the business. Normal balance: debit. Debits increase, credits decrease.
DebitLeft side of a journal entry. Increases assets and expenses. Decreases liabilities, equity, and revenue.
Normal bal.
CreditRight side of a journal entry. Increases liabilities, equity, and revenue. Decreases assets and expenses.
$30,000.00
$30,000.00
$60,000.00
Gain on DisposalGain on DisposalRevenueIncome earned from business operations. Normal balance: credit. Credits increase, debits decrease.
DebitLeft side of a journal entry. Increases assets and expenses. Decreases liabilities, equity, and revenue.
CreditRight side of a journal entry. Increases liabilities, equity, and revenue. Decreases assets and expenses.
$4,000.00
Normal bal.
$4,000.00
Loss on DisposalLoss on DisposalExpenseA cost incurred in the process of earning revenue. Normal balance: debit. Debits increase, credits decrease.
DebitLeft side of a journal entry. Increases assets and expenses. Decreases liabilities, equity, and revenue.
$4,000.00
Normal bal.
CreditRight side of a journal entry. Increases liabilities, equity, and revenue. Decreases assets and expenses.
$4,000.00
DurationN/A

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