Capital and Revenue Losses

While ascertaining profit, revenue losses are differentiated from capital losses, just as revenue
profits are distinguished from capital profits. Revenue losses arise from the normal course of
business by selling the merchantable at a price less than its purchase price or cost of goods sold
or where there is a declining in the current value of inventories. Capital losses may result from
the sale of assets, other than inventory for less than written down value or the diminution or
elimination of assets other than as the result of use or sale (flood, fire, etc.) or in connection
with raising capital of the business (issue of shares at a discount) or on the settlement of iabilities
for a consideration more than its book value (debenture issued at par but redeemed at a premium).
Treatment of capital losses are same as that of capital profits. Capital losses arising out
of sale of fixed assets generally appear in the Profit and Loss Account (being deducted from
the net profit). But other capital losses are adjusted against the credit balance of capital profits.
Where the capital losses are substantial, the treatment is different. These losses are generally
shown on the balance sheet as fictitious assets and the common practice is to spread that over
a number of accounting years as a charge against revenue profits till the amount is fully exhausted.