CPA Exam - FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting)Not-for-Profit EntitiesEasy

A not-for-profit organization received a restricted contribution of $50,000 to be used for the purchase of new medical equipment. The equipment was purchased for $50,000 in the same fiscal year. How should this transaction be reported on the Statement of Activities?

  1. AIncrease in net assets without donor restrictions and increase in net assets with donor restrictions.
  2. BIncrease in net assets with donor restrictions and a reclassification from net assets with donor restrictions to net assets without donor restrictions.
  3. CDecrease in net assets with donor restrictions and increase in net assets without donor restrictions.
  4. DIncrease in net assets without donor restrictions only.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Increase in net assets with donor restrictions and a reclassification from net assets with donor restrictions to net assets without donor restrictions.

When a restricted contribution is received, it increases net assets with donor restrictions. When the restriction is met (by purchasing the equipment), a reclassification is made from net assets with donor restrictions to net assets without donor restrictions.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This option incorrectly suggests an increase in both categories without a reclassification event.
  • C. This incorrectly suggests a decrease in restricted net assets without an initial increase, and does not fully capture the initial receipt.
  • D. This is incorrect as the initial contribution has a donor restriction.

Release of Restriction

The process of reclassifying net assets with donor restrictions to net assets without donor restrictions when donor-imposed conditions or time restrictions have been met.

  • Occurs when donor stipulations are satisfied.
  • Impacts the Statement of Activities.
  • Results in an increase in net assets without donor restrictions and a decrease in net assets with donor restrictions.

Memory trick: First it's locked, then it's used, then it's free.

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