Distribution of Profits

In a sole trading concern, the net profit disclosed by the Profit and Loss Account belongs to the sole trader and is transferred to his capital account. However, in a partnership firm, the net profit as shown by the Profit and Loss Account need certain adjustments with regard to interest on capitals, interest on drawings, salary and commission to the partners. For this purpose, Profit and Loss Appropriation Account may be prepared. This is merely an extension of the Profit and Loss Account and is prepared to show how net profit has been distributed among the partners.

This account is credited with net profit and interest on drawings and debited with interest on capitals, salary or commission to partners. Net loss will be shown on the debit side. After these adjustments have been made, this account will show the amount of profit or loss which shall be distributed among the partners in the agreed profit sharing ratio.

The various adjustments made in the Profit and Loss Appropriation account are explained below: