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On January 1, 20X1, Pell Corp. purchased a machine having an estimated useful life of 10 years and no salvage. The machine was depreciated by the double declining balance method for both financial statement and income tax reporting. On January 1, 20X6, Pell changed to the straight-line method for financial statement reporting but not for income tax reporting. Accumulated depreciation at December 31, 20X5, was $560,000. If the straight-line method had been used, the accumulated depreciation at December 31, 20X5, would have been $420,000. Pell's enacted income tax rate for 20X6 and thereafter is 30%. The amount shown in the 20X6 income statement for the cumulative effect of changing to the straight-line method should be:
Choice 'd' is correct. A change in the method of depreciation is now considered to be both a change in method and a change in estimate. These changes should be accounted for as changes in estimate and handled prospectively. The new depreciation method should be used as of the beginning of the year of change and should start with the current book value of the underlying asset. No retroactive or retrospective calculations should be made, and no adjustment should be made to retained earnings.
And, certainly, the cumulative effect should not be reflected on the income statement any more.
Choices 'a', 'b', and 'c' are incorrect, per the above Explanation: .