Several months ago, Ayers Industries Inc. experienced a hazardous materials spill at one of its plants. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fined the company $248,000. The company is contesting the fine. In addition, an employee is seeking $213,000 in damages related to the spill. Lastly, a homeowner has sued the company for $324,000. The homeowner lives 35 miles from the plant but believes that the incident has reduced the home’s resale value by $324,000. Ayers’ legal counsel believes that it is probable that the EPA fine will stand. In addition, counsel indicates that an out-of-court settlement of $130,000 has recently been reached with the employee. The final papers will be signed next week. Counsel believes that the homeowner’s case is much weaker and will be decided in favor of Ayers. Other litigation related to the spill is possible, but the damage amounts are uncertain. Required: a. Journalize the contingent liabilities associated with the hazardous materials spill. Use the account “Damage Awards and Fines” to recognize the expense for the period. Refer to the Chart of Accounts for exact wording of account titles. b. Prepare a note disclosure relating to this incident.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING

10th Edition

ISBN:9781259964947

Author:Libby

Publisher:Libby

Chapter1: Financial Statements And Business Decisions

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1Q

See similar textbooks

Related questions

Question

Several months ago, Ayers Industries Inc. experienced a hazardous materials spill at one of its plants. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fined the company $248,000. The company is contesting the fine. In addition, an employee is seeking $213,000 in damages related to the spill. Lastly, a homeowner has sued the company for $324,000. The homeowner lives 35 miles from the plant but believes that the incident has reduced the home’s resale value by $324,000.

Ayers’ legal counsel believes that it is probable that the EPA fine will stand. In addition, counsel indicates that an out-of-court settlement of $130,000 has recently been reached with the employee. The final papers will be signed next week. Counsel believes that the homeowner’s case is much weaker and will be decided in favor of Ayers. Other litigation related to the spill is possible, but the damage amounts are uncertain.

	Required:
	a. Journalize the contingent liabilities associated with the hazardous materials spill. Use the account “Damage Awards and Fines” to recognize the expense for the period. Refer to the Chart of Accounts for exact wording of account titles.
	b. Prepare a note disclosure relating to this incident.

Definition Definition Costs that a business is responsible for paying, should a particular event potentially occur in the future. Also called a potential liability, a contingent liability is generally recorded only when the amount of liability can be reasonably estimated and the contingency is likely to occur shortly. The Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Principles (IFRS) make it mandatory for the companies to record any contingent liability taking the principles of full disclosure, materiality, and prudence into consideration.

Expert Solution

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

SEE SOLUTION Check out a sample Q&A here

Knowledge Booster

Learn more about

Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, accounting and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.

Similar questions