Multiple choice

A departmental store sold gift certificates that can be redeemable in merchandise. The gift certificates lapse after one year from the issued date. How would the deferred revenue account be affected by each of the following?

  1. Redemption of Certificate - Decrease Lapse of certificates - Decrease

  2. Redemption of Certificate - Decrease Lapse of certificates - No effect

  3. Redemption of Certificate - No effect Lapse of certificates - Decrease

  4. Redemption of Certificate - No effect Lapse of certificates - No effect

  5. None of these

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A Correct answer
Explanation

Deferred revenue represents future income collected in advance. When the gift certificates are sold, deferred revenue is increased. When the certificates are redeemed, the revenue is earned and shown in the income statement. Deferred revenue is decreased. When the certificates lapse, the company has no further liability and revenue is earned. Deferred revenue is decreased.