Comparison of Different Types of Accounting by Lessee and Lessor

Part 1

Capital leases and operating leases are the two classifications of leases described in FASB pronouncements from the standpoint of the lessee.

(a) Describe how a capital lease would be accounted for by the lessee both at the inception of the lease and during the first year of the lease, assuming the lease transfers ownership of the property to the lessee by the end of the lease.

(b) Describe how an operating lease would be accounted for by the lessee both at the inception of the lease and during the first year of the lease, assuming equal monthly payments are made by the lessee at the beginning of each month of the lease. Describe the change in accounting, if any, when rental payments are not made on a straight-line basis. Do not discuss the criteria for distinguishing between capital leases and operating leases.

Part 2

Sales-type leases and direct-financing leases are two of the classifications of leases described in FASB pronouncements from the standpoint of the lessor, compare and contrast a sales-type lease with a direct-financing lease as follows.

(a) Lease receivable.

(b) Recognition of interest revenue.

(c) Manufacturer’s or dealer’s profit.

Do not discuss the criteria for distinguishing between the leases described above and operating leases.

(AICPA adapted)