The CPA FAR section is one of the most challenging parts of the CPA exam. It tests a candidate’s ability to apply accounting concepts to real-world scenarios. Unlike traditional multiple-choice questions, Task-Based Simulations (TBSs) require you to analyze case studies, make journal entries, prepare statements, or reconcile financial data. In this guide, we provide 10 high-quality CPA FAR TBS practice questions with detailed solutions. These simulations are designed to mirror real exam-style tasks, helping you gain confidence and accuracy.
📘 CPA FAR TBS – Part 1 (Q1–10)
TBS 1: Journal Entry – Lease Accounting
Scenario:
A company enters into a 5-year lease for office equipment. The present value of lease payments is $120,000. The company classifies it as a finance lease under ASC 842.
Requirement:
Prepare the journal entry to record the lease inception.
Answer:
- Debit: Right-of-use Asset $120,000
- Credit: Lease Liability $120,000
Explanation:
Under ASC 842, at lease commencement, the lessee records both a right-of-use asset and a lease liability equal to the present value of lease payments.
TBS 2: Adjusting Entry – Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Scenario:
Accounts receivable is $500,000. Historical uncollectible percentage is 4%. Current allowance for doubtful accounts is $10,000.
Requirement:
Calculate and record the adjusting entry.
Answer:
- Required Allowance = $500,000 × 4% = $20,000
- Additional Adjustment = $20,000 – $10,000 = $10,000
Journal Entry:
- Debit: Bad Debt Expense $10,000
- Credit: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $10,000
Explanation:
Allowance is adjusted to the required balance, not simply expensed in full.
TBS 3: Consolidation – Elimination Entry
Scenario:
Parent owns 80% of Subsidiary. Subsidiary sells inventory costing $50,000 to Parent for $70,000. Half remains unsold.
Requirement:
Prepare elimination entry.
Answer:
- Debit: Sales $70,000
- Credit: COGS $50,000
- Credit: Inventory $10,000
Explanation:
Unrealized profit of $10,000 is eliminated. Consolidated statements remove intercompany sales/COGS.
TBS 4: Cash Flow Classification
Scenario:
Company pays $15,000 interest on a loan and $10,000 dividends to shareholders.
Requirement:
Classify under US GAAP cash flow statement.
Answer:
- Interest Paid → Operating Activities
- Dividends Paid → Financing Activities
Explanation:
GAAP requires interest as operating, while IFRS allows flexibility.
TBS 5: Revenue Recognition
Scenario:
Software company signs $120,000 12-month service contract, billed upfront.
Requirement:
Record revenue at the end of 3 months.
Answer:
- Recognized Revenue = $120,000 ÷ 12 × 3 = $30,000
Journal Entry:
- Debit: Unearned Revenue $30,000
- Credit: Service Revenue $30,000
Explanation:
Revenue recognized evenly over the contract term (time-based performance obligation).
TBS 6: Pension Expense
Scenario:
- Service cost = $100,000
- Interest cost = $40,000
- Expected return on plan assets = $30,000
Requirement:
Compute pension expense.
Answer:
= Service Cost + Interest Cost – Expected Return
= $100,000 + $40,000 – $30,000 = $110,000
Journal Entry:
- Debit: Pension Expense $110,000
- Credit: Pension Liability/Plan Assets $110,000
TBS 7: Bond Issue
Scenario:
Company issues $500,000 bonds at 98.
Requirement:
Prepare issuance entry.
Answer:
- Debit: Cash $490,000
- Debit: Bond Discount $10,000
- Credit: Bonds Payable $500,000
Explanation:
Issued below par → discount recognized.
TBS 8: Deferred Tax Liability
Scenario:
Tax depreciation = $80,000, Book depreciation = $50,000. Tax rate = 25%.
Requirement:
Compute deferred tax liability.
Answer:
= ($80,000 – $50,000) × 25% = $7,500
Journal Entry:
- Debit: Income Tax Expense $7,500
- Credit: Deferred Tax Liability $7,500
TBS 9: Impairment Loss
Scenario:
Asset carrying value = $200,000. Recoverable amount = $170,000.
Requirement:
Record impairment.
Answer:
- Debit: Impairment Loss $30,000
- Credit: Accumulated Impairment $30,000
Explanation:
Impairment recorded when carrying > recoverable.
TBS 10: Statement of Cash Flows – Indirect Method
Scenario:
Net Income = $100,000
- Increase in AR = $20,000
- Increase in AP = $15,000
Requirement:
Calculate Operating Cash Flow.
Answer:
Operating Cash Flow = $100,000 – $20,000 + $15,000 = $95,000
This concludes CPA FAR TBS Part 1 (Q1–10). Each scenario was designed to reflect real exam-style challenges, from revenue recognition to deferred tax. Working through these practice tasks will build problem-solving skills essential for passing the CPA FAR section. In the next part, we’ll cover more advanced simulations, including consolidations, governmental accounting, and financial reporting cases.
Next Part: CPA FAR TBS Part 2
Next Part: CPA FAR TBS Part 3
Next Part: CPA FAR TBS Part 4
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