Accounting for Share Capital is a core chapter in Accountancy that explains how companies raise funds by issuing shares and how these transactions are recorded in books of accounts. The uploaded PDF is a comprehensive, exam-oriented question bank that strictly focuses on this chapter. It covers definitions, legal provisions under the Companies Act, types of share capital, issue of shares at par, premium and discount, calls in advance and arrears, forfeiture and reissue of shares, and presentation in the balance sheet. The content is framed through a wide range of objective questions reflecting actual examination patterns.
I am writing about this PDF because students often struggle with this chapter due to its mix of legal rules, accounting treatment, and numerical logic. This document clearly shows what areas are repeatedly tested and how concepts are applied in practical situations. By analysing this PDF, learners can understand not just the theory but also the reasoning behind entries related to share issue, forfeiture, reissue, and capital reserves, which are crucial for scoring well in exams.
Meaning of Share Capital as Covered in the PDF
The PDF defines share capital as the capital raised by a company by issuing shares to the public. It explains that the total capital of a company is divided into smaller units called shares, each having a fixed face value. Shareholders are the owners of the company, and their liability is limited to the unpaid amount on the shares held by them.
Types of Share Capital Explained
The PDF clearly explains different types of share capital, including:
- Authorised capital, which is the maximum capital a company can raise
- Issued capital, which is the part of authorised capital offered to the public
- Subscribed capital, which is the part of issued capital taken up by investors
- Called-up capital, which is the amount demanded by the company
- Paid-up capital, which is the amount actually received by the company
- Reserve capital, which can be called only at the time of winding up
These distinctions are repeatedly tested through conceptual questions.
Types of Shares Covered
According to the PDF, companies mainly issue:
- Equity shares, which carry voting rights and variable dividends
- Preference shares, which carry preferential rights regarding dividend and repayment of capital
It also highlights that equity shares may be issued with differential voting rights, while irredeemable preference shares cannot be issued.
Issue of Shares and Minimum Subscription
The PDF explains the process of issuing shares through application, allotment, and calls. It clearly states the minimum subscription requirements and the minimum amount to be called on application. Situations of under-subscription and over-subscription are tested, along with their accounting treatment.
Issue of Shares at Par, Premium, and Discount
A major portion of the PDF focuses on:
- Issue of shares at par, where issue price equals face value
- Issue of shares at premium, where excess amount is credited to Securities Premium Account
- Uses of securities premium, such as issuing bonus shares or writing off preliminary expenses
The PDF also explains legal conditions for issue of shares at discount and how discount is treated as a capital loss.
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Calls in Advance and Calls in Arrears
The PDF clearly distinguishes between:
- Calls in advance, where excess money received is treated as a liability and interest may be paid
- Calls in arrears, where unpaid call money is deducted from called-up capital
Multiple questions test interest calculation and balance sheet treatment.
Forfeiture of Shares
Forfeiture of shares is explained as compulsory cancellation of shares due to non-payment of allotment or call money. The PDF covers:
- Accounting entries for forfeiture
- Treatment of share capital, calls in arrears, and securities premium
- Nature of share forfeiture account as a capital reserve
This is one of the most repeatedly tested areas.
Reissue of Forfeited Shares
The PDF explains that forfeited shares can be reissued at par, discount, or premium. It clearly states that:
- Discount on reissue cannot exceed the amount forfeited
- Profit on reissue is transferred to Capital Reserve
- Balance in share forfeiture account after reissue is shown under reserves
Numerical logic is strongly emphasised here.
Presentation in Balance Sheet
The PDF covers how share capital, securities premium, and share forfeiture balances are shown in the balance sheet under the equity and liabilities section. It also clarifies which items are not shown under share capital.
















