Question

Pension data for the Ben Franklin Company include the following for the current calendar year: Discount rate, 10% Expected return on plan assets, 12% Actual return on plan assets, 11% Service cost, $270,000 January 1: PBO $ 1,470,000 ABO 1,070,000 Plan assets 1,570,000 Amortization of prior service cost 27,000 Amortization of net gain 4,700 December 31: Cash contributions to pension fund $ 227,000 Benefit payments to retirees 247,000 Required: 1. Determine pension expense for the year. 2. Prepare the journal entries to record pension expense and funding for the year.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. $250,900

B. Dr Pension expense $250,900

Dr Net gain–pensions $4,700

Cr Pension asset $228,600

Cr Prior service cost $27,000

Dr Pension asset $ 227,000

Cr Cash $ 227,000

Explanation:

A. Calculation to determine the pension expense for the year

Service cost $270,000

Add Interest cost (10% x $1,470,000) $147,000

Less Expected return ($188,400 )

(12%*1,570,000)

Add Amortization of prior service cost $27,000

)

Less Amortization of net gain($4,700)

Pension expense $250,900

Therefore pension expense for the year will be $250,900

B. Preparation of the journal entries to record pension expense and funding for the year)

Dr Pension expense $250,900

Dr Net gain–pensions $4,700

Cr Pension asset ($270,000 + 147,000 – $188,400) $228,600

Cr Prior service cost $27,000

Dr Pension asset $ 227,000

Cr Cash $ 227,000