A machine purchased on 1/1/21 for $24,000 and on which $14,400 of Accumulated Depreciation has been recorded through 12/31/23 was sold on 4/1/24. Straight-line depreciation was used. Salvage Value was zero. Asset life was 5 years. If the machine was sold for $16,000 cash, the journal entry to record this event would include a gain of:

As the machine is sold on 1 April 2024, we first need to update the depreciation expense and charge the depreciation to the date. The depreciation has been charged till 1 December 2023. So, we need to charge the depreciation for three more months.

The formula for depreciation expense under straight line method is,

Depreciation expense per year = (Cost - Salvage value) / Estimated useful life

Depreciation expense per year = (24000 - 0) / 5

Depreciation expense per year = $4800 per year

Depreciation expense for three months = 4800 * 3/12 = $1200

Accumulated depreciation 1 April 2024 = 14400 + 1200 = $15600

To calculate the gain or loss on disposal, we first need to determine the net book value of asset and deduct it from the cash received on disposal.

NBV = Cost - Accumulated depreciation

NBV = 24000 - 15600

NBV = $8400

Gain on disposal = 16000 - 8400

Gain on disposal = $7600