Accounting & Bookkeeping

What is Capital Reserve?

A reserve created from capital profits that is not available for distribution as dividends to shareholders.

How It Works

Capital Reserve is a portion of profit set aside from non-operating or capital transactions — such as profit on sale of fixed assets, premium on issue of shares, profit on reissue of forfeited shares, or profit prior to incorporation. Unlike Revenue Reserve (which can be distributed as dividends), Capital Reserve cannot normally be distributed to shareholders. It strengthens the company's financial position and can be used to write off capital losses or issue bonus shares in some jurisdictions.

Real-World Example

A company sells land (book value ₹20,00,000) for ₹35,00,000. The capital profit of ₹15,00,000 is transferred to Capital Reserve. This cannot be paid as dividend. The company later uses ₹5,00,000 from Capital Reserve to write off preliminary expenses (a capital loss).

Why It Matters

1

Ensures accurate financial reporting and record-keeping

2

Helps maintain regulatory and tax compliance

3

Enables better-informed business decisions

4

Improves operational efficiency and cash flow management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Capital Reserve and Reserve Capital?

Capital Reserve is profit set aside from capital transactions (shown on balance sheet). Reserve Capital is the uncalled portion of share capital that the company resolves to call only during winding up. Capital Reserve exists; Reserve Capital is a commitment for the future.

Can Capital Reserve be used for bonus share issue?

In India under the Companies Act 2013, Capital Reserve can be used for bonus shares only if it is realized in cash. Unrealized capital profits (like revaluation surplus) cannot be used for bonus issues.

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