On January 15, Year 5, Rico Co. declared its annual cash dividend on common stock for the year ended January 31, Year 5. The dividend was paid on February 9, Year 5, to shareholders of record as of January 28, Year 5. On what date should Rico decrease retained earnings by the amount of the dividend?

January 15, Year 5.

Explanation:

The Rico should decrease retained earnings by the amount of the dividend is declaration date.

The declaration date refers to date the board of directors of a company makes a formal announcement of when the next dividend will be paid. The declaration is therefore also referred to as the announcement date.

On the declaration date, liability account known as dividend payable account is created and credited, while the retained earnings is debited or reduced by the amount of the dividend.

From the question, January 15, Year 5 is the announcement date and it is therefore the date Rico should decrease retained earnings by the amount of the dividend.

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