Final answer:
The Retained Earnings balance on the post-closing trial balance is $19,900, updated for this period's net income and dividends paid.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the Retained Earnings balance that will be included on the post-closing trial balance, we need to update the initial Retained Earnings with the current period's net income or loss and then subtract any dividends paid. The net income is found by subtracting Operating Expenses from Revenues.
Here's the calculation:
Net Income = Revenues - Operating Expenses = $22,400 - $15,000 = $7,400.
Updated Retained Earnings = Beginning Retained Earnings + Net Income - Dividends = $17,000 + $7,400 - $4,500 = $19,900.
The Retained Earnings account balance on the post-closing trial balance will be $19,900.