Final answer:
The easiest error to find and correct is (c) the accumulated depreciation balance in the debit column of a trial balance, as it is a clear discrepancy that stands out during the trial balance preparation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking which type of error is easiest to find and correct in accounting. The errors listed are:
- (a) failure to record a transaction
- (b) crediting sales revenue instead of accounts receivable for a payment
- (c) the accumulated depreciation balance in the debit column of a trial balance
- (d) incorrect computation of the notes payable account balance
The easiest error to identify and correct is likely (c) the accumulated depreciation balance in the debit column of a trial balance. Accumulated depreciation is normally a credit balance, so finding it in the debit column during the preparation of the trial balance is an obvious discrepancy that would stand out. The correction entails simply transferring the balance to the credit column where it belongs. Other errors can be more time-consuming to detect, as they may require reviewing each individual transaction (a), discerning the proper accounts involved in the posting (b), or recalculating figures and tracing back through support documentation (d).